The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-24
LUCK IN A DRESS.

y
band.
"Why, what can we do but accept"
was the answer in tone of surprise.
"We can decline, - replid the wife hest
tstingly.
'To be sure, but why should we9''
''For reason so purely feminine that I
don't suppose it would ever occur 60 you.
The fact is, have nothing suitable to
wear"
why, Nell, the dress you wore to
mothers last week is the handsomest
thing out, and you look lovely enough in
it to fill other women with envy
ut is pretty dress, quite fine enough
for q family gathering, but it is only
cashmere, after all. and, don't you see,
Tom, this is different affair-a regular
party I suppose every body worth know
ing in town will be there, aid it is net
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 afford it; but, you know,
dear, you were so foolish as to marry
poor clerk on a small salary
Eyes, I know" interrupted his wife,
''and I wouldn't change him for the rich
est king in the world, but thought if you
did not care much about going we might
stay at home. I can explain afterward to
Frank and Sue.
''But you can't explain to others, Nell,
and wouldn't it seem rather strange, for
everybody knows that we are cousins9''
Gas we seem likely to make ourselves
conspicuous either by our presence or our
absence, we may just as well get what en-
joyment we can out of it, so I'll send
note of acceptance.
Bravo, little woman, and venture to
prophesy that, whether in silk attire or
cashmere gown, there will not be another
face there as beautiful and fair as that of
my little wife. Perhaps before another
year she may be able to outshine them all,
if only
eff only whatP Tom Merton, have you
gone daftP"
''Well, no, not exactly. You see, dear,
had not intended to tell you anything
about it until the affair was settled. Har-
rison, our head bookkeeper, goes to Paris
the first of next month, and by his advice
I've applied for his position. If succeed,
it will mean 81, 900 year, with posi-
bility of still further advancement, 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 a posi-
ton, believe; but there, Nell I must be
of or miss my train"
Two weeks later Mrs. Merton, in her
soft gray cashmere, with it's trimmings of
1ustrous silk and dainty lace, stood with
her husband in quiet corner of her cous-
ms parlor. Suddenly Tom gave start of
surprise.
'fDo you see that tall, elderly gentleman
talking to Frank?' he said in a low tone.
''That is Mr.. Lyon, the head of our firm.
I never expected to see him here. "
Meanwhile Mr.. Lyon saw and recog-
nized his clerk and in a few moments
leisurely made his way toward him. After
pleasant greeting he turned to Nell.
''This is my wife, Mr.. Lyon
NH
with old time grace TO the modest little
woman.
at am glad to meet you both, he said.
''I suppose you came out from the city
for this EVENING""
"Oh, no; we are living here in the vii
lage.'' Then, as Mr.. Lyon seemed inter
ested Tom added, "I have rented the
Warner cottage over on the hill. -
"a very pleasant place, but quite a
long way for you. I should think you
would have chosen a house nearer the sta
tion.''
''It is not exactly matter of choice"
explained Tom. ct is the only place
where the rent was within my means, and
indeed rather enjoy the walk"
"Humphp' calculated Mr.. Lyon; then,
with a quick, sharp glance at the lady,
Mrs. Merton, see that my wife is dis
engaged just at this moment, and should
like to introduce you to her"
''WhewP' calculated Tom softly as he
watched his wife move down the room on
the arm of his employer. What does it
mean anyway"
He was still puzzling over the matter
when she rejoined him later on.
cob, Tom, what did you think when
Mr.. Lyon asked me to go with him and be
introduced to his wifeP
"Oh, Tom, - with a little gasp, 81 only
remem bered that he was the man upon
WI demanded
When he left me with Mrs. Lyon, she was
so sweet and gracious, not a bit conde-
scending. seemed to have known her
ever so long. Why, before I knew it I was
telling her all about our little home-the
garden, the chickens and all
Meanwhile the senior partner said to
his wife, what do you think of Mrs. Mer-
ton?''
GA bright and sensible little woman.
She lives over in the Warner cottage,
which they are fitting up and furnishing
one room at time, as they can afford it,
for she has holy horror of debt and avoids
the installment plan as she would the
plague
''How did you manage to find out so
much, my dear?''
81 suspected from your look and man
ner that you wanted me to do a little pri-
vate detective work. Was rightS" u
"Quite So and your report is both COM
plete and satisfactory. You see, Helen,
Mr.. Merton has applied for Harrison po-
sition. He is very strongly Endorsed by
other members of the firm, but hesitated.
He is quite young and seemed so full of
life and fun I was afraid he was hardly
steady enough for SO responsible a posi-
ton. You know my theory, dear-that
wife must either make or mar her hus-
bands life. When saw Mrs. Merton,
thought the ballast he might possibly need
would be found in sensible wife,
Mr.. Lyon tore a leaf from his memoran-
dunn book and wrote few lines, which
his wife read approvingly.