The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-02-14
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THE FLAXEN WIG


CHAPTER I.
Mr.. Brodrick Adrian, of Emylyn Park,
Surrey, was close on fifty when he deter
mined to marry. Hitherto he had lived
life of 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 patri-
mony, which he had inherited at an early
age, had permitted him to lead life of
studious leisure. As he took first class
when at Christ Church, and had shown
considerable debating powers at the
Union, many of his friends had anticipated
that he would attain to a distinguished
place in public life, but he soon lost all
taste for politics, and his retiring DISPOSE
ton kept him from taking an active part
in any social or economical questions.
Mr. Adrian was a 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. It
was probably in consequence of such med
itations that he was suddenly seized by the
regret that he had not married in early
life. But when he was considering the
question it occurred to Mr. Adrian that he
was not yet too old to repair the omission
Many men older than himself, he knew, had
married happily, and been blessed with de-
sirabIe families. The result of these de-
liberations was that he thought fit to
mention to several of his most intimate
friends the probability of his entering the
married state if he could find a suitable
partner. Those who heard of his inten-
ton Thought that great good fortune was
in store for some lucky young lady, as Mr..
Adrian, being only forty-nine, was not out
rageously 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 con-
sequence, Mr.. Adrian suddenly began to
be more particular about his personal ap-
pearanee. Without being actually slovenly,
he had long been somewhat reglectful 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 formerly
distinguished his apparel. He found it a
different 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 pur-
suits, and so careless of his looks, that it
may be doubted if Mr.. Adrain 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 were
sound, and his complexion was fresh and
retained much of the ruddiness of youth.
1t was probably Mr.. Adrian's comparative
ignorance of the world that led him to
take an exaggerated view of his chief de-
feet, causing him to believe that it might
prove serious obstacle in the eyes of the
lady on whom his choice might fall. Ger
tainly no man in his circumstances, whose
knowledge of the world was extensive
would have beeQ likely TO entertain such
an opinion.
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 It is singular fact that mer
and women of the utmost probity in al
other affairs Of life have no compunctior
in cheating each other about themselves
even although they are aware that the de
ceit must ultimately be detected.
The first time he was in London Mr.
Adrian accordingly went to his barber ant
stated his wishes. The barber replied tina
he would be pleased to make the article h
required, but, if he did not mind som