Feliciana sentinel. [volume] (St. Francisville, La.) 1877-1892, 1892-02-06

THAT OLD DRESS

THAT OLD DRESS
What It Did for It's sSelf-Sacridcin9
Wearer.
Mrs. Landgon had sent out cards CT
invitation to her dear five hundred''
friends for a grand ball at her elegant
residence on Fifth avenue, in honor Of
the entrance of her twin daughters
into society.
They had just been graduated at
some fashionable finishing off" cstab-
lishuent, and their debut was intended
to be very magnificent affair.
Mrs Gregory, husband and daugh-
tcrs, were on the invited list. AS the
former and two latter sat in their par
lor. looking at the elegant cards. with
cussion, they were broken in upon by
the entrance of Mr.. Gregory, who
looked hnrassed and weary.
''Papa!" cried Lena, the elder daugh-
ter, ''see our invitations to Mrs. Lang
don's great ball." showing him the
cards she held in her hand. And
there is the lovclicst silk at Stewards
that want to wear. Can go and or
der it tomorrow" she pleaded, laying
her white hand, flashing with jewels,
on his arm. and looking up into his face.
Haven't you any dresses to wear?"
he asked, somewhat moodily.
PLENTY Of old ones, which have al
ready been worn, and will not answer
for this particular event." she returned.
'How much will it cost?" Mr.. Greg
ory asked.
"Oh. perhaps hundred and fifty"
II, L.
of the value of money as an unfedged
bird.
Her father Rroaned aud said some
thing about foolish extravagance,"
then, drawing out his pocl.etbook.
slowly counted out the required sum
and laid it on the table.
"1low much do you want, Bertha?'
'hc asked, turning towards her.
II don't think ! want any. papa !
have Il pretty dress, which will answer
very nicely" she replied.
You're a sensible girl, and the man
that gets you for wife will have
some one to help him keep his head
above water If the pressure on the
money market lasts much longer, with
these demands to meet. shall soon be
r dead bankrupt said Mr.. Gregory.
rs he left the room.
What is the trouble with papa?
What does make him talk SO dolefully
when he is asked for a little money?'
said Lena. anyone would think he
was poor man"
''it is one ofhis money nervous spells;
he is always SO afraid his business af-
fairs won't come out just SO straight;
then it is economy, and rctrenchmcn.,
or everything will drift to bankruptcy.
Tha, is the way business men always
talk, till it has become quite an old
story with me-" said Mrs. Gregory,
drawing a breath Of relief
Il don't think papa Is trying to
frightcn us at ALL" said Bertha. Il
think his business does really perplex
him. I've noticed for week that he
has looked pale and careworn and he
said but little
"Was that the reason you didn't want
n new ball dress?' asked Lena.
YES. I'd rather wear an old one than
place papa to the expense of a new one
now, while money is so hard to raise, u
replied Bertha
Pray inform us how you came tc
know SO much about monetary affairs,
my daughter?' said Mrs Gregory.
II heard papa and Mr.. Ainsley talk
ing about business when he was here
lAs oluSI SNS:illy, lIlt he Ssi!ti Az " ds
almost an impossibility to get nny
money at all now" said Bertha.
well, you are little goosy: if you
will go to the grandest ball of the sea
son in an old madc-over ball dress, you
can do SO. And when you sec the vic.
tory which may, perhaps, be won over
u certain gentleman by your elder sis.
tcr's more stylish toilet, you will re.
grct your decision in favor of Nine.
Noahs artcdiluvian costume" said
Lena, snceringly.
.'f'm perfectly Indifferent to the
praise or contempt of the fashionable
world, for there is neither heart moi
sincerity in it. l want no dry goods
worshipcr for my future Iiegel lord.
So you have the field open and clear tc
yourself
Bertha, what dress have you tc
wear? You haven't any that you've
rot already worn two or three times
at least, and l desire my daughters tC
make as elegant an appearance as any
of their friends on this OCCASION" said
Mrs. Gregory.
I'm going to have Nine. Leicester
make over my blue gros-g grain silk, and
you know she is n noted genius for re
newing worn ball dresses; but if, after
it is done, it looks antediluvian and
smells musty, I'll do penance .by stay
ing at home" said Bertha.
DO just as you prefer; but thinl
your father would give you n new one
if you wished it." said her mother.
Lena purchased the new dress anG
had it made up without regard to ex'
pense, and i, was exquisite when done
and extremely becoming to the young
lady, who had been congratulating her
self on the success she was determined
to achieve.
Bertha's dress came from the man tua
makers hands as beautiful as it coulC
be. and none would ever have sus