Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1900-03-16


seen. after 1t is turned?" l asked
w. holding up to the light my old
brown merino.
George Terry looked at it rather du-
biously, while l anXiously waited her
decision.
HIM don't know, Rose. l wish
you would take my black alpaca. The
merino will be good enough for me at
home"
Indeed, I'll do no such thingw I 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"
George laughed melodiously. She
always had such a pleasant, ripping
laugh-lt sounded warm and sunny,
just like her own sweet temper.
Now, that's what l call 'straining 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 glee the decis-
ion was in my favor.
II wish you could have another new
dress. dear Rose" said mamma, in her
k!ndest tones; but | don't see how we
can manage It,"
All this dispute may seem very trivial
to the unconcerned, but to us, the in
terested parties, 1t was of great import
ance. l was going on journey-going
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 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 a long visit. Great was
the debati ting as to which should accept
the invitation.
George insisted that 1t was my pre-
rogative, as | was Mrs. Wharton's
namesake. l rather think our new min
lister had something to do in making
George so persistently 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 spe-
cial permission.
Mamma had given me a new gray
gown for Sundays and visitings; had
also n white one for evenings, in case
should go to any parties. These, with
my two morning wrappers, were con-
sidered 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 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 gratified.
AS stood in the railroad station at
NV Journeys end, looking helpleSly
about me. tall gentleman, with a
handsome brown -mustache, approach
ed. and bowling with easy and polished
grace. said in an inquiring tone:
Miss Rose. presumeT
bowed in response, inwardly Won
dering If polite society required gentle
men to address ladies at first acquaint-
arce 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 was wondering who this
nephew was. The gentleman looked at
me curlously. 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