The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-01-28
4 shall be here with the ponies at three

more or less on their style of dress, and no
one understood this more than she. She
knew her strong and weak point, and how
to bring out the one and conceal the other.
Mrs. Harding spent the greater part of
the morning in the attic overhaulmg chest
that belonged to her husband aunt, appar-
emily well repaid for her trouble by the
garments fished up out of its dark depths,
and which was carried to her own room.
Out of these she fashioned a dress SINH
lar in style to one for which her husband
had expressed so much admiration.
II hate to disfgure myself SOL" she
thought, as the straight folds fell lankily
around the tall, thin form, making it look
still more tail and thin; ''but nothing else
viii cure John; and if he keeps on, he'll
drive me frantic
Then she proceeded to take down the
heavy braids of hair, and combing it smooth
" from the forehead over the ear, arrang-
ing it in a pug low at the back of the head.
Good gracious didn't suppose any
thing could make me look SO much ike
fool = calculated Mrs Harding, rs she
noted the changes it made in her appearances.
But no matter, its only for once, and |
think l can stand it if he can.
Taking a round, fat hat, very much in
vogue few years ago, and whose only or
nament was a ribbon around the crown,
Mrs. Harding went into the parlor,
She did not have long to wait Ten
minutes later John came up to the door, in
an open pheton, drawn by the well-matehed
greys 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 a moment in dumb
amaxement
Heaven and earth Mary, Is it You
/ thought it was-E don't know what
What have you been doing to YOURSELF
Il have been trying TO carry out the
hints You gave me this morning in regard
to dress. hope il suits you. and that you
admire it, effect p
Wei, no, responded Mr.. Harding,
taking a critical survey Of the odd-looking
figure before him; IL can't say that | do.
To speak plainly. You look like a fright
Unjust say, John, retorted his wife, with
an injured air, that you are very bard TO
suit and very unreasonable. have spent
the greater part Of the morning in following
out the suggestions you gave me AZ break
fast and still YOU End fault. What Is it
now I'd like to know Here j. the un-
broken sweep of skirt the classic outline
of the head-I think that i what You cali
ii. And you cannot say that this bat i too
high. OF that It's elegant simplicity quote
your own words destroyed by any su-
perabuRdance Of flowers. feathers and rib-
bons
Mr.. Harding turned very red.
That i ali nonsense, Mary. | had only
three hours at my disposal, and It's now
half-pAst three. | thought | should and
you all ready"
Il shall Be ready in half a minute, n
piled hiS wife, tying on her hat
Mr. Harding looked at her in mortified
establishment.
aDo YOU think sha, ANA going to take
you out in such dress as thsig Why.
YOU hook like an escaped iunAtic,
) Just then the door-bell rang.
ate Nv. Howe. said Mr. Harding. a.
he listened to the yaioe in reply to the ser
want who answered Il. For pity ; sake 90
( up stains and put on something decent. |
goghlpt have him see yea in that dewdy
thing fOF aEy eoRsideFailoR.
~WiA you pronIise---
I'm promise anything. iateEPosed Mr..
( Harding. drawing his wife towards the door
which opened in the back paFlor, and
through which she disappeared juss IA their
+ visitor was announced.
In an almost incredibly short space If
tirle Mn. Harding entered the parlor, where
Der husband Aad their guest were seated,
lookiEg 20 difFereaf that no one not init
uately aclnAiAtca with her wouli have ne
cognized her.
Mr.. Harding drew hong sigh Of relief
- be Looked a, the pretty, lastly -attired
woman Of whom be bad oftea spokep TO his
friend Howe, and 10 whom he saa ~ proud
90 present her.
In the gay and animsted conversation
that followed. and the pleasant thoughts 10
which il gave rise, be forgot everything
else: not % MrS. Harding. Assson as the
door closed after the visitor, she turned her
laughing eyes fun upon her husband face.
Now, John. LET Us have fair and clear
understanding, want 10 siit YOU it possi-
be. Which Of these two styles IL dressing
DO you wish me to adopt
Il shouldn't suppose you'd ask me such
question, Mary. Seeing yau once in the
peculiar costume You assumed i quite
enough for me assure you.
Il assumed it to please you--tlan forget
that
You've failed in your object, then To
speak frankly, | ,iidn't suppose it possible
for you to look 50 downright ugly in any
thing"
You are not over complimentary, she
replied, laughing But no matter II yeu
are satisfied, am Don't look 80 crest
fallen, john; you are not Bit more in
consistent than the rest Of your sex, who
give ours so much sage advice IN regard 10
matters they know nothing aboat. If the
wives and daughters of these modern Solo
mons should dress as they advise other
peoples wiyes and daughters TO do, they
wouldn't be seen in the street with them.