Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1898-03-19
THE OLD DRESS.

of invitation to her "dear 500"
friends for a grand ball at her ele-
CANT residence on Fifth avenue in
honor of the entrance of her twin
daughters into society.
They had jest been graduated at
some fashionable finishing off !" es.
tablishment, and their debut was in.
tended to be very magnificent at.
fair.
Mrs. Gregory, husband and daugh-
tiers were on the invited list. AS
the former and the two latter sat in
their parlor looking at the elegant
cards. with the interesting subject
under deep discussion, they we're
broken in upon by the entrance OF
Mr.. Gregory, who looked harrassed
and weary.
Papa !" cried Lena, the elder
daughter, "see our invitation to
Mrs. Langdon's great ball." show.
ing him the cards she held in her
hand. "And there is the loveliest
silk at Stewards that / want to wear
Can I 60 and order it tomorrow ?'
she pleaded, laying her white hand
flashing with jewels, On his arm,
and looking up into his face.
"Haven't you any dresses to
wear ~ he asked, somewhat mood
ly.
"a plenty of old ones, which have
already teen worn out and will not
answer for this particular event, y
she returned.
"How much will it COST" Mr.
Gregory asked.
"Oh, perhaps a hundred and ff-
ty," said Lena, carelessly, with as
little idea of the value Of money as
an unfedged bird.
Her father groaned and said some
thing about "foolish extravaganza ,,
then drawing out his pocketbook,
slowly counted out the required sum
and laid it on the table.
GLOW much do you want, Ber-
tha Z" he asked, turning toward her.
81 don't think 1 want any, papa,
l have a pretty dress, which will
answer very nicely" she replied.
you're sensible girl, ard the
man that gets you for wife will
have some one to help him keep his
head above WATER" said Mr.. Greg.
Dry, as he left the room.
"What is the matter with papa !?
What does make him talk so dole
fully when he is asked for little
money ~ said Lena. "Any one
would think he was a poor man"
1t is one of his nervous money
spells he is always so afraid his
business affairs won't come out just
so straight then it is economy and
retrenchment, or everything will
drift to bankruptcy. That is the
way business men always talk till it
has become quite an old story with
me- said Mrs. Gregory, drawing a
breath of relief.
II don't think papa is trying to
brighten US at ALL" said Bertha. ST
think his business does really per
pick him. I've noticed for a week
that he looked pale and careworn
and be said but little. l asked him
yesterday if he was not well, and he
said there were anxieties preying
upon his mind.''
"Was that the reason you didnt
want rev hall dress ~ asked
Lena.
"Yes, ia rather wear an old one
than place papa to the expense of a
new one now, while money is go
hard to raise,' replied Bertha.
REALLY, Miss Bertha, you are be-
coming quite learned In financial af
fairs. I should think papa would
give you the position of private
counselor in his counting room.
With your wise brain to aid him, he
might sail through seas of trouble,
dry shod," said Lena, With sarcasm.
spray inform us how you came to
know so much about monetary af-
fairs, my daughter" said Mrs. Greg
ory.
Il heard papa and Mr.. Ainsley
talking about business when lie was
here the other evening, and he said
1T was almost az impossibility to get
any money at all now said Bertha.