The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-09-22
The brow of the lady was slightly over

L VIII noti uepenu upon hle, MIS- E1oW-
ard = 1
i dare not tell him how much ] gave for
it, But then Charles has nothing to do with
it. if it cost ffiyr
don't know why he should, ma'am,' an
swered the maid, pertly.
NO He to be sure is not SO rich as some
people but he has handsome income; and
as we have no children TO lay by for. it is no
more than right that what he has over his ex
penses should be laid out for mel
1T ought to be all yours, ma'am. But
there's the door bell. He has come home y
Don't for The world tell The servants the
cost of the hat, girl 1t will get to Charles
ears
No, won't speak of it, ma'am. you may
be assured. But if I was a wife, shouldn't
be afraid Of my
Hush Impertinence.'
The maid retired pouiing by one door,
while Mr.. Carries Howard entered by anoth-
er. He was about fve-andthirty, fine look
ing, with an expression Of benevolence upon
his manly face, combined with decision. He
was lawyer in good practice, bad married
belle at the Virginia Springs, who brought
him beauty, ana the fame that follows in its
train, and aristOcratic blond. She was not
fortune, having been an orphan child Of
wealthy Virginian who had died nominally
opulent, but whose estate turned out TO be
embarrassed. Isabel Sumpter. therefore, had
only enough TO give her one Of the first edu-
cations the country afforded. She was very
beautiful. gay and fashionable. and although
she inherited nothing, she had been brought
up by an uncle who INDUCED her as if she
were an heiress.
Charles Howard saw her in the height of
her fame as reigning belle at the Springs.
loved her, won her heart in return. sued for
her hand and obtained-He belonged to one
Of the best Philadelphia families, and had
been four years in the practice of The law
when he married. His profession and tai
ents were his only estate. He brought his
beautiful bride to the city. took genteel
house on Walnut street near Sixth, and fur
nished it with elegant taste.
Mrs. Howard was TOO accomplished, toD
beautiful, and fond of life, TO remain unno-
tIced. She soon became leader orfashion.
and Charles seeing her love for dress aad dis
play, opened his purse TO the utmost to in
dulge her for he idolized her, and was hap
py in gratifying every wish.
In This manner, FIVE years passed. They
we're childless. Isabel was raIgniug The
model of fashion, the patroness of milliuers
and manlua-makers. Her taste was consul
ted. Her decisions were law.-What she
wore became the style for the season, though
few had the means or holiness TO go so far
as she did in expense.
We have said Charles Howard loved his
handsome wife. lie was not. however. so
wholly blinded by love as 10 be incapable oil
| estimating her character. lie was man OF
sound sense and practical judgment. Her
enormous expenditure Of money at length
awakened him TO refe ctor. His business
was prosperous ard his income handsome.
and each year increasing, hut he found that
he did not grow rich-Ihal he laid up moth
ing. tie saw that unless his wife's extrara-
gance was checked. il would always be so.
The hrst too or three years OF his marriage,
the alteration she drew he took ght in.
The world admired, and he did homage TO
the worlds shrine. But years modified this
ldolatrous enthusiasm, and grave reflection
TOOK place Of lover-like admiration. He
loved her no less. that he began to think Sc
riously, but loved her more wisely
He bad now scarcely entered the room, be-
fore abe came 10 him. and coolly asked him
for hundred and fifty dollars.
For what, dear Bel! = he asked, with an
air slightly grave, at the same time glanciug
at the velvet hat which lay on The per-ta-
BILE.
For what Why do you ask, Charles p
she answered. laughing.
Il ihoug BIT should like 10 inquire
'Oh, very well, then, 1t is for a velvet tu-
mic TO match my superb hat l am glad you
take an interest in my dresses again; for you
lately don't seem to notice ichdt | wearl
might as well dress in calico as silk, and
wear straw instead Of velvet, for all the
regard you give the, You did not praise or
scarcely look at my three hundred dollar
cashmere y
4 assure you, | observe and, must say it,
with sorrow too, every thing you wear!'
with sorrowl' she exclaimed, looking
surprised.
Yes, Isabel. indeed look with pain up
on what you wear. Nothing escapes my no.
iice y
why what do you meant she cried,
opening her large beautiful brown oyes, and
parting her pearl-Iined lips with pale amaze
ment.
Let US talk seriously together, my wife,
he said, taking her hand in his.
You brighten me =
u trust not
Then say what you have to say she
said, with falering voice, for the idea that
he had lost property rushed Milh sudden and
appalling force upon her mind.
Il need not assure you, dearest wife, how
fondy ] love youl |. therefore, speak to
you freely. Your love of dress. your frequent
and lavish expenditure of money upon it.
your costly purchases, have of late caused
me much sober thought!
is this the preliminary to some fearful in
tellisence of loss Of propery-of pecuniary
misfortune. Charles =
No. am prospecting. / have no debts
My practice is good. My income larger
than it was last year.
Then what do your words mean = she
asked, heaving a deep suspiratiou Of vast re-
lief. If you have money. why do you object
to my dressing!
Listen to me, dear Isabel. II is not alone
your great outlay OF money during the year
that makes me sad-but the outlay the waste
of your intellectual power, your noble affec
tons; ofyour time and superior energies up
Il dress. The nnonav thar Won cDend-and