Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1889-08-13
MISCELLANEOUS.
Marrying a Model, or A Freak
of Fate.

OF Fate.
1 could make up a good many novels from |
my own experience as a fashionable dress
maker. but the romance connected with Julia |
Black is the most interesting can recall.
You see, for years the Blacks were my best !
customers, and Miss Julia, as a family favorite,
went dressed like queen. When the father
died and left them without cent, all the girls |
found homes except Julia, who, finally, came
TO me in tears and begged to be taken on in the
sewing-room.
1 knew that, delicate as she was, a few
months of that sort of work would soon kill
her off, but l did give her a position in the
show room at 81 u week.
The duties were easy enough. All she had
to do was to stand around and try dresses
and cloals, so that customers could get the
effect.
And that was the way that Julia Black came
to be in my s,,long, my dear Pretty? Yes, she
was pretty in au odd sort of way, with great
black eyes that seemed to melt and soften as
you looked at her, and Que OF those dead white
skins that look like ivory. And her hair was
real blue-back and she wore it in knot, low
down on her head, with an old-fashioued shell
| pin that belonged to her great-grandmother.-
/ And she was sitting at her work sewing in the
corner when the new customer came in.
s. want wedding outfit" said he. "for a
| lady down in Alabama"
What are the articles you require, sir ?"
said I, for knew just as soon as 1 set my eyes
on him that he was one Of your real Southern
gentlemen.
." That's Just what l want you to tell me-"
said he. with his pleasant cyc shining rs If he
wanted to laugh. - All know is that am to
order the outfit"
took out my pencil and piece of paper.
. Just what you say is right" said he care
lessly
" Have you pattern?"
mo; never thought of that"
q Just look around at my young ladies', said
I, a sudden idea popping into my head. is
any one of 'em near the size of the bride that
is to be?"
Yes" said he, that one is" And he
looked straight at Julia Black.
Come here, my dear" said ]. "Would
you mind being measured for this gentleman's
young lady down in Alabama ?"
Not in the least" said julia blushing a
little.
His name was Darlington. He lived on a
plantation on the Alabama river and he was as
liberal gentleman us ever 1 came across
down four thousand dollars for it, all in one
check, just as I'd lay down silver quarter
" But / shall have nO4mmediatc use for IT."
he said, with q short laugh that didn't sound
as if he was very much amused. have re-
ceived the news this morning that my sister has
changed her mnd.''
Julia Black looked up suddenly
Was it your sister :" said she.
|
" Didn't tell you so 2"
And Julias cheeks were as red as any rose
as she turned away to take parcel from Sarah,
the errand girl.
All of u sudden the notion came into my
head Did Mr. Darlington admire her? Aud,
after all, how could he help it?
The next morning said to her
My dear, I've an idea"
What is it :" said she.
81 have a great notion TO keep that trous-
seau for Miss De Wilde to look at. It's almost
a pity to throw it ON Mr. Carriugton's hands.
and he going back to Fontainebleau, with no
possible use for it,
But, Nine Piacchi," said Julia, hanging
down her head, just as have seen a rose bend
down after a rain. ''I-we-that is, lie may
have use for it."
a mill-wheei spinning around and around.
q. He has asked me to marry him. said Julia.
" He says he has been in love with me ever
since he first saw me sitting in the corner Of
the showroom. sewing black velvet bows on
Diss De Garrick's white bunting dress"
'. Well, declare" said l. To think that
you have been sewing on your own bridal out
: fit all this time"
And / kissed her with all my heart, and I
wished her JOY. And went to her wedding in
my best black silk velvet, and cried all through
the service, for Alabama seemed as far off as
Australia. aud how did know that there was
plantation at all. or that he would be kind to
! my pretty pet.
But when passed through the Southern
States on my trip last winter, I went TO Fon-
. taineJlaue to make sure. and there it was, a
perfect palace of place. with oIeanders and
!, nlyrtles growing around it. and fountains and
statues Of all the heather mythology that ever
was heard of. And there was Julia like a
t young queen, with her mother living with her,
e and lots of servants at her beck and call, and
/ SIr. Carriugton fonder of her than ever.
and, Nine. Piacchi, said she, g am the
:, happiest woman in the world
But she want bit happier than she de-
/, served. Andso told her. And now, M dear,
if any one ever tells you that there isn't any
romance in the dressmaking business. you may
contradict 'em up and down, and give me as
y your Guthority.
l., TVF. REV GEO. n. THAYER. Of Bour