Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1895-05-10
miscellaneous.
MRS. MERTON'S DRESS.


Franks wooden wedding? The cards
came yesterday" said Mrs. Merton to
her husband.
"Why, what can we do but accept ?"
was the answer, in tone Of surprise.
"We can Decline" replied the wife,
hesitatingly.
ITO be sure; but why should VIC ?"
"'For q reason so purely feminine
that 7 don't suppose it would ever occur
to you. The fact is, have nothing
suitable to wear" And nervous little
laugh followed the confession.
"Why. Nell, the dress you wore to
mothers last week is the handsomest
thing out, and you look lovely enough
in it to fill every other woman with
envy"
at is pretty dress, quite fine enough
for family gathering but it is only
cashmere, after all, and don't you see,
Tom this is different afiair--a regular
party. l suppose everybody worth know
ing in town will be there, and it is not
comfortable sensation to feel yourself
the only shabbily dressed woman in the
room"
"You precious little woman, you
should have the richest gown that
money could buy, il could only afford
IL; but you know, dear, you were so
foolish as TO marry a poor clerk on a
small salary"
Eyes, | know" interrupted his wife,
"and | wouldn't change him for the rich
est king in the world but thought, if
you did not care much about going, we
might stay at home. can explain
afterward to Frank and Sue"
"But you couldn't explain to others,
Nell; and wouldn't it seem rather
strange ?" urged Tom, with a mans
invetorate horror of dong something
the least bit peculiar "What could
| say to the fellows on the train, the
next day, if they asked why we were
not at Stapley's wooden wedding? For
everybody knows that we are cousins
"Well, I've heard considerable about
the annoyance of poor relations; but |
think in this instance, the possession of
rich one is quite as embarrassing"
sighed Nell 'however, as we seem
likely to make ourselves conspicuous
either by our presence or by our absence,
VIC may as well get what enjoyment we
can out of it, so I'll send note Of ac-
ceptance."
"Bravo little woman, and venture
to prophesy that, whether in silk attire or
cashmere gown, there will not be another
face there so beautiful and fair as that
of my little wife. Perhaps, before an
other year, she may be able to outshine
them all, If only"
He checked himself suddenly
'Tf only what? Tom Merton, have
you gone daft ?"
"Well, no, not exactly. You see,
dear, had not intended to tell you
anything about it until the affair was
settled the fact is, Harrison, our head
book. keeper, goes to Paris the first Of
next month, and by his advice I've ap-
piled for his position. II succeed, it
will mean four thousand year with a
possibility of still further advancement;
but don't be too sanguine," as he saw
her eyes kindle. I'm afraid Mr.. Lyon,
our senior partner, doesn't exactly favor
me-thinks I'm too young for so re-
spolsible position. | believe but
there, Nell, | must be of or miss my
train"
1.-TWO weeks later, Mrs. Merton, in
her soft gray cashmere, with its trim
ming of lustrous silk and dainty lace
stood with her husband 10 quiet cor
ner Of her cousins parlor. Suddenly
Tom gave start Of surprise.
"Do you see that tall, elderly gentle
man talking to Frank p he said, in
low tone "That is Mr.. Lyon, the head
of our Grm. | never expected to see
him here"
Meanwhile Mr.. Lyon saw and recog-
nized bis clerk. and, in few moments,
loisurely made bis way toward him.
After a pleasant greeting, he turned to
Nell, who had stepped back little
Tom drew her toward him.
"This is my wife, Mr.. Lyon" he
said with evident pride.
The man Of wealth and station bowed
with oldtime grace to the modest little
woman.
II am glad to meet you BOTH" he
said. II suppose you came out from
the city this evening
ooh, no we are living here in the
village" Then, as Mr.. Lyon seemed
interested. Tom added, II have rented
the Warner cottage, over the hill
"A very pleasant place, but quite
long walk for you. | should think you
would have chosen house nearer the