Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1880-04-22

gent ii these matters. Il Is q great
waste of time 70 dress 80 much"
tried 10 argue against this. but could
make 10 impresaion apon her.
About an hour after lea, and While
we were al engaged ia pleasant con-
veFsati0n, the door Of the paFlor opened
and in walked Mr. Douglass. Al the
FIRST glance ! thought I must be mis-
taken. But no. u was Edward him
self. But what . figure he did cut.
His unccmbed hair was Standing up IN
stiff srikes n hundred Different direc-
lions; bis face could nos have felt the
s0sscsl =. ! zszsz fog tee o. thraeaxyss
and be was guiltless Of clean linen for
at least the same length Of time. His
vest was soiled, his boots unblacked,
and there was an unmistakable hole in
one of his elbows.
{" Why, Edward r. exclaimed his
wife, with a look Of modification and
distress, a. her husband came across
the room with face in which no con-
sciousness Of the figure he cut could be
detected.
"Why, nv dear fellow, what is the
matter 20 said my husband, frankly; for
he perceived that the ladies were be-
ginning to utter, end the gentlemen
were looking at each other and trying
to repress their risible tendencies, and
therefore deemed it best to try to throw
of all reserve upon the subject.
"The matterS Nothing's the matter,
I believe. Why do you ask -
Douglass looked grave.
We'll may he ask what is the mat
ter" broke IN Cora, energetcally.
SHOW could you come here IN such a
plight"
"In such a plighti" and Edward
looked down at himself, felt hIs beard
and ran his fingers through his hair.
"What is the matterl Is there any,
thing wrongl"
"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 co;nbIng your halr," said my
husband.
"Ohl" and Edwards countenance
Frightened little. Then he said, with
much gravity of manner, "I have been
extremely hurried of late, and only left
business few minutes ago. hardly
thought it worth while TO 60 home to
dress; knew we were all friends here.
Besides, as my fortune is made, land
he glanced with look not to be mis-
taken toward his wife), do not feel
called upon TO give as much attention
to mere dress as formerly. Before i
was married il was necessary to be more
particular in these matters, but now 1t
is Of no consequence"
turned toward Cora. Her face was
like crimson. In a few moments she
arose and went quickly from the room.
/ followed her, and Edward came after
us pretty soon. He found his wife in
tears, and sobbing almost hysterieally.
1--WE got q carriage at the door," he
said to me, aside, halt laughing, halfse-
rious-"so help her on with her things,
and we'll retire in disorder"
"But it's too bad of you, Mr.. Doug
lass" replied /.
"Forgive me for making your house
the scene OF tins lesson" he whispered.
1T had to be given, and thought
would venture TO trespass upon your
forbearance."
"I'll think about that" said | in re-
turn.
In 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 | explained the curious lat
tie scene that had just occurred.
How Cora and her husband settled
the affair between themselves ! never
inquired. But one thing is certain,
never saw her in a slovenly dress af-
terward, at home or abroad. She was
cured.