Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-03-16
THE FLAXEN WIG.
PART /.

much seclusion; though, as he was not
morose, and on occasion could display a
social disposition, he could not justly be
considered recluse. An ample patrimony
which he had inherited at an early age,
had permitted him to lead life of studi-
Gus leisure. As he took a first class when
at Christ Church, and had shown consider
able debating powers at the Union, many
Of his friends had anticipated that he would
attain to distinguished place in public
life; but he soon lost all taste for politics,
and his retiring disposition kept him from
taking an active part in any social or
economical questions.
Mr.. Adrian was man of inexpensive
habits, and by judicious investments his
fortune had greatly accumulated, SO that,
naturally, as he advanced in years thoughts
regarding the ultimate disposal of his
wealth sometimes occurred to him. 1t was
probably in consequence of such medita-
tions that he was suddenly seized by the
regret that he had not married in early
life. But when he was considering this
question it occurred to Mr.. Adrian that
he was not vet too old to repair the omis-
sion. Many men older than himself, he
knew, had married happily, and been
blessed with desirable families. The re-
suit of these deliberations was that he
thought fit to mention to some of his most
intimate friends the probability of his en-
tering the married state if he could find a
suitable partner. Those who heard of his
intention thought that great good fortune
was in store for some lucky lady, as Mr..
Adrian, being only 40, was not outrageously
old, and there could be no doubt that he
must be enormously wealthy.
As soon as he had fully made up his
mind to marry, perhaps as a natural conse-
quence, Mr.. Adrian suddenly began to be
more particular about his personal APP
pearance. Without being actually slovenly,
he had long been somewhat neglectful in
the matter of dress. This circumstance
was the more remarkable because in his
youth he had been something of dandy.
1t was, therefore, the easier for him now
to employ the good taste that had for
merly distinguished his apparel. He
found it difficult matter, however, when
he came to consider the changes which time
had wrought in his personal appearance.
So devoted had he been to his studious
pursuits, and SO careless of his looks, that
it may be doubted if Mr.. Adrian had ever
before fully realized the fact that he was
perfectly bald. With this one important
exception. time had been rather indulgent
to him than otherwise. He was erect,
and his step was still elastic; he was free
from bodily complaint; his teeth we're
sound, and his complexion was fresh and
contained much of the ruddiness of youth.
1t was probable Mr.. Adrian's comparative
ignorance of the world that led him to take
an exaggerated view of his chief defect,
causing him to believe that it might prove
a serious obstacle in the eyes of the lady on
whom his choice might fall. Certainly no
man in his circumstances, whose knowl-
edge of the world was extensive, would
have been likely to entertain such an opin-
ion.
1t was while ingenuously musing upon
the disadvantages under which he would
labor on entering the matrimonial market
that Mr.. Adrian bethought him of procur-
ing wig. 1t is singular fact that men
and women of the utmost probity in all
the other affairs of life have no compunc-
ton in cheating each other about them
selves, even although they are aware that
the deceit must ultimately be detected.
The first time he was in London Mr..
Adrian accordingly went to his barber and
stated his wishes. The barber replied
that he would be pleased to make the
article he required. but, if he did not
mind some additional expense, wig
could be procured for him from cele-
brated perruquier in Paris superior to any
that could be made in London. Mr..
Adrian said that in matter such as this,
excellence was the point chiefly to be
considered. Measurements were accord
ingly taken of his head, and memoranda
made respecting his complexion and the
color of his whiskers Then he was told
that in about three weeks the wig would
arrive from Paris, and would, if approved,
be at once forwarded to him. The barber
added that il any minute alterations were
required he would be pleased to make
them, though, such was the skill of the
Partisan artist, there was little doubt that
the wig would fit perfectly and give great
satisfaction.
Mr.. Adrians present state of mind NAV
be Judged by the fact that during the next
few weeks he awaited with Impotence the
arrival of the wig. Only few days after
the stated time he received it. When he
first opened the box in which it was, il
appeared to him to be of too light shade
but this opinion was soon altered when he
tried on the wig and observed the meta,
morphosis which he underwent. The
change wrought in his appearance was
simply marvellous. The wig fitted like a
glove, and-to use another rather hack.
neyed phrase-detectio was impossible.
Mr.. Adrian was one of those fair,smooth-
complexioned men, who, provided they
keep their hair upon their heads, retain .
youthful appearance till far in the middle
age. Hitherto he had looked every day o.
his years, but now he might readily have
passed for twenty-nine. Irrespective O
the improvements which it wrought in
him, the wig was a marvel of skill and
also of beauty The hair, instead of hav
ing stiff, set appearance, as is usual, fell
in natural curves, and was as crisp and
soft as when il grew. Notwithstanding
the lightness of the shade, it seemed L
accord perfectly with his light whiskers
He was naturally elated by the striking
change produced in his appearance, 81
that Mr.. Adrian not only looked but fell
young again.
The fact that he had intended to MARI,
had circulated among his friends, ans
suddenly shower of invitations fell upor
him. Those who had manageable daugh
tiers could scarcely be said to be disinter-
ested in the hospitality which they prof
fered, but there were Others chiefly middle
aged matrons, who out of sheer kindlines
of heart asked Mr.. Adrian TO their house
with the intention of aiding him to get
wife, urged also, it may be, by feminin,
desire TO have finger in so promising
matrimonial pie. Mr.. Adrian woulC
doubtless have accepted one or more o
these invitations, and his marriage wouls
in due course have followed in AN ortho
dox and commonplace fashion, but for tn,
singular events which now took place ans
which were fated TO change his destiny.
PART II.
The day following that on which Mr.
Adrian began to wear his wig, after he hat
lunched, contrary to his want he fell
rather drowsy, and sitting down in al
armchair in his library he fell asleep.
He slept for more than an hour, and, Oh
awakening, his face had an almost ecstati,
expression of happiness. On catching