Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-07-30

| white muslin OF the most antlquated
country fashion. "Now can 60 to
sleep, and rest easy for an hour. 'Awk-
ward and dowGy,' that is what | will
be-" and in five minutes mischievous
Pinkie Bent was sound asleep.
Anxiety and veXations had made
Carrie ill, and 1t was with most un.
becoming flush OH her harassed face
that she appeared in the drawing room
a few moments before dinner hour.
There sat the cousin from Kansas
Was ever such figure seen in a New
York drawing-room before?
A plain white muslin made in the
shepherdess style, very full and very
short, scarlet stockings, broad scarlet
sash, and worst Of all, on the head n
turban of white muslin, with scarlet
poppy Haunting in front! This IS what
the malicious Pinkie had done with her
self, whose trunks were full of eXqui-
site French gowns such AS her cousins
hae never owned and not often seen.
She knew at least that the opals on her
soft, white neck would command q
certain sort of respect, even from inhos-
pitable relatives.
"Thank heaven she wore them! That
will show people she at least has
money. That necklace couldn't have
cost less than 81 ,000."
"Yes," said Pinkie, nonchalantly.
"Ma likes 'em best of all she's got.
They're mas. | like flowers better.
Pm great on artificial flowers; always
wear 'em every day
The guests were already arriving,
Mr. Bent himself among them, he hav-
ing, according to the fashion of New
York business men, arrived home only
i'm time to dress for dinner. His heart
was full of affectionate welcome for his
niece. whom he remembered well as II
beautiful child of ten, only a half-dozen
years ago; he did not at first note any
thing but the lovely uplifted eyes and
the affectionate voice.
As the dinner progressed, even unob-
servant Mr.. Bent became aware that his
niece's attire was not what it should be,
and that her voice was too loud. "But
the women folks can soon straighten
that all out, and the child'S as pretty as
picture"
So also thought the Hon. Mr.. Morris,
who, to Carries vexatioh, being told
now by her that the young lady in
white was cousin, who had arrived
most inopportunely from Kansas, had
exclaimed: "From Kansas! How de-
lighted am This is the State OF all
others am most interested in seeing. |
am going out there in the spring. If
all Kansas ladies have so wonderful
a complexion as your cousin, that Is an
other reason for visiting the region.
Pray, present me to her, will you? l
should like to ask her many questions.
Perhaps. all !''-he stammered with
curious mixture OF difiidence and audac-
ity one often sees in Englislnnen, "per-
haps your mother will be so very good
AS to lei me have the pleasure OF sitting
by her side at dinner-that is, If 1t will
not derange your plans"
81 am quite sure mamma Will not re-
linquish the pleasure Of having you
chiefly to herself at dinner" quickly re-
sponded Carrie, her heart full Of anger
and modification. Nevertheless, sew
eral times in the course Of dinner, Mr..
Morris heard the shrill voice, and
thought to himself, "what pity the
American voice is so high pitched!"
When the gentlemen joined the ladies
in the drawing-room Mr.. Morris looked
eagerly for the Kansas cousin. Not see
ing her, he accosted Mrs. Bent with
true English bluntness: 81 do no: see
your niece from Kansas; l hope she has
not gone; / was counting on talking
with her all the rest OF the evening"
With mingled resentment and confu-
sior Mrs. Bent replied: "My niece
went up stairs Immediately after din
ner."
In truth, Mrs. Beat was in state Of
nervous bewilderment. Without for
moment suspecting the real reason OF
Pinkie's Withdrawal, she had perceived
that the girl was greatly moved rs she
came quickly TO her when they were
entering the drawing room.
"Aunt, must ask you to excuse me.
am going up stairs to change my
dress. am not dressed as ] should
have been."
"Never mind, child, never mind"
Pinkie was gone.
II did not take her long 10 finish her
tran sformation touches. The dainty
white surah silk, with billowy reaches
of white lace from the belt, .he soft,
clinging gloves to the shoulders, the
opal bracelets, the white ostrich feather
fan. the white satin slippers-all were
in readiness. But at last Pinkie's heart
failed her.
s.It was shameful trick to play on
them. / shall cry, know | shall; and
I'd rather die than cry before that Eng
lishman."
At last she stole down slowly, hesita'
tingly. Black Ben caught sight Of he'
first, and reeled back with excitement
1t was unerring instinct that lee
Pinkie, on en.ering the drawing 70 ~
to glide swiftly to her uncle's side, ane
putting both hands into his to say:
"Dear Uncle Silas, won't you maxi