Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-03-13

decision.
H'm-I don't know, Rose. / wish
YOU would take my black alpaca. The
merino win be good enough for me at
nome"
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"
George laughed melodiously. She
always had such pleasant, ripping
laugh-it sounded warm and sunny,
just like her own sweet temper.
Now, that's what l call stralning at
a guat,'" 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
70 the other, signing gently all the
while. But to my great glee the decis-
ion was in my favor.
Il wish you could have another new
Dress dear Rose" said mamma, in her
Sindest tones; but don't see how we
can manage It."
All this dispute may seem very trivial
80 the unconcerned, but to US, the In
1erested parties, it was of great import
auce. was going on a Journey going
10 leave my home and travel alone for
the first time in my life. We-that is,
mamma, George and I-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
tho invitation.
George insisted that It was my pre-
r0gatiye, Gus | was Mrs. Wharton's
namesake. / 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
MT. 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 q white one for evenings, in case
should go to any parties. These, with
my two morning wrappers, were con-
eidered very good outfit
George had generously insisted en-
my taking her new black alpaca, her
one best dress, and leave my brown
anerino-my last winters garment-for
her to wear on Sundays. But George
was the soul OF generosity, and would
heggar herself to DO anyone a kind
ness.
After much twisting and turning and
discussions as to trimmings my ward
robe was considered finished and pre-
sentable, and l embarked on my jour
ney. The ride was one of long delight,
FOR my passionate love of travelling had
hitherto been very little gratified.
Ash stood in the railroad station at
my journeys end, looking helplessly
about me, a tall gentleman, with
handsome brown mustache, approach
cd, and bowling with easy and polished
grace. said In an inquiring tone:
Miss Rose. presumed"
bowed in response, inwardly Won
derlng il polite society required gentle
men Il address ladies at first acquaint-
ance by their Christian names
MY aunt, Mrs. Wharton, has been
unexpectedly called away from home
TOR a few hours. and has given me the
honor and pleasure OF escortng You TO
her house." he remarked
My second reply was another bow,
Again l was wondering who this
nephew was. The gentleman looked Mt
sue curiously. Evidently he was begin
aing 10 .think me dumb, so found voice
so say:
How is Mrs Wharton"
Very well, indeed. thank you, and
locking eagerly for your arrival"
After we were seated in the carriage.
which was far handsomer than my
country experience had thought posi-
tye. the gentleman proceeded in his ef-
sorts fer my entertainment.
sDe YOU wonder how knew you,
Miss .RoSe2" be asked
avery much" l replied not. how
ever without qualmS of conscience, rs
I had really not given it thought.
Il recognized yen by your dress, he
triumphantly responded.
! looked down at my bright mcriuo.
the subject at home Of SO much dis
putting, and felt an inward terror Was
the man a medium, clairyoyants Had
he N spirit heard my conversation with
George?
Ny dress;' | gasped.
Yes. your dress. NV aunt informed
ne that your travelling suit was
brown"
"0hr' l family calculated, inwardly
thinking how very strange in mamma
90 write TO Mrs Wharton concerning
the dress, and feeling considerably
vexed about it-so much 50 that the
gentleman. judging from my flushed
cheeks that the subject WAS unpleas-
ant. pursued it no further 10 my great
relief.
Presently the carriage stopped before
large and handsome dwelling, and
although l know that Mrs. Wharton
was In possession of very comfortable
ineome. l was not prepared for the ele-
sance | encountered.
My poor brown merino looked sadly
out OF place beside the rich crimson fur
niture aud splendid mirrors, and had
not MIS-. Wharton'S nephews made
strenuoSs efforts for my entertainment.
should have subsidized into that most
forlorn and dreary feeling homeslek-
ness.
Ny aunt begged that we should dine
at the usual hour" said the gentleman.
after l had Invested myself OF my