The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-09-14
MRS. MERTON'S DRESS.

I'VE can Decline replied the wife hest
tatingly.
''To be sure; but why should we 2"
For reason so purely feminine that
don't suppose it would even occur to you.
The fact is, have nothing to wear" And
a nervous little laugh followed the confess
ion.
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"
sit is pretty Dress quite fine enough
for family gathering, but it is only
cashmere, after all, and don't you see, Tom
this is differ ent affair-a regular party.
l suppose everybody worth knowing in
town will be there, and it is not a comfort.
able 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 it; but you
know, dear, you were so foolish as to marry
poor clerk on small salary"
'Ies, l KNOW" interrupted his wife,
land | wouldn't change him for the richest
king in the world; but thought il 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 mans inveterate horror
OF doing something the least bit peculiar.
what could | say to the fellow on the
train, the next day, if they asked why we
were not at Stanleys wooden wedding :?
For everybody knows that we are cousins"
well, Pvc heard considerable about
the annoyance of poor relations but |
think IN this instance, the possession of a
rich one is quite as embarrassing. sighed
Nell; however, as we seem likely to
make ourselves conspicuous either by our
absence, we may as well get what enjoy.
ment we can out of it, so I'll send note
of acceptance.
bravo little woman, and | venture to
prophesy that, whether in silk attire or
cashmere gown, there will not be another
face there so beautiful as that of nv
little wife. Perhaps, before another
year, she may be able to outshine them all,
if only
He checked himself suddenly.
"If 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 bookkeeper, goes
to Paris the first Of next month and by his
advice Ive applied for his position. If |
succeed, it will mean four thousand year
with possibility of still further advance
ment; but don't be too sangune." as he
saw her eyes twinkle. Ppm afraid Mr..
Lyon, our senior partner, doesn't exactly
favor me-thinks I'm too young for so re-
sponslble position | believe: but there
Nell, must be off or miss my train
Two weeks latter, Mrs. Merton in her
soft gray cashmere, with its trimmings of
lustrous silk and dainty lace, stood with
her husband in quiet corner of her Cousins
parlor. Suddenly Tom gave start of sur
prise.
"Do you see that tall, elderly gentleman
talking to Frank ~ he said, in low tone:
THAT is Mr.. Lyon, the head of our firm.
never expected to see him here"
Meanwhile Mr.. Lyon saw and recog-
nized his clerk, and, in few moments
leisurely made his way toward him. At
ter 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 old-time grace to the modest little
woman.
Il am glad to meet you BOTH" he said.
81 suppose you came out from the city
this evening.
"Oh, no, we are living here in the village.
Then, as Mr.. Lyon seemed interested, Tom,
added, 81 have rented the Warner cottage
over the hill"
"a pleasant place, but quite long walk
for you. l should think you would have
chosen house nearer the station
at is not entirely matter of choice,
explained Tom. at is the only place
where the rent was within my means, and
indeed, l enjoy the walk"
"Humphn' calculated Mr. Lyon; then
with quick sharp glance at the lady:
Mrs. Merton, | see that my wife is olsen
gagged just at this moment, and should
like to introduce you to her."
Whew"' calculated Tom, softly as he
watched his wife move down the room on
the arm of his employer.
"What would the fellows in the office
say to that? And what does it mean, any
way?
He was still pulling over the matter
when she rejoined him, later on. He made
her low bow of mock reverence
ooh, Tom, what did you think when Mr..
Lyon asked me to 60 with him and be in
troduced TO his wife 2"
tNNh;pl- 7