The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1895-12-21

MN twenty minutes DeloTt TIC uuh0 W
allow him TO beat retreat.
s.You dear old boy" she said; Il
knew you would ike drive with me, and
the five miles trot will do the ponies good
Where is your luggage. Is that all ?
she added, gathering up her reins as
porter handed bag into the carriage.
Yes, that's all, . replied Dick with
sigh; for light as the bag and its contents
were to the stalwart porter, they hung
heavily enough on their owner S conscience.
Despite cousin Miles excellent spirits,
tagged. Dick was morose.
He was trying to invent some plausible
excuse to get away before dinner. Half
the day was already gone and there were
not many trains back to town on Christmas
day Could he feign headache and re-
main in his room? 1t hardly appeared
worth while to travel all that way to lie in
bed and be fed on broth. No. Some
scheme must be hit upon; but before he
had decided what he should do, cousin
Millie drew up her ponies at the steps Of
Langly Grange and remarked to Dick as
he helped her to alight ''Dick, you re
grown sulky; electrical engineering seems
to have settled on your brain and dulled
your intellect.
Don't be hard on me, Millie, he an
swered; I've had something very impor-
tant to think Of just lately"
Very well, old boy, you shall confde
in your cousin I'll be alone in my bou
doir after lunch. Now 90 and see your
uncle
The General received his nephew most
cordially. He was dignifed old soldier
full Of benevolence tempered with discip
line.
He inquired about Dicks pursuits and
received demure and appropriate answers;
quite satisfactory to an interested relative,
though purely the result of the young
man own vivid imagination.
According to Dicks account he was a
model student, working hard, most econom-
ical and regular in his habits. In fact, he
gave himself so excellent character that
the Indian servant, who invariably stood
behind the GeneraPs chair, grinned from
ear to ear, and with difficulty refrained
from laughing out loud.
Dick scowled at the swarthy HindOo;
then he too indulged in smile and envied
the fellow his white linen toga and turban.
why" thought Dick to himself, why
aren' we all civilized like that nigger. He
hasnt got to wear claw hammer coat and
white necktie before he can get his meals. y
Meanwhile the General was occupied, as
all good uncles should be occupied at the
festive Christmas season, he was writing
out a check, as a gift, for his nephew.
And very tidy one it was, tenner more
than last year .'For blowing my own
trumpet said Dick, as he pocketed the
slip of paper and effusively returned
thanks.
That nigger nearly spoiled the whole
scene, and yet he had unconsciously sug-
gested to Dick Rangle way out Of his
dilemma.
Cousin Millie was sought for and soon
found
DO you know, Millie dear, said Dick,
insinuatingly, why | was so preoccupied
during our very pleasant drive ??
Electricity in the head, Dick !?
Nothing of the sort. don so often
get holiday that can afford to waste it.
No, NIillie, was thinking out a plan to
amuse you and all your guests tonight.
How delightful r exclaimed the girl
What is it, coniuring tricks p
mo. A fancy-dress dinner party.
What do you think of that p
Millie shook her pretty curls, and Dick s
hope fell.
s'Not possible, she said; "we are none
of us prepared; we have no fancy dresses,
and then there are the gentlemen. How
can it be done p
Easily, my dear, if you throw your
heart into it. LISTEN
And he proceeded to develop his plans.
The ladies could surely by exchanging por-
tions of their wardrobe appear as Mary
Queen of Scots, as Cleopatra, as Jose
phine. A few sprigs of holly on Il dark
gown would transform the weaver into
''Christmas, " few bits of straw and a
wreath of imitation roses in tOwzled hair
Ophelia would be represented. Surely
some one has big black hat? This, with
handful of -four from the kitchen, prop
erly applied to the hair, would make Gains
borough Duchess of Devonshire. Moth
ing could be easier urged this skillfOl
diplomatist, if Millie would only enter into
the spirit of the thing; and he added
You would make a most delightful Pom
padour, with your fringe brushed back to
show your lovely forehead, upon which
lovely forehead he forthwith imprinted
cousinly kiss,
II think it will make the room look very
pretty, and | dare say the other girls will
like it. But what will papa say?'
"Don't tell him; that is part of the joke,
only thought of the plan to give the Gen
eral pleasant surprise, . persisted the re-
sourceful Richard
Anu IL ulu hu1PllSO HIM:
When the General arrived in the draw
ing room before dinner he fancied either
that he had suddenly gone mad or else
that he had unaccountably strayed into the
green-room Of the Gaiety Theatre,
Not only were all the characters indicat-
ed by Dick present, but various other gro
tesques, including men with their coats
turned inside out and trimmed with rib
bon; another had his face painted white
and red, and wore an in verted jelly-bag
on his head, after the manner of Little
Sandy. There was one IN an Eton jacket,
a white apron and huge nectie, who an
nounoed himself as ''toreador waiter, -
suits had been twisted round and
belted in with sashes, SO that the wearers
thought they looked like Sicilian brigands,
1t was great fun, and the kind old General
lauged heartily and almost regretted that
he himself had nat spoEted his uniform.
But decidedly the most striking costume
was Dick own. He wore his bath towel
gracefully folded round him Git was all he
had in his bag, poor fellow y his face was
hlaekened and he had borrowed turban
from the Indian servant, of whom he looked
the double. How they all laughed at