St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1904-04-23

1t Will not De Homecoming, IL you
do" said the colonel, with the posi-
tiveness of a deep-set conviction.
High time they were beginning to en-
terrain" was one Of the comments the
invitation drew forth. '"This is the
first affair they have proposed giving,
and they have been invited everywhere,
too."'
With the next issue Of the local paper
renewed perturbation Of mind overcame
the prospective host, despite his wife's
promise to bring the social ship safely
and economically into port, for among
the society notes was this item:
Mrs. MacDermot Washburn, as the
fair hostess of the brilliant Fancy Dress
to be given on the evening OF the Oath.
will personate Mime de Pompadour.
Her dress is an exquisite creation
Of ciel blue satin, hand-painted in
garlands of pink roses, and with
a vatican of richest lace-a priceless
heirloom. Pearls will be used In rich
profusion, both on the costume, and to
dress the high powdered couture. The
gown will be an artistic triumph from
a leading eastern modiste."
"'Now, where in the deuce is the money
coming from to pay for all this TOM
foolery?" asked the colonel. irascibly.
Il have promised that l will not call
on you for any more money" said his
wife, calmly. .."
"Then who is to pay for all this
style?" demanded Col Washburn, still
unconvinced.
Nobody" sweetly replied his wife,
! with a most provoking air of mystery.
Nov, just let me manage this anair IN
my own particular way, and you shall
see how nicely it can be DONE"
The list of invitations had been
| lengthy one, and the numerous expected
! guests were in a ferment of unrest as
! to what they should wear, and what
roles they should personate. Claims OF
priority of intention regarding these
| characters became delicate point to
settle
It was in the midst Of this chaotic
state of society's mind that letter was
| delivered one evening at 1O2 Prospect
avenue letter heavily bordered In
black, and burdened with black seal
all suggestive of unhappy tidings.
There were several Of Mrs. Wash
burns neighbors sitting with her at the
time discussing the approaching fes-
| tivities, and the announcement came
like thunderbolt on clear day, in the
| midst of their laughter and merriment,
<ho< a doo rly ho1oyod oup% ~ Mrs WASH
burns had suddenly died in a distant
city. 4
"And to think that it should occur al
| most on the eve of my Fancy Dress
bewailed Mrs. Washburn, in the first out
| pour of her grief.
"How distressing!" chimed in her
| friends, with fervor that left no specu-
lation as to thesincerity of regret for the
Fancy Dress" if not for the deceased
aunt.
"And I had determined to spare nc
expense to make 1t the event of the
season. Oh! my poor, poor aunt! cried
Mrs. Washburn, breaking down afresh
tits too! too bad!" chorused he1
friends, alphabetically, with thoughts
Of 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 of somewhat of her dear
friends grief.
But Mrs. Washburn shook her head
disconsolately. "Itwould be like warmed
over Coffee" she said, mournfully.
] Her friends admitted the truth OF
this.
mo! no! It is grievous and unex-
pected affection, and must be borne as
such-with resignation" and Mrs
Washburn took refuge in her sal vol
atile.
When her neighbors had offered what
consolation they could, all considerate
~ withdrew, leaving their hostess IL
tears, while they went to spread the sor-
rowful tidings far and near, after the
| reputed manner of their sex, and when
| Col. 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 Sc
clusion of her own room.
Il do not remember to have heard you
speak of an aunt living in New York
City," said her husband, thoughtfully
II knew you had cousin there, young
Baker, with Bridges & Co."
What a jewel of boy he ISL crie6
Mrs. Washburn, enthusiastically. HE
wrote beautiful letter, just as asked
him to do"
But I didn't know you had an auE,
living there" persisted the colonel.
"You dear, stupid thing! don't know
It, either" answered Mrs. Washburn
breaking into guilty little laugh, and
drying her eyes. "She has helped me tc
pay of a large debt of social obligation
though, don't you sect"
The, day following. numerous cards
were sent out bearing the announcement
that, on account Of the death Of a neal
relative, the invitations issued by Col
and Mrs. MacDermot Washburn, for the
evening of the oath, had been recalled.
under color of law, If not by due process
of law, and an overt act of robbery OF
| government prODerty is SO rare as to be