Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1851-05-13
From the Boston Olive Branch.
The Velvet Cloak.
BY MRS. GRAcs WILLIS.

I ny MRS. GRAcH WILLIS.
A parlor of beautiful mansion was array
ed with the costilest ornaments of many
countries. A young lady sat at an open pi'
ano, practising the newest music.
A gentleman entered and sat down before
the CRATE. He was in middle life, but his
brow was markod with deep lines, and his
hair sprlnkled over with the silver Of age.
"Father" exclaimed the daughter, II am
so glad you have come. | and mother arc
waiting for forty dollars. We are going
out to purchase one Of those splendid velvet
cloaks. Theu are of The latest style. Cousin
Maria has one, and every body calls it per-
fectly beautiful
Mr.. L. was about to reply. The daughter
saw gathering frown upon his face She
continued, Everybody says ] shall look like
queen in one, and that every lady Of taste
or fashion will deem them indispensable this
season"
Daughter" said the father, 81 cannot lot
you have one single dollar. | have many
notes that are this moment due. Large pay
meuts must be made next week. Still don't
know where The money is coming from.
am already bankrupt, only the tact is not yet
known regret that mus deny you-but
positively cannot let you have one dollar"
"Oh dear, father" said the daughter, that
is what you always say"
conversation. She, of course, had the mat
ter at heart.
any dear" said she, 81 do think Dela's
wishes should be complied with this once.
She is Just entering society, and for the
80 r,.t Iolla .p1ulIx.t
damper upon her brlancy, by not allowing
her to dress as fashionaby as others"
Il tell you, wife. "said Mr.. l.. impatiently,
81 cannot let you have the money-the fash
ions go beyond my means-I have paid dear
ly for them, till have nothing left. declare
unto you, have not a mill that can call
my own"
He saw that he was raising tempest of
passion in his wife--indeed he never refused
her money without feeling sad consequences
in the wranglings that followed, that spoiled
his domestic comfort. To avoid a repetition
If these quarrels. he arose and left the house.
"Just as | expected said Mrs. L., "Just
as | expected. | never yet asked for money
without being told that was too extrave-
gant--or that he couldent imagine what
could do with so much money-or that
should som @ day be the ruin of him. AS il
he expected an accomplished family to keep
up appearances without, the aid of cent Of
his money. How unreasonable husbands
can be when they choose. | despiso the
meanness of mankind IL does seem as !!
they enjoy deal Of pleasure in prosecuting
poor feeble women-as if they would not
only make US their slaves, but make US suffer
all our lives"
Here Mrs. l.. was almost prepared to 90
off in a sort Of fainting fit, but as mr. l.. was
absent, she delayed this mode of bringing
the cruel creature TO his senses, till another
sea son.
But you shall have the cloak, Della" said
the excited mother. as she arose and went
for her shawl and bonnet. We will have
the goods and the bill sent home, though I'm
most ashamed to practice this method quite
often--but still your father chooses To keep
us without money, there is no other alter
native"
According to this proposition, Mrs. L.
purchased the cloak, and in due time il ap-
peared, and. with Della, probably the observ-
ed of all observers. This wa qualification
enough for Mrs. l.. and her daughter
What if Mr.. l.. did fail within few weeks
of this time and his creditors were obliged |
to take one half of their dues, What If as
founding disclosure were made on change,
or what if Mr.. l.. did exile himself to for
eign land, from justice and domestic discordl 2
What if Mrs. l.. was obliged to live upon tho |
charity of her sisters-and her daughter to
help about the household affairs, and wear
her cousins cast-off clothes--and finally to
marry miserable fellow. without principal
or propertyl
Happy would it be. if many beautiful
daughter and fashionable mother could but
enter into the vulgar but necessary labor of
casting up the cost of the velvet cloak!