Middletown transcript., 1896-10-03

/ ~ MI
~ accept?" was tn
answer, in a tone of surprise.
1--WE can Decline" replied the wife,
hesitatingly.
'To be sure; but why should weP"
"For reason SO purely feminine tha
I don't suppose it would ever occur te
you. The fact is, 1 have nothing suit
able to wear.". And a nervous littlt
laugh followed the confession.
"Why, Nell, the dress you wore to
mothers last week is the handsomesi
thing out, and you look lovely enough
in it to fill every other woman with
envy.
'It is a pretty dress, qnite Zine
enough for family g gathering; but it
is only cashmere, after all, and don't
you see, Tom this is :. different affair
a regular party. l suppose everybody
worth knowing 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, il could only afford
it; but you know, dear, you were so
foolish as to marry poor clerk on a
small salary"
eyes, know" interrupted his wife,
land wouldn't change him for the
richest king in the world; but I thought
if you didn't care about going, we
might stay at home. 4 can explain
afterward to Frank and Sue."
"Bat you couldn't explain to others
Nell; and wouldn't it seem rather
stranger urged Tom, with a mans
inveterate horror of doing something
the least bit peculiar "What could
say to the fellows on the train, the next
day, if they asked why we were not at
Stanley's wooden wedding2 For every.
body knows that we are cousins"
s.Well, I've heard considerable about
the annoyance of poor relations; but I
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 abb
sence, we may as we'll get what enjoy
ment we can out of it, SO I'll send
note of acceptance"
"Bravol little woman, and venture
to prophesy that, whether in silk at
tire or cashmere gown, there will not
be another face there so beautiful and
fair as that of my little wife. Perhaps
before another year, she may be able
to outshine them all if only"
He checked himself suddenly.
''If only whatp Tom Merton, have
you gone daft2"
swell, no. not exactly. You see,
dear, I had not intended to tell you any
thing about it until the affair was set
tied; the fact is, Harrison. our head
bookkeeper, goes to Paris the first of
next month, and by his advice I've ap-
piled for his position. If srcceed it
will mean four thousand year with
possibility Of still further advancement
but don't be too sanguine," as he saw
her eyes kindle. "I'm afraid Mr.. Lyon
cur senior partner, doesn't favor me-
thinks I'm too young for SO response
BILE a position, I believe;but there, Nell, |
81 must be 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 cor
ner of her Cousins parlor. Suddenly
Tom gave start of surprise.
''Do you see that tall, elderly gentle
man talking to Frankp" he said in a
low tone. .'That is Mr.. Lyon, the head
Of our firm. 7 never expected to see
him here"
Meanwhile Mr.. Lyon saw and recog-
nized his clerk, and, in few moments,
eisurely made his way toward him.
After pleasant greeting he turned to
Nell, who had stepped back a little,
Tom drew her toward him.
s'This is my wife, Mr.. Lyon" he
said with evident pride. II
The man of wealth bowed with old
lime grace to the modest little woman.
II am glad to meet you both," be
said. I suppose you came ont from
The city this evening".
"oh, no; we are living here in the
village. Then, as Mr. Lyon seemed
interested, Tom added, II have rented
he Warner Cottage over the hill.', |,
A very pleasant place, but quite a
ong walk for you. I should think you !
would have chosen house nearer the
,tation.n
1t is not entirely a matter of choice,n
explained I0m. lt Is the only place
where the rent was within my means,
md indeed I enjoy the walk"
"Humphln calculated Mr.. Lyon;
hen with a quick sharp glance at the
ady: "Mrs. Merton see that my wife !,
$ disengaged just at this moment, and .
should like to introduce you to her. !
"Whewl'' calculated Tom, softly, n
Is he watched his wife move down the {
DOM on the arm of his employer. s
What would the fellows in the office
ay to lhatp And what does it mean, q
anyway. s
He was still puzzling over the m at
or when she rejoined him, later on.
lie made her low bow of mock rev.
renee.