Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-03-07
MY Brown Merino.
sss@seeeeeeeesseesseeses

esee&Eeeeeeeeeesessseesees
~ O YOU think 1t will look ct to be
seen, after 1t is turned?' asked,
holding up to the light my old
brown merino.
George Terry looked at 1t rather du-
hiously, while anxionsly waited her
decision.
'H'm-1 don't know, Rose. wish
you would take my black alpaca. The
merino will be good enough for me at
home"
Indeed, I'll do no such thing.' ex-
claimed Indignantly. "Have all the
pleasure 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, George"
Georgia laughed melodlously. She
always had such a pleasant, ripping
aaugh-it sounded warm and sunny,
Just like her own sweet temper.
Now, that's what I call -.straining at
a gnat,'" said George, with her ripe,
red lips trying to pout, but quiverlng
with smiles instead. But here comes
mamma. She shall settle that point"
Poor, dear mamma turned her head,
first to one impetuous daughter, then
ITO the other, signing gently all the
while. But TO my great glee the decis-
don was in my favor.
Il wish you could have another new
dress, dear Rose" said mamma, in her
kindest tones; "but don't see how we
can manage it.
Allthis dispute may seem very trivial
to the uncOncerned, but to us, the in
terested parties, 1t was of great imports
ance. was going on journey-g
TO leave my home and travel alone for
the first time in my life. We-that is,
mamma, George and Lived on grand
fathers farm, in New Hampshire.
- Mamma had a friend named Mrs.
Wharton. who had been living in Bos-
ton for many years, and she had writ
ten to mamma begging that one Of us
might pay her long visit. Great was
the debating as to which should accept
the Invitation.
George insisted that 1t was my pre-
rogatiye, as l was Mrs. Wharton's
namesake. rather think our new min
lister had something to do in making
George SO perslstently 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, 1t
won't do to tell.her secrets without spe-
cial permission.
Mamma had given me a new gray
gown for Sundays and visitings; had
also white one for evenings, in case
should 80 to any parties. These, with
my two morning wrappers. were con-
sidered n very good outfit.
Georgle 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 anyone kind
ness.
After much twisting and turning and
discussions as to trimmings my ward
robe was considered finished and pre-
( sentable, and embarked on my jour
ney. The ride was one Of long delight,
for my passionate love of travelling had
hitherto been very little gratifed.
As stood in the railroad station at
my journeys end, looking helplessly
about me, tall gentleman, with n
handsome brown mustache, approach
ed, and bowling with easy and polished
grace, said In an inquiring tone:
Miss Rose, presume"
/ bowed in response, inwardly won
dering If polite society required gentle
men to address ladies at first acqualnt-
ance by their Christian names.
my aunt, Mrs. Wharton, has been
unexpectedly called away from home
for 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 I was wondering who this
nephew was. The gentleman looked at
me curiously. Evidently he was begin
ming to think me dumb, so found voice
to say:
How Is Mrs. Wharton?"
every WELL indeed, thank you, and
looking eagerly for your arrival"
After we were seated in the carriage,
which was far handsomer than my
country experience had thought posi-
Bile, the gentleman proceeded in his eff
forts for my entertainment.
"Do you wonder how l knew you,
Miss Rose?" he asked.
VERY much" replled-not, how
ever, without qualms of conscience, as
I had really not given 1t a thought
II recognized you by your Dress" he
triumphantly responded.
! looked down at my bright merino,
the subject at home of SO much dis
putting, and felt an inward terror. Was
the man medium, a clairvoyant? Had
he in spirit heard my conversation with
George?
My dress?" l gasped.
Eyes. your dress. My aunt Informed
me that your travelling suit was
brown"
"Oh! l family calculated, inwardly
thinking how very strange in mamma
to write to Mrs. Wharton concerning
the dress, and feeling considerably
vexed about it-so much so that the
gentleman. judging from my flushed
cheeks that the subject was unpleas-
ant, pursued 1t no further, to my great
relief.
Presently the carriage stopped before
large and handsome dwelling, and
although know that Mrs. Wharton
was In possession of a very comfortable
income, was not prepared for the ele-
gance I encountered.
My poor brown merino looked sadly
out of place beside the rich crimson fur
niture and splendid mirrors. and had