Year: 1875

from Philadelphia, December 2, SAYS:


1T the Quaker city is anything it is
high toned. 1t has more blue blood
than Boston, and is quite as much given
over to a regard for the proprieties ::
hence society is easily shocked. Just
now we are shocked. The gossips are
in clover. Philadelphia is an educa-
tional centre. We have all kinds of
schools good, bad and Indifferent


But We are, perhaps, Liost noted for q
number of institutions denominated
finishing schools" for girls. OF course
such institutions are in all respects first
class, beyond the suspicion of anything
going amiss within their vestal halls.
Well, there has been lively commo-
ton in certain one not many blocks
! from Spruce street nevertheless. Not
very long ago an elderly gentleman
drove up to the door, disembarked his
trunks and introduced his daughter
to the matron. The daughter was tall
and handsome, tastefully dressed, and
promised TO be quite popular pupil.
In fact just such one as the preceptress
could take pride in sending forth to
the world finished for society. So
when the latter wanted to put her at
the school she was gladly accepted,
both for these reasons andtor pecuniary
consideration. Then the father said
good bye, and after leaving special in
structioDs in regard to the care over the
young girl drove away. Next a room
was selected for the company, OF course,
with the usual number of room mates.
Several days passed by; the new conner
was growing very popular with the
other girls as with the teachers. Her
wardrobe was expensive, her manners
attractive, and there seemed to be a
certain charm about her that all recog-
nized, but none could explain. She
herself seemed happy, her disposition
was pleasant, and she laughed a great
deal Sometimes the girls couldn't
understand why she laughed, but a
slight explanation satisfied. Well, a
month passed away, the young lady
was a great favorite, hardly less SO with
all the girls than with her room mates,
and she was becoming quite accom-
plshed. But one day she sent trunk
off for some reason and pretty soon she
left quietly herself. Most of the house
hold were astonished, and Immediately
the alarming story spread that she
wasn't a girl at all. The teacher tried
to hush it up, but it wouldn't be hush
ed. The room mates of the decamped
young lady were besieged for informa-
ton. Then the story got out OF the
school, it has been verified, and the re-
suit has been a perceptible commotion
in society circles. There is, am told,
no doubt that a bold and audacious
fraud has been perpetrated on the man
ayers OF the school, and smooth faced
youth of about twenty introduced into
the boudoirs of a fashionable young
ladies seminary. Any wonder a sensa-
ton should ensue The scamp has
not yet been captured and probably will
not be owing to desire to avoid pub
licity in the matter on the part Of the
discreet, but nevertheless greatly irri-
tated, matrous of the school. | have
not been able to give the full particulars,
aud it would be improper to mention
the name Of the school; but enough has
leaked out to warrant this much, and if
there are any further developments you
may be further posted. This is given
on the best authority. The foom mates
are left in particularly embarrassing
position; but they have much sympathy,
and have heard aud hope to hear no
uncharitablc insinuations."


pJ- THE AMERICAN FARMER FOR