Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-03-16
THE BROWN MERINO,

the light my old brown mcrino
George Terry looked ut it rather du.
biously, while | anXiously waited her de-
cision
"IIm-I don't know, Rose. | wish you
would take my black alpaca. The mcrino
will he good enough for me at home"
Indeed, I'll do no such thing" | ex-
claimed Indignantly. "llayc all the pleas
urc Of going away and take your dresses
in the bargain, leaving you to stay home
and wear my old clothes! | can't he quite
that selfish, Georgia
George laughed melodiously 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 'straining at a
Gnat,' said George, with her ripe, red
lips trying to pout, but quivcring with
smiles instead. but here comes mamma.
She shall settle that point"
Poor, dear mamma turned her head,
first to one impctuous daughter, then to
the other, signing gently all the while.
But to my great glee the decision was in
my favor.
81 wish you could have another new
dress dear Rose" said mamma in her
kindcst tones, but | don't see how we
can manage it,"
All this dispute may seem very trivial
TO the unconccrned. but to us, the inter
cstcd parties, it was Of great importance.
| was going on journey going to leave
my home and travel alone for the first
time in my life. Wc-that is. mamma.
Georgia and lived on grandfathers
farm in New Hampshire.
Mamma had n 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 a long visit. Great was the de-
batting rs TO which should accept the in
vitation.
George insisted that it was my prerog-
alive as | was Mrs. Wharton's maine
sake ! rather think our new minister
had something to do in making George
so pcrsstcntly refuse to go. for good and
kind as George was she had never been
quite SO active until young Mr.. Partridge
beamcd upon rs with his bright, black
eyes. However it won't do to tell her
secrets without special permission.
Mamma had given me a new gray
gown for Sundays and visitings | had
also a white one for evenings in case
should 20 to any parties. These with
cred a 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 aud would bcggar herself to
do any one kindness.
After much twisting and turning and
discussions rs to trimming, my wardrobe
was considered finished and prescntahle.
and | embarked on my journey. The
ride was one of long delight. for my pas
sionate love OF travelling had hitherto
been very little gralihcd
N> | stood in the railroad station at my
journeys end, looking hclplc>~ly abou;
mo, a tall gentleman with handsome
brown mustachc approached and. bowling
with easy and polished grace said in an
inquiriuc tone:
Miss Rose, presume?"
/ bowed in response. inwardly wonder
ing If polite society required gentlemen to
address ladies a; first acquaintance by
their Christian names.
My aunt Mrs Wharton. has been I'M
expcctedly called away from home for
few hours and has given me the honor
and pleasure Of escorting you 10 her
house" he remarked.
My second reply was another bow
Again | was wondering who this nephew
was. The gentleman looked at me curl
ou>ly. Evidently he was beginning to
think me dumb, so | found voice to say;
How is Mrs. WhartouF"
VERY well indeed. | thank you, and
looking eagerly for your arrival"
After We were seated in the carriage
which was FAR haud>omcr than my coun-
try experience had thought possible, the
gentleman proceeded in his efforts for
my entertainments
DO you wonder how knew you, Miss
RoseE' he asked.
VERY much,' ! rcpicd-not, however,
without qualms q conscience, as | had
really not given it a thought.
Il recognized you by your dress" he
triumphantly responded.
looked down at my brown merino. the
subject at home Of so much disputinG,
and felt an inward terror Was the man
a medium, a clairvoyant? Had he in
spirit heard my conversation with Geor-
gle?
"My dress?" | caspcd.
"Yes, your dress. My aunt informed
me that your travelling suit was brown"
"Oh" | family calculated, inwardly
thinking how very strange in mamma TO
Write to Mrs. Wharton concerning the
dress and feeling considerably vcxed
about it-so much so that the gentleman,
| judging from my flushed cheeks that the
subject was unpleasant, pursued il no
| further to my great relief.
Presently the carriage stopped before a
large and handsome dwelling, and al
! though / knew that Mrs. Wharton was
In possession Of very comfortable in
come l was not prepared Tor the elegance
| l encountered
| My poor brown merino looked sadly
| out of place beside the rich crimson fur
niture and splendid mirrors, and had moi
Mrs. Wharton's nephew made strenuous
efforts for my entertainment | SHOULD
have subsidized into that most forlorn anC
dreary feeling
MY aunt begged that we should din'
at the usual hour" said the gentleman
after | had Invested myself of my wraps
las she was afraid she would not be able
TO return before or o o'clock. Tn,
friend she has gone to see is very It'll
fact dying-and Aunt Lizzie will proba
bly, stay until all is over"
Aunt Lizzie?" | thought Has sh
discarded the name of Rose|
| remembered, however that her mi
tials were X. Il. w.
The dinner was charming. My appetite
was good. l never had dyspepsia in m,
life, and | ate the luXuriant food, s.