Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-02-09
AN HOUR TOO SOON.
The Happy Sequel to an Early After
noon Call.

The Happy Sequel to an Early After
noon Call.
1t was Wednesday and the locality was
18th street. The swarms Of carriages that
frequent that fashionable thoroughfare on
the third day Of the week had not yet made
their appearance and Mrs Newly-Wed.
who occupies a lovely little bridalry on
the west side Of the street, had given a
parting glance to her drawing rooms and
gone upstairs for a leisurely hour in which
to make her toilet. A few moments later
a pretentious equipage drew up before the
dwelling and fashionable woman tripped
blithely up the steps and touched the bell.
When her cards were brought to Mrs. New
ly-Wed above stairs there was a moment
of CONSERVATION when the latter read the
name. one Of the most distinguished couples
in official life. 1t was a wedding call, and
more important. first call, and the hos
tess In a state Of dishabille and unable to
receive her visitor! Truly dreadful pre-
dicament for a bride. Upon the inspiration
Of the moment, Mrs. Newly-Wed decided
upon q bold stroke of unconventfona.ity
and gave orders that her visitor should be
shown upstairs. Throwing dainty kimona
about her shoulders Mrs. Newly-Wed re-
ceived the distinguished guest at the head
Of the stairs, and, with profuse apologies
for her lack Of toilet. invited her into
dainty boudoir. The face Of the senator's
wife expressed one forceful stare OF as
constituent. Her handshake was not over
cordial, as she was not accustomed to
reception OF the sort from a comparative
stranger 1T is such an error on my part"
continued Mrs. Newly-Wed. mot being
dressed. l did not want to miss seeing you
and. to be frank, did not expect any one
so early. If you will pardon the informal
1ty. Will Slip into my gown while we are
having nice little chat" Would any one,
n har fhan hria how hol -
to propose such an arrangement?
The wife Of the senator asked in rather
icy tones. And do you not expect visitors
at 3 o'clock. Mrs Newly-Wed?"
"Oh, yes, indeed, but your arrival at 2
O'Clock, you know"
1.-Two o'clock exclaimed the distinguish
ed visitor. sprtnging to her feet. why. Mrs.
Newly-Wed 1t is now exactly four min
utes after g." consulting a jeweled watch.
-Four minutes after 2!' replied Mrs. New
ly-Wed waving her hand toward the clock
on the mantle And then the tables re-
versed themselves, so to speak Upon con-
sulting other time pieces, it was proved
beyond dispute that the senator's wife was
the social offender. and, in apparent con-
fusion, she began her apologies with the
idea of immediate departure She said she
had regulated her entire day according to
her watch and must have been an hour
ahead of every one else since early morning
1t was a laughable situation, but Mrs
Newly Webs tact and informally broke
the ice Of embarrassment. Her visitor
was urged to remain, and the two became
excellent friends. The wife of the senator
discovered a rip In her glove and had re-
course to Mrs Newly sewing basket
She admired everything about the bridalry
and upon going down stairs assisted her
hostess to arrange the flowers for the tea
table and did not depart until a few min
utes before o'clock.
Since that day society has wondered at
the ease with which Mrs. Newly-Wed pene-
trated into the innermost circles Of SWELL
dom. You see the senator's wife fell a
victim to her charms and became her So
cial sponsor, which was piece Of great
good fortune for the little bride, who at
tributes her success entirely to the wrong
going of a jeweled timepiece.