The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-03
Our Daily $bcrt Story

coming from to pay for all this tom fool cry! asked the colonel, irascibly. have promised that I will not call on you for any more money" said his wife. calmly
 Then who is to pay for all this style?'' oemanded Colonel Washburn, still uncon- vinced.
 Nobody," sweetly replied his wife, ...h wi.h "a most provoking air of mystery Now. just let me manage this affair in my own particular way, and you shall see now nicely 1t can be done"
 The list of invitations had been a iengthy one, and the numerous expected guests were in ferment of unrest as to what they should wear, and what roles tney should persouate. Claims of priority oi intention regarding these characters became a delicate point to settle. It was fin the midst of this chaotic state of societys mind that a letter was deiVered one evening at 102 Prospect avenue-a letter heavily bordered in black, and burdened with black seal all suggestive of unhappy tidings
 There were several of Mrs. Washburn's neishbors sitting with her at the time uiscussing the approaching festivities ana the announcement came like a thun' oeroolt on clear day, in the mi~-. ot tneir laughter and merriment, that 8 dearly beloved aunt of Mrs. washburn's had suddenly died fin a distant city. And to think that it should occur al most on the eve of my Fancy Dress {" Dewaiied Mrs. Washburn in the first out. pour of her grief
 -'.How distressinr,,, chimed in he, friends, sympathetically, with thoughts o1 the Fancy Dress. still uppermost in their minds.
 one of the ladies delicately suggested that perhaps little later the Fancy Dress' might be given, when the edge had worn off somewhat of her dear friends grief.
 But Mrs. Washburn shook her bead dis consoiately. "It would be like warmed over coffee." she said. mournfully.
 Her friends admitted the truth of this.
 No! No! It is a grievous and unex- pected affiiction, and must be borne as such-with resignation" and Mrs, Wash burn took refuge in her sal volatile.
 When her neighbors had offered what consolation they could, all considerably withdrew, leaving their hostess in tears, while they went to spread the sorrowful tidings far and near, after the reputed manner of their sex, and when Colonel Washburn reached home a little later, he found the shutters closed, and the house shrouded in a depressing gloom, while its mistress was in the seclusion of her own room.
 T do not remember to have heard you speak of an aunt living in New York city," said her husband, thoughtfully, "l knew you had a cousin there, young Ba- ker, with Bridges 6 Co.,"
 What jewel of boy he is!'' cried Mrs. Washburn, enthusiastically. "He wrote beautiful letter, just as asked him to do."
 But I didn't know you had an aunt living there," persisted the colonel.
 You dear, stupid thing! I don't know it, either," answered Mrs. Washhurn. breaking into guilty latle laugh, and drying her eyes. "She has helped me to pay off large debt of social obligation, though, don't you seer"
 The day following, numerous cards were sent out bearing the announcement that, on account of the death of 8 near rela- tive, the invitations issued by Colonel and Mrs. MacDermot Washburn. for the evening of the 24th, had been recalled.