The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-01-10


paid at all. dare say things are Nltere'
now in this department us in many others
but such was the case. Major Corneliu
knew notbingofthisi nor did We, Nll as in
experienced as himself. We supposed
that his "reminiscences would be out in
week, and paid for at once.
We were all so certain that, as the MS
was accepted, it would BIO paid for, and 81
certain, also, that the Major would receiv,
no sum less than four guineas for it, tina
he venturcd again to the tailOr's and or
dered the greatcoat, which was promised
him for hree-pound-ten. Ibelievc We
that is, all Miss Jones's boarders, exCepI
the old lady with the teeth-wcre as much
interested in the grcatcoat as the old man
himself. We held our breath when VT
heard that the coat was ordered, we were
impatient for it to be fitted, we consumed
with eagerneSs to see it worn.
First the cloth had to be chosen, and
the color decided on. Then Major Cornc'
Illus had to submit 10 the ignominy OF be
ing measured. At last the day dawned or
which he was to be fitted. He went with
trembling heart 10 the house Of Dawkins
and had 10 put his arms through two holes
in something which was supposed TO be
the coat, but which was mere tabard oil
bits Of cloth stitched together, with long
stitches OF an inch each--of white cotton,
Why white cotton is always used for the
preliminary stitching together, | should
like to know. Mr.. DawEins went round
the Major several times, witha bit Of flesh
colored chalk between his lips, and grunt-
ed, and raised and depressed his eyebrows,
and made chalk sweeps with tho thing
that looked like pink soap, especially I'M
der the arms. which tailors never, as far
as my experience reaches, cut right at first,
end allow for sufficiently. Then he made
pink lines down the Majors back. Then
he caught him by the lappels and gave
him tug and jerk toward him, and finally
dismissed him with "That'll do"
At last the greatcoat arrived, brought
by Mr.. DAwkins himself. He brought it
in the evening, when we were all athome,
except Robbins, who was at the theatre.
We sat round the room and saw the gar
ment put on, expressing our delight in
low murmurs and sudden CALCULATIONS.
DR.. Dawkins was proud OF his perform
ance. The Major stood in the middle OF
the room the table was thrust aside that
all might see. Mr.. Dawkins pulled the
tail down with jerk; then he bnttoned
the coat across the chest; then he made
the Major raise and doprcss his arms, like
n cock Tapping his wings. 1t fitted to
perfection. 1t was faulLlcss. The tailor
drew back and looked ut it, with his head
on one side; then lie turned his head the
other way: then he walked around the
major. No-nothing needed rectiiication.
Then he looked at us all, one after anOth-
or, seeking commentator. lie received
it. Perfection is not often encountered in
life but that coat was perfection.
"You will find the bill in the pocket,
SIR" said Mr.. Dawkins. "After three
months 5percent."
When Mr.. Dawkins was gone, then all
restraint on our enthusiasm was removed;
we almost danced round the major; our
expressions OF admiration were lavish,
and, must admit, extravagent. Tho old
man smiled, and bore q little banter, mix
ed with the congratulations, with great
good.humor. Ills pleasant face was
lighted with smile, and little-just n
little-pride. lie was conscious in his
heart, lie felt in every fibre Of his system,
that he looked well in the new greatcoat.
ais it warm?" asked one.
WARN! 1t sends glow through me, :"
lie replied. "Now, my dear friends, l will
contide something to you. lam going out
10 dinner tonight to my oil friend and
fellow. soldier, Sir Archibald Busby. The
tailor has been very good he has kept his
word, and give me the greatcOat to 60 in.
lie promised it for today, and, relying on
his promise, accepted the invitation.
could not 90 in the old greatcoat; it was
inconvcnientiy thin, and hardly respect
able"
Going to dino with General Sir Archi-
bald Busby, X. G. h. We all rose in
our own estimation, because We ate ut the
same table, and slept under the same roof,
and warmed our shins ut the same fire
with one who was invited to dine with
that distinguished soldier, Sir Archibald
Busby-a X. G. 3. also. How We would
talk 10 our relatives and acquaintance OF
our friend Cornelius, who dlned with Sir
Archibald and Lady Busby! We must
positively see the Major in his dresscoat,
and help him on with his grcatcOat when
no went forth. II was time for him to
dress, so lie went up stairs. One OF us
expedited the universal drudge with
shaving water, another took all tho loose
hairs out OF the Generals clothes-brush, Il
third went down to the boot.holO to make
sure that the old gentleman's boots were
brushed up brilliant as patent leather.
He came down at lust, looking very
bright and fresh and delightful. The curl
on lis temple was turned with Consum-
mate art. His dress suit was without q
speck. 1t had not been worn for several
years. His collars wcro very erect, and
white, and military-looking. We lowered
about him in the passage. The old lady
on the first floor came out upon the land.
ing and glOwered over the baniSters, and
nearly dropped her teeth out OF her jaws.
Miss Jones rose to the surface from down.
stairs; the maid-of.all-wOrk, with her nose
blackened and polished, looked on in
ama2ement and far.oiF alteration.
"What time may We expect you home,
MajOr?" asked Miss Jones.
"About twelve or halG-past. shall not
be late" 800.
"Nlary Jemima shall sit up" said Miss
Jones.
"Oh no! we will NIL sit up. We can't
sleep till we have seen the Major return
from his dinner. Oh, Major Cornelius!
what ravagcs you will commit this even
ing on the hearts OF the ladies' Iou are
perfectly irresistible. II only they could
see YOU in the greaiCoat!"
He laughed then three OF us rushed
and knocked our heads together in our
eagerness TO help him into the new
greatcoat. When We had encased him,
and buttoned HMM, we made him turn
round under the gasliGht.
"Don't you feel tempted 10 kiss him,
Miss Jones?" asked one Of the young
"For shame! Oh, fe!" Then Miss
Jones went down, down the kitchen
stairs with blush on her face; and the
maid.of.all.work went oil into convulsIve
Giggles.
went to the door. ave shall all sit up for
Won; and may you well enjoy yourself"
As he had his hand OIL the door the
postman's rap came loud, and made the