The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-11-27
CHOICE FICTION.
MRS. CABOT'S GUEST.

! From Harper's Monthly Magazine
Mr.. Edward Winslow left the dock
where the steamer Polynesia lay, dis
charging its passengers and cargo, with
! slower steps than seemed becoming in a
young traveller returning home after a
years wandering in Europe. His feet
stumbled little as his eyes followed
carriage, burdened with trunks. which
was threading its way amongst the drays
and teams. Presently a veil fluttered
from the window, head nodded to him,
and hand waved deprecatory good by.
as if the dangers into which the incau-
tious young man was marching were cas-
lily apparent from within the coach. He
drew back from the jaws of nervous
horse, the carriage slipped from his sight
and he made his way now with better at
tention to his steps.
1t was just at dusk of an October even
ing. the pleasantest time in the world to
arrive home after an ocean passage. The
city had a picturesque lock in the COO,
light. and every house which threw out
gas or fire light from its windows seemed
to offer welcome. A warm welcome
this young man was sure to find at his
mothers, where he was expected. and the
door at the head of the stone steps stood
open wide as he sprang lightly up. The
lively little lady in snowy cap who was
compromising, in the shadow, betwo En-
dignity and affection. went over bodily
to affection when her son once was in
side the doorway, and hustled with him
into the library, with her cap cooked
iauntily on one side, where his last en-
brace had left it.
well. this is jolly" said the young
man. keeping off the fire with his hands
while he surveyed the lady. mother.
I'd rather see you than the Jnngfrau.
Your cap just now makes me think Of
that girl. suppose after dinner We are
to sit before this fire, and am to tell
you all about it ?''
Yes; have already sacrificed societ,
to this evening. Just before you came in
I burned an invitation for this evening"
"Bless you, mother, I've not forgotten
how dearly Yen love parties. and how
cordially I hated them. You are de-
voted mother"
"Oh. but you will have to make the
party call with me, Edward. You have
had your year abroad, and you must 60
into society, and I shall be so proud to
introduce my great boy. Besides, Mrs.
Cabot is such charming hostess"
"Mrs. Cabot?'
eyes; you remember I wrote you that
| met her at Saratoga"
| mot Mrs. Cabot, Of Harlem?"
"Ies, the very same. What good
memory you have, Edward! Travel has
improved you. You used to laugh at
your old mothers sudden friendships.
and profess to forget the names as soon
as you had heard them"
Mrs. George Cabot, of Harlemo'
Eyes, Mrs. George Cabot. Why not -
"Why not? Certainly there's no rea-
son in the world. Well march into So
ciety's figured trap this evening""
"Oh. no, Edward. I declined, posi-
lively declined. on account of previous
engagement (my engagement with you.
you see-this engagement. l never
dreamed you would be willing to 60"
But you see, mother, Europe has
done what you asked her tornado .
man Of the world of me. Wen get out
my dress coat, and Mrs. Cabot will enjoy
your company all the more that, like the
son in the parable, you said, 60 not, and
went"
But can't, Edward. haven't any,
thing to wear-and my hair. too. Oh.
it's impossible. just impossible. Besides
have dreadful headache"
my poor mother! And you meant to
sit here and listen to my dull stories all
the evening, and never say word about
it! You shall not 60 to the party. You
| shall go to bed. will 80. and give you
one evening of peace before I begin my
Winters torment"
Mrs. Winslow looked at her son in
amazement. Europe had indeed trans
formed him. In what city or village of
the Old World had he cast off his old
suit of bashfulness and indifference to
society? The young man smiled good
natured response to her astonishment
and went to hunt out his dress coat
Perhaps, too, there was something OF
disappointment in her look.
Mrs. Cabot had expended less regret or
Mrs. Winslow's apologize note than that
lady had expressed, and indeed felt. She
liked Mrs. Winslow, but her chief need
was young men. 1t was not 80 difficult
to get very charming widows (she was
one herself,) and they were often essen
tial as chaperons; but young men.-she
would have subscribed literally to a So
ciety for the encouragement Of young
men to enter society. Her invitations
had, like many sent from the suburbs
brought back very irregular responses
| and no mathematical law of chances had
ever enabled her to forecast the size or
character Of her frequent parties. This
evening she stood in the dimly lighted
drawing room, before it was quite time
to expect her guests, giving a few final
touches, and specializing afresh upon the
contingencies of her company. She
heard a carriage in the street, and de-
tected hesitation in its movements. as
if it were hunting in the dark for some
thing. One objection to living in the
suburbs was that people might come very
early, and so she had always made point
Of being we'll beforehand herself. She
stepped now to the window to see if she
could make out anything. The carriage
had stopped before her house, and the
driver was dismounting. He ran up the
steps and back again. having made out,
apparently, the number on the door,
Two large trunks decorated the rear of
the carriage. None of her guests could
be coming with such elaborate prepare
tions for simple evening party; and as
the driver opened the door of the car
riage. and a lady descended and began to
climb the stone steps, Mrs. Cabot herself
went to the door, opening it before the
new conner could ring. The light fell on
the pretty face and trim figure of girl
in gray travelling dress. who came for