Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1896-10-01
MY BROWN MERINO.

MY BROWN MERINo.
"Do you think it will look fit to be
seen, after it is turned?" l asked,
holding up to the light my old brown
merino.
George Terry looked at it rather
dubiously, while l anxiously waited
her decision.
HIM don't know, Rose. l wish
you would take my black alpaca. The
merino will be good enough for me at
home"
Indeed I'll do no such thing!' l
exclaimed, Indignantly. Have all
the pleasure of going away, and take
your dresses in the bargain, leaving
you to stay at home and wear my old
clothes I can't be quite that selfish,
George.
George laughed melodiously. She
always had such a pleasant, ripping
Taught sounded warm and sunny,
Just like her own sweet temper.
"Now that's what l call 'straining
at gnat, said George, with her
ripe, red lips trying to pout, but qulv-
ering with smiles instead. But here
comes mamma. She shall settle the
point"
Poor, dear mamma turned her head,
first to one impetuous daughter then
to the, other, signing gently all the
while. But to my great glee, the de
cision was in my favor
81 wish you could have another new
dress, dear Rose, said mamma, in her
kindest tones; "but don't see how
we can manage it.
All this dispute may seem very trlv-
ial to the unconcerned, but to us, the
interested parties, it was of greater
importance. was going on ajourney
going to leave my home, and travel
alone for the first time in my life
We-that is, mamma, George and l
lived on grandfather's farm, in New
Hampshire,
Mamma had friend named Mrs.
Wharton, who had been living in Bos-
ton for many yeas, and she had writ
ten to mamma, begging that one Of us
might pay her long visit. Great
was the debating as to which should
accept the invitation.
George insisted that it was my pre-
rogative, as | was Mrs. Wharton S
namesake. | rather think our new
minister had something to do in max
ing George so persistently refuse to
90 for good and kind as George was,
she had never been quite so active
until young Mr.. Partridge beamed up
on us, with his bright, black eyes.
However, it won't do to tell her Sc
crets without special permission.
Mamma had given me new gray
gown for Sundays and visitings; l had
also white one for evenings, in case
l should 90 to any parties. These,
with my two morning wrappers, were
considered very good outfit.
George had generously insisted on
my taking her new black alpaca, her
one best dress, and leave my brown
merino-my last winters garment
for her to wear on Sundays. But
George was the soul of generosity,
and would beggar herself to do any
one kindness.
After much twisting and turning,
and discussions as to trimmings, my
wardrobe was considered finished and
presentable, and l embarked on my
Journey. The ride was one of long
delight, for my passionate love Of
travelling had hitherto been very little
gratihed.
AS stood in the railroad station,
at my Journey end, looking helpless
" about me, tall gentleman, with a
handsome brown mustache, approach
ed and, bowling with easy and polished
grace, said in an iuquiring tone:
"Miss Rose, l presume?'
l bowed in response, inwardly Won
dering if polite society required gen
tlemen to address ladies, at first ac-
quaintance, by their Christian names.
my aunt, Mrs Wharton, has been
unexpectedly called away from home
for a few hours, and has given me the
honor and pleasure of escorting you
to her house" he remarked.
Ny second reply was another bow
Again I was wondering who thi;
nephew was. The gentleman looked
at me curiously. Evidently he was
beginning to think me dumb; so
| found voice to say: