Democratic messenger., 1896-07-11
Mrs. Merton S Dress.

! ~
>. Cousin Franks wooden wedding
The cards came yesterday" said Mrs.
Merton to her husband.
"Why, what can we do hut accept
was the answer, in a tone of surprise.
I'VE can decline" replied the wife,
hesitatingly.
ITO be sure but why should we?
For a reason so purely feminine
that | don't suppose it would ever
occur to you. The fact is, | have
nothing suitable to wear" And a
nervous little laugh followed the con-
fession.
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 affair
a regular party. | suppose every
body worth knowing in town will be
there, and it is not a 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 could only
afford it; but you know, dear. you
were so foolish as to marry poor
clerk on a small salary"
"Yes, | KNOW" interrupted his wife
land | wouldn't change him for the
richest king in the world; but |
thought, if you did not care 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
inveteratc horror of doing something
the least bit peculiar What could
| say to the fellows on the train, the
next day. il they asked why we were
not at Stanley'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, we may rs well get what
enjoyment we can out of il, 81 I'll
send a note Of acceptance"
Bravo! little woman. and venture
to prophesy that, whether in silk attire
or cashmere gown, there will not he
another face there so beautiful and
fair as that of my little wife. PEI haps,
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 p
We'll, no, not exactly. You see,
dear, | had not intended to tell YOU
anything about il until the affair was
settled the fact is, Harrison, our head
bookkeeper. goes to Paris the first of
next month, and bv his advice I've
applied for his position. II succeed,
it will mean four thousand year with
possibility OF still further advance
ment, 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 position, !
believe; but there. Nell, | must he off
or miss my train"
Two weeks later, Mrs. Merton, in
her soft gray cashmere. with its trim
ming Of lustrous silk and dainty lace,
stood with her husband in quiet
corner of her cousins parlor Sud
denly Tom gave start of surprise.
ADO you see that tall, elderly gentle
man talking TO Frank he said, in a
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,
lei>urely made his way toward. After
"a pleasant greeting. he turned TO Nell,
who had stepped back little, Tom
dieN her toward him.
This Is my wife, Mr.. Lyon" he
said with evident pride.
The man of wealth bowed with old
time grace TO the modest little woman
Il am glad to meet you both" he
said. Il suppose you came out from
the city for this evening"
"Oh, 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 a
long walk Tor YOU. | should think
you would have chosen house nearer
the station"
1T is not entirely matter OF
choice" explained Tom. ut is the
only place where the rent was within
my means, aud, indeed enjoy the
walk"
"llumph!" calculated Mr.. Lyon