The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1900-03-20
The Brown Merin0


ado you think it will look fit to be seel
after it is turned?" asked, holding up t.
| the light NY old brown mcrino.
George Terry looked at it rather du
biously, while | anxiously waited her dc
cision.
"H'mI don't know, Rose. I wish 20,
would take my black alpaca. The mcrint
will be good enough for me at home"
Indeed, I'll do no such thing!" | ex
claimed Indignantly. "Have all the pleas
ure of going away and take your dresses
in the bargain, leaving you to stay home
and wear my old clothes! can't be quite
that selfish, Georgia"
George laughed melodiousy. She al
ways had such a pleasant. ripping laugh
it sounded warm and sunny, just like
her own sweet temper
"Now that's what call sstralning at a
gnat,'" said George. with her ripe, red
lips trying to pout, but quivering with
smiles instead. But here comes mamma.
She shall settle that point"
Poor, dear mamma turned her head,
first to one impetuous daughter, then to
the other, signing gently all the while.
But to my great glcc the decision was In
my favor
II wish You could have another new
dress, dear Rose" said mamma in her
kindest tones, ''but l don't see how we
can manage It,"
All this dispute may seem very trivial
to the unconcerned, but to us, the inter-
ested parties, it was Of great importance.
! was going on n journey-going to leave
my home and travel alone for the first
time in my life. We-that is, mamma,
George and LIVED on grandfather
farm in New Hampshire.
Mamma had friend named Mrs.
Wharton, who had been living in Boston
for many years, and she had written to
mamma begging that one of US might
pay her long visit. Great was the de-
batting as to which should accept the in.
vitation.
George insisted that it was my prcrog
alive, as | was Mrs. Wharton's name
sake. ] rather think our new minister
had something to do in making George
so persistcntly refuse to go, for good and
kind as George was she had never been
quite so active until young Mr.. Partridge
beamed upon us with his bright, black
eyes. However, it won't do to tell her
secrets without special permission.
Mamma Ind given me a new gray
gown for Sundays and visitings. l had
also white one for evenings in case
should so to any parties. These, with
my two morning wrappers, were consd,
cred very good outfit.
George had generously insisted on my
taking her new black alpaca, her one best
dress, and leave my brown merino, my
last winters garment, for her to wear
on Sundays. But George was the soul
of generosity and would beggar herself to
do any one a kindness.
After much twisting and turning and
discussions as to trimmings my wardrobe
was considered finished and presentable,
and l embarked on my journey. The
ride was one of long delight, for my pas
sionate love Of travelling had hitherto
been very little gratiGed.
As / stood in the railroad station at my
journeys end, looking helplessly about
me, tall gentleman with a handsome
brown mustache approached and, bowling
with easy and polished grace, said In an
inquiring tone:
miss Rose, I presume?"
bowed In response, inwardly wonder
ing II polite society required gentlemen to
address ladies' at first acquaintance by
their Christian names.
my aunt, Mrs. Wharton, has been I'm.
sxpectedly called away from home for a
few hours and has given me the honor
and pleasure Of escorting you to her
house," he remarked.
My second reply was another bow.
Again was wondering who this nephew
was. The gentleman looked at me curl.
ously. Evidently he was beginning to
think me dumb, SO found voice to say:
SLOW Is Mrs. Wharton?'
"Very well indeed, thank you, and
looking eagerly for your arrival"
After We were seated In the carriage,
which was far handsemsr than my coun-
try experience had thought possible, the
gentleman proceeded In bis efforts for
my entertainment.
DO you wonder how I knew you. Miss
Rose2" he asked.
VERY much" replied-hot, however,
without qualms Of conscience, as had |
really not given it a thought.
Il recognized you by your dress," hs |
responded.
l looked down at my brown inerino, tho |
subject at home of 20 much disputing,