The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-07-11
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MRS. MERTON'S DRESS.

Nov what shall we do about Cousin
Franks wooden wedding? The cards came
Yesterday" said Mrs. Merton to her
husband.
"Why what can We do but accept"
was the answer, in Il tone of surprise.
1--WE can decline" replied the wife.
hesitatingly,
"To 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" And nervous little laugh followed
the confession.
"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.
% 1t is pretty dress quite fine enough
for family gathering: but it is only a
cashmere, after all, and don't you see, Tom
this is different aifar-a regular party
| suppose everybody worth knowing in
town will be there and it is not Il 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, if | could only afford it; but you
know, dear, you We're so foolish as to marry
a poor clerk on a small salary"
Yes, | know interrupted his wife,
land | wouldn't change him Tor the rich, st
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 father strange?
urged Tom, with mans invrtprate horror
of doing something the least hit peculiar
'What could say tn the fellows on the
train, the next day, If they asked why WE
We're not at Stanlpy's wonden 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 our
selves conspicuous either by our presence OF
by our absence, we may as well get what
enjoyment we can out of il, SO I'll send IL
note of acceptance.
bravo. little woman, and venture Ia
piophesy that, whether in silk attire OF
cashmere gown, there viii not he another
face there so beautiful and fair rs that of
my little wife. Perhaps, before another
year, she may br able To outshinr them all
if onl y"
lie checked himself suddenly
Ii 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 boolkeeper
goes TO Paris the first of next month. and
by his advice I've applied for his position
If succeed it will mean four thousand q
year With a possibility of still further
Announcements but don't he too sargune, -
as he saw her eyes kindle. I'm afraid
Mr. Lyon. our senior partner DOESN'T
favor me-thnks IN too young for So re.
sponSible position, brieve; but there
Nell, must be off OF miss my train
Two weeks later, Merton, in her soft
gray cashmere, with its trimming of lustrou,
silk and dainty lace, stood with her hus-
| band 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 recognized
his clerk, and, in few moments, leisurey
made his way toward him. After Il
pleasant greeting. he turned to Nell, who
had stepped back little Tom drew her
toward him.