The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1881-03-11

change that it made in her appearance
But no matter; it's only for once, and |
guess | can stand it, if he CAM
Taking round, flat hat, very much in
vogue few years ago and whose only orna-
ment was ribbon around the crown Mrs.
| Harding went down into the parlor.
She did not have long to wait Ten min.
utes later John came up to the door, in an
open pheton, drawn by the wel-matched
grays that were the pride of his heart.
Running up the steps, he opened the door
OF the room where his wife sat
He stared at her, for moment, in dumb
amazement
Heavens and earth Mary, is that you
| thought it was-I don't know what. What
have you been doing to YOURSELF"
81 have been trying to carry out the hints
you gave me this morning in regard to dress.
hope it suits you and that You admire its
effect ~
Well, no." responded Mr.. Harding taking
a critical survey of the oddlooking figure be-
fore him 81 can't say do To speak plain
ly, you look like fright p
81 must say, John, retorted his wife with
an injured air, that you are very difficult to
suit. have spent the greater part of the
morning in following the suggestions you
gave me at breakfast and still you find fault.
What is it now, I'd like to know? Here is
the unbroken sweep of skirt the classic out
line of the head think that is what you
call it. And you surely cannot say that this
hat is too hight or that Its elegant simplicity
i quote your own words-s DESTROYED by
any superabundance offiowers feathers and
ribbons"
Mr.. Harding turned very red
THAT is all nonsense, Mary. | had only
three hours at my disposal and it's now half
past three, thought | should find YOU all
ready"
II shall be ready in half minute" replied
his wife, trying on her hat.
MIR. Harding looked at her in Mortified as
constituent
"Do you think that | am going to take
you out in such dress as that Why you
look like an escaped lunaticr
Just here the door-beIl rang
ITS Judge Howe" said Mr. Harding, as he
listened to the voice, in reply to the servant
who answered it, He's come expressly to
seeyou. For PHYS sake go up stairs and
put on something decent. | wouldn't have
him see you in that dowdy thing for any con-
sideration I"
"Will you promise--"
"Tll promise anythingl' interposed Mr..
Harding, drawing his wife towards the door
which opened into the back parlor, and
through which she disappeared just ms their
visitor was announced.
In an almost incredible short space of time
Mrs. Harding entered the parlor where her
husband and their guest were seated, looking
so different that no one not intimately &C
quanted with her would have recognized her.
Mr. Harding drew long sigh of relief as
he looked at the pretty, hastily attired woman
of whom he had often spoken to his friend,
Judge Howe, and to whom he was so proud
to present her
In the gay and animated conversation that
followed and all the pleasant thoughts to
which it gave rise, he forgot everything else
Not so with Mrs. Harding. As soon as the
door closed after their visitor, she turned her
laughing eyes full upon her husbands face.
Now, John, let us have fair and clear
understanding want to suit you if it is n
possible thing. Which of these two styles of
dressing do you wish me to adopt?"
II shouldn't suppose you'd ask such a
question, Mary. Seeing you once in the
peculiar costume you assumed is quite enough
for me, | assure you"
81 assumed it to please you-don't forget
that"
You failed in your object, then To speak
frankly, didn't suppose it possible fory you
to look so downright ugly in anything"
You are not over complimentary, laugh,
ed Mrs Harding. But no matter; ; if you're
satisfied, | am. Don't look so crest-falen,
John; you are not bit more inconsistent
then the rest of your sex who give ours so
much sage advice in regard to matters they
know nothing about. If the wives and
daughters of these modern Solomons should
dress as they advise other peoples wives and
daughters to do they wouldn't be seen in the
street with them"