Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1892-11-10
FERNS NDW GOWN.
hati Another gown y

What! Another gown'
And the glance which flashed under
the bushy, iron gray brows Was enough
to make Fern start and pull her hand
kerchief nervously.
Il said that l could not go to the par
ty without it, she faltered, growing red
and whlce by turns. eager, hopeful and
despairlug as she watched his astonished
face.
Didn't give you money for gown
last week 2
Yes, father, but that was street
dress-I made it myself and saved
enough to get pretty chip hat and
Very commendable, very.
And the architect turned to his
draughting table and once more knit
his brows over his work, evidently for
getting even her presence.
Poor Fern was ready to cry. She
turned away in despair and met the as
suring smile of the broad, bland, homely
face of Melorla, the overworked and un.
derpaid domestic.
Sure, sir, ye cant refuse her. The
child meyer gets off the patch. Now
give her the money-it won't take
much-how much did you say, Miss
Fernsle?'
Not more than $40, because III use
my old
Haven't got IS to spare came the
brusqne retort, as Mr.. Hayward drew IA
loEg straight line in foundation.
F.rn turned away once more. Even
Meloria Was doomed to rebuff, and
Meloria was generally considered in
vincible.
But not so The sturdy young woman
advanced to the table and placing her
rough, red hands upon the edge and
leaning forward, said with unctuous de.
termination
Then, sir, pay me my back salary ol
you get no shirts. There is not one
ironed and there won be none till you
pay me or her.
And she laughed triumphantly as
the architect drew himself up proudly
before her.
Leave the room, Miss Impertinence
Fern, If you permit -
She is not TO blame that | don't gel
my pay. staunchly replied the girl
without moving an inch, and if leave
the dear knows when you II get all those
shirts irored. I've forseen trouble this
good while and | Just Aroned yonl
clothes AS you needed them. That
pointing tragically to the glistening
starched lincn-'that is the hast one Vt
have
Fern trembled yisibly. Her father:
expression changed from rage to aston
ishment, from astonshment to submis
sion.
How much do / owe you 2 he asked
with an effort at offended dignity.
Twenty seven dollars and thirty. five
cents, includin' the starch and soap
bought on my own account.
impossible he replied, with dis
sehting flourish of a footrule in one
hand and compass in the other.
We'll, I'm ready to hear what ye
says
Oh, Melotia? What shall | do il
you 90 y asked Fern, in an agony Of
suspense.
Meloriu shook one hand behind hel
to assure her young mistress. but the
front of the attack was severe and un-
relenting as ever.
Not clnt less-sure many another
girl would be chargin' We wild extra fol
the Thursdays I've staid in an brushed
your clothes for lodge meetin 9 an Sun.
days
And your gown, Fern =
h"-Fern was just going to Say
never mind but Meloria interrupted
'ren dollars. sir
We'll, since you are so foollshly ex-
travagant, III give it to you. And as
for you,' turning a wrathful face to the
servant, you may gather those plans
up and
'Hooray! Now. Miss Fefnsie, vel
haye the dress and if ye don't be the
belle of the ball, Meloril Gillighan ain t
the sense of Il bat,' and gathering her
duster and chamois skin under her arm
she waved her hand in triumph and
noisily left the room.
When alone with her father Fern be
gan to beg his pardon for her cham
pion's behavior. but her father only re
ceived the overtures with sniff Of con