The Osceola times., 1880-05-22

I face" spoke up Cora. III YOU knew
how dreadfully you looked !" 4
Looks are nothing" replied Edward,
stroking his beard.
"Why, what has come over you all at
once"
"Nothinc; only it's such trouble to
shave every day.
But YOU didn't shave yesterday"
81 know; I'm just as well of to-day
as if | bad. So much saved, at any
rate"
But Cora urged the matter, and her
husband finally yielded, and moved
down the luXuriant growth of beard.
How much better you do look p said
the young wife. "Row don't go anoth
er day without shaving"
"But why should / take so much
trouble about my mere looks? I'm just
as good with a long beard as with a short
one. It's great deal of trouble TO shave
every day. You can love me just as
well; and why need care what others
say or Think"
On the following morning Douglass
appeared not only with a long beard but
with shirt front and collar that were
both soiled and crumpled.
"Why, Edward, how you do lookp
i sdlu 1idIt- Ou nave neither sidNtu
nor put on clean shirt"
Edward stroked his face, and ran his
| fingers along the edge of his collar, re-
marking indi fierently, as he did SO:
1t is no matter. look well enough.
This being so very particular in dress is
waste of time, and am getting tired OF
| it,"
And in this trim Douglas went off to
his business, much to the annoyance of
his wife, who could not bear to see her
/ husband look SO slovenly.
Gradually the declension from neat
ness went on, until Edward was quite
match for his wife, and yet, strange TO
say, Cora had not taken the hint, broad
AS 1t was. In her own person she was
As untidy as ever.
About six months after their marriage
We invited a few friends to spend So
cial evening with us, Cora and her hus-
band among the number. Cora came
alone quite early, and said that her hus-
band was very much engaged and could
not come until after tea.
Ny young friend had not taken much
pains with her attire. Indeed, her APP
pearance mortified me, as it contrasted
so decidedly with that of the other
ladies who were present, and | could
not help suggesting to her that she was
wrong In being so Indifferent about her
dress. But she laughingly replied TO
me:
"You know my fortunes made now,
Mrs. Smith. | can afford to he negli-
gent in these matters. 1t is great
waste of time Ia dress so much"
/ tried TO argue against this, but could
make no impression upon her.
About an hour after tea, and while We
were all engaged in pleasant converse
tion, the door Of the parlor opened and
in walked Mr.. Douglass. AT the first
glance / thought | must be mistaken.
But no, it was Edward himself. But
what figure he did cut. His uncombed
hair was standing up in stuff spikes in a
hundred different directions; his face
could not have felt the touch of razor
for two OF three days, and he was guilt
less of clean linen for at least the same
length of time. His vest was soiled, his
boots unblacked, and there was an un-
mistakable hole in one of his elbows.
"Why, Edward exclaimed his wife,
with look OF modification and distress,
as her husband came across the room
with a face in which no consciousness Of
the figure he cut could he detected.
"Why, my dear fellow, what is the
natter" said my husband, frankly; for
he perceived that the ladies were begin
ming to litter and the gentlemen were
looking at each other and trying TO re-
press their rislble tendencies, and there
fore deemed it best to try to throw off
all reserve upon the subject.
"The matter? Nothing's the matter,
believe Why do you ask?"
Douglass looked grave.
"Well may he ask what is the matter"
broke in Cora, theoretically. "ilow
could you come here in such a plight?'
"In such plight?" and Edward look
ed down at himself, felt his beard and
ran his fingers through his hair. What
is the mattei? Is any thing wrong?"
"You look as if you just walked up
from a nap of week with your clothes
on and come off without washing your
face or combing your hair" said my
husband.
"Oh!" and Edwards countenance
frightened little. Then he said, with,
much gravity of manner. Il have been
extremely hul ried of late, and only lef.
business few minutes ago. | hardly
thought ii worth while to go home and
dress; ] knew we were all friends here.
Besides, as my fortune is made, land he
glanced with look not to be mistaken
toward his wife, do not feel called up
ondress as to give as much attention to
formerly. Before | was married it was
necessary to be more particular in these
, matters, but now it is of no conse-
quence."
turned toward Cora Her face was
like crimson. In few moments she rose
and went quickly from the room. fol-
lowed her, and Edward came after us
pretty soon. He found his wife in tears,
and sobbing almost Historically.
"Pve got carriage at the door," be
said to me, aside, half laughing half
serious-"so help her on with her things
and well retire in disorder"
But it's too bad of you, Mr.. Doug
lass replied |.
Forgive me for making your house
the scene OF this lesson he whispered.
at had TO be given, and | thought |
would venture to trespass upon your
forbearance."
an think about that" said in re-
turn.
In a few minutes Cora and her hus-
band retired, and in spite of good breed
ing and everything else we all had a
hearty laugh on my return to the par
lor. Where l explained the curious lit
tie scene that had just occurred.
How Cora and her husband settled
the affair between themselves | never
inquired. But one thing Is certain,