Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1851-01-13


nocent prattlei were his chief source OF com
. fort, and taking his hat and cane prepared
to go out to bis usual task. There was Z
look Of anxiety on his brow and Sigh
compression ofhis lips as he cast hasty
glance at his wife, who appeared TO hav.
arrayed herself for promenade, and nuN
stood before g ass smoothing her hair.
SWAT emoment,' Edward said she
and taking purse from a. drawer she ex
anrined its contents II am going ou
shopping this morning. and have not hall
money enough to make my purchases
YOU must give me some, for have quite a
number of articles to buy af.alst1
Something like look of defiance passed
across the brow of the husband as he lis
tened to this sudden DENT and but be smoth.
cred his feeling of rebellion, aud in sub.
dued tone asked, isaa0-e tas...
"Wbat have yen to buy p ia ,Lss-,.es.
80! l am going to get me new dress, y
said she in careless tone, syou know that
beautiful cashmere gwhieh lane Roberts
wears; think L will get one like that, it is
SO pretty. and l may as well get the baby
a frock while am about it; aud | must
get some new ornament for my neck, tco,
am tired of this gold chain, and think a
string OF CO al beads would be much more
becoming they are quite fashionable now.
And there's that silver comb you gave me
"a year ago; it is getting quite out Of date
and | must have new shell one they are
more genteel-Let me see-with what
havegot think can manage with twelve
dollars to-day. -a-.r 81, ...sg..e-.-.
Z During this rapid enunciation Of intend
ed purchases, Edward had stood with his
eyes cast down, and his cheek bIanched
with emotion. He had hitherto never re.
fused his wife in her demands upon his
purse, however unreasonable they might be !;
for, possessed Of kind and afectio ma te
heart, he shrunk from discord as from the
deadIiest iIlsof life. But suddenly new
spirit possessed him, and raising bis head
he betrayed q flushed cheek, as he. hastily
stepped to her side, and stood with her
confronting the glass. saass ezassaa.5 -.-t
ss sEilen,' said helm clear decided tone
of voice, (which should dress the better, a
ma i or his wife.
sNeit4sr, to be sure;' replied she,regard-
ing him with look OF unfeignsd asfonish-
ment; sthey should both appear alike in.
that respect" &rg# ss ,5s. - 81 8.
- 3And whois dressed the better now p
said he glancing at his elolhes, which were
bis best, and tIoughof good materials worn
and thread-bare, then at her rich velvet
shawlsand satin dress-"wheis dressed the.
better now, pray?" aac- asi1asz=r7 ~.
: sand whose fault is it that you do not
dress better?' said she in an ironical tone
of soice, in whose chords not the least blend
ing Of kiudness could be detected. sIf you
do not choose to dress better, I'm sure
can't help it. did not marry lou to dress
you, but expected to be decenily dressed
myself without all this fuss. You owe
me fifteen dollars now!"
Sheldon turned his dark penetrating eye
upon the face Of his wife, aud gazed till her
own sank beneath his look, and blush OF
shame crimsoned her cheek. i-.>t 81
Il owe y"u. do II" said he at length
with heavy sigh, as he threw himself into
an armchair. and resting his head against
The back, seemed for a moment lost in
thought. Yes, Ellen, did stipulate to
give you hundred dollars year for your
personal expenses, eighteen months ago.
but thsn business was far better than
it now is, and our expenses we less Then
| was free from debt and comparatively
happy: now, let me toll as may, cannot
meet our accumulated bills from week to
week. Look at mel have not spent ten
dollars fer clothing the last year. aud pre-
fer now to appear in this shabby sui rath-
er than leave my creditors unpaid, while
you insist On the pay ment of the whole sum
l have promised. Our last three months
board is unsettled, and Ills but few days
since you warned ne that our washerwo-
mans bill had run up to fifteen dollars.
You might, Ellen" he continued, and his
voice grew husky with emotion as be rap
idly proceeded; @you might aid me in this
struggle. Our expenses might be imme-
diately curtailed one-hslf if you would con-
sent tu keep house and do our work; /,
could hire sufficient room for us TO live COM
fortably at moderate rate, and by frugal
ity and industry on our part, we might yet
be prosperous and happy" s.
- While speaking, Sheldon had drawn his
chair towards his wife, and taking her deli
cate hand in his, with that kindness aud
gentleness Of manner, which was his Gus
tom when unreproached by GOODNESS or Sc
verify. Now tear filled his eye, which
be hastily brushed away as unmanly; but
his lips quivered with emotion as he finish
ed his appeal. H.. - ~-
! know not bow woman's heart could re-
sist language like that, uttered as it was
with that indescribable eafnestness of man
ner which comes from an overburdened
heart But Ellen.s heart and temper were,
if not spoiled by seli-indulgence, soured and
She drew back coIdly and with
an angry gesture, which repelled all the
warm feelings that were ebbing from the
heart of the husba I'D, petulantly replied,
Il can't help it, you know can't work,
/ don't know how; besides, am sure it is
enough for one to take care Of baby; and
as for dressing less, you can do as you
please. hut / don't intend to appear more
meanly clad than at present. Come, am
in a hurry, will .you give me the money!"