The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-07-18
WON BY A GOWN.

yesterday" said Mrs. Merton to her hus.
band
''why, what can we do but accept9" was
the answer in tone of surprise.
''We can decline, - replied the wife hest
tatingly.
ITO be sure, but why should we?''
"For reason so purely feminine that
don't suppose it would ever occur to you.
The fact is, have nothing suitable to
wear
''Why, Nell, the dress you wore to
mothers last week is the handsomest
thing out, and you look lovely enough in
it to fill other women with envy
cit is a pretty dress, quite fine enough
for family gathering, but it is only
cashmere, after all, and, don't you see,
Tom, this is a different affair-a regular
party? I 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 if I could afford it; but, you know,
DEAR you were so foolish as to marry a
poor clerk on small salary
Eyes, I KNOW interrupted his wife,
tand I wouldn' It 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. I can explain afterward to
Frank and Sue.'
''But you can't explain to others, Nell,
and wouldn't it seem rather strange, for
everybody knows that we are cousins?''
GAS we seem likely to make ourselves
conspicuous, either by our presence or our
absence, we may just as well get what en-
joyment we can out of it, SO I'll send
note of acceptance. -
Bravo, little woman, and 1 venture to
prophesy that, whether in silk attire or
cashmere gown, there will not be another
face there as beautiful and fair as that of
my little wife. Perhaps before another
year she may be able to outshine them all,
if only
eff only what? Tom Merton, have you
gone daft?''
''Well, no, not exactly. You see, dear, I
had not intended to tell you anything
about it until the affair was settled. Har-
rison, our head bookkeeper, goes to Paris
the first of next month, and by his advice
I've applied for his position. If I succeed,
it will mean 81, 900 a year. with a posi-
bility 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 responsible posi-
ton, I believe, but there, Nell, must be
off or miss my train. p"
Two weeks later Mrs Merton, in her
soft gray cashmere, with its trimmings of
lustrous silk and dainty lace, stood with
her husband in a quiet corner of her cous-
ms parlor. Suddenly Tom gave start of
surprise.
"Do you see that TALL elderly gentleman
talking to Frank" he said in a low tone.
"That is Mr.. Lyon, the head of our firm.
I 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. After
a pleasant greeting he turned to Nell.
This is my wife, Mr.. Lyon"
The man Of wealth and station bowed
with old time grace to the modest little
woman.
81 am glad to meet you BOTH he said.
st suppose you came out from the city for
this evening?''
ooh, no, we are living here in the vii
lage." Then, as Mr.. Lyon seemed inter
ested, Tom added, 81 have rented the War
ner cottage, over on the hin.''
GA very pleasant place, but quite a long
walk for you. 1 should think you would
have chosen a house nearer the station
cit is not exactly matter of choice. )"
explained Tom. sit is the only place
where the rent was within my means, and
indeed rather enjoy the walk"
"Humph!' calculated Mr.. Lyon; then,
with a quick, sharp glance at the lady,
Mrs. Merton I see that my wife is olsen
gagged just at this moment, and should
like to introduce you to her"
"Whewl" calculated Tom softly, as he
watched his wife move down the room on
the arm of his employer. "What does it
mean anyway"
/ 10 c4j1 bo
| when she rejoined him later on.
ooh, Tom, what did you think when
! Mr.. Lyon asked me to go with him and be
introduced to his wife?
"Oh, Tom,' with little gasp, 81 only
remembered that he was the man upon
whose decision your success depended.
When he left me with Mrs. Lyon, she was
SO sweet and gracious, not bit conde-
| scending. I seemed to have known her
ever SO long. Why, before 1 knew it /
was telling her all about our little homo
the garden, the chickens and all.
Meanwhile the senior partner said to
his wife, ''What you think of Mrs. Mer-
ton?''
GA bright and sensible little woman.
She lives over in the Warner cottage which
they are fitting up and furnishing one
room at time, as they can afford it, fol
sho has a holy horror of debt and avoids
the installment plan as she would the
plague"
Chow did you manage to find out SC
much, my dear?'
81 suspected, from your look and man
ner, that you wanted me to do a little pri
waite detective work. Was I right"
''Quite so, and your report is both com
plete and satisfactory. You see, Helen
Mr.. Merton has applied for Harrison'G
position. He is very strongly Endorsed by
other members of the firm, but 1 hesitated
He is quite young and seemed so full o.
life and fun I was afraid he was hardly
steady enough for so responsible a posi-
ton. You know my theory, dear-that
wife must either make or mar her hus
bands life. When saw Mrs. Merton,
thought the ballast he might possibly neet