True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-11-18
z. Raglan, Editor and Proprietor.

HOW S16 n6V6T Ht6ueu duJ LhthS Hdh oo
bad as that hat. The mere possibility OF
a refusal made the coveted object seem
more beautiful, more to be desired, and
her old one more detestable. and she felt
impelled to coax little; so resting her
arm upon his shoulder, she toyed fondly
with his glossy curls, and in her soft win
ming voice said:-
"You will get it for me, won't you
Charles /! Only nine dollars, you know"
"No, | can't" he replied haven't
nine dollars to spare and besides, | think
the one you have, is good enough"
Helen transferred her hand from her
husbands forehead to her lap, and looked
into his face ; it was grave and decided,
almost. stern. He had never spoken to
her in tones so near a kin TO harshness,
and they no W fell with chilling weight
upon her heart, and tears gathered in her
eyes. She sat in silence few moments,
expecting he would relent,o or al least speak
tenderly to her, Even a kiss, or pity
ing look, would repay the loss of the hat;
but they came not, and calling little
pride to her aid, she choked back her
emotion, and seating herself by her work
stand resumed her stitching.
That evening was very long one
Helen set an incredible number of stitch
es. Charles sat in silence for some time
then took up the paper and commenced
reading aloud as was his wont but Hell
en- thought she had never heard his voice
sound so harshly, or had never known
the True Flag to contain anything sc
dry.
The morning meal was partaken of ii
unusual silence, and Charles went to hi
shop without once adverting 10 the sub
ject of the last nights conversation. Sh'
felt grieved, and injured, that he shoult
be so unmindful of her feelings.
Mrs. Price called, as she had agreed
to accompany her friend to Mrs. Hoods
But | can't 60 with you," said Hell
en-; Charles thinks he cannot afford 10 ge
that hat"
ooh, that is too bad !" exclaimed AL
ice. and think Charles is to blame
Afford it! He wouldn't feel il at thu
end Of the year. 1 wish he could SEE
mine; he would change his mind | an
sure. George is delighted with it. H
said he would rather have paid twice tha
sum. than have me wear my old one.'
Helen bit her lips, then replied:-
81 should like the hat very much, bn
I suppose | must do without it," but ad
ding men,ally,a ,as she looked at her friend
I" il is too bad thought"
! Alice soon hurried away, for she had
"world of shopping TO do," she said, an
Helen went about her domestic occupa
tions.
The week wore away, and the Sabbat
came; they both went to church-so di
! Mr.. and Mrs. Price. They sat righ! j
| front of Charles and Helen, and as Alic
turned her pretty head and bowed t
them, Helen thought, "Charles will Sc
= Alice's new bonnet, now, ard he certain
ly will relent, and be sorry that he di
no. get me one like it, or at least CON
mend my economy in wearing my ol
2 one."
( But Charles didn't do any such thinl
D or at least he didn't say SO; and Hele
t with the true grit of woman, did NJ
d speak of it herself.
Henceforth, the light of Helen's eye
t. were little less soft, and her lips ASST
e med the habit Of slightly comprising
? times. With this exception, matters
S all external appearance, went on as her
/ tofore, until the next autumn. One eve
y ing as they were sitting together, Hele
;, said to her husband - r.
d ~ think must have new set Of fu
!. this winter. l saw some beautiful ON
i. to-day at Ermine's new, cheap fur stor
: for fifteen dollars"
J. 81 thought you had got your whit
outfit completed" said Charles. "Yc
d have been getting this long time"
= 81 thought so too," said Helen, "b
d really, my old furs are not suitable
r wear with my new mantilla. They loc
f very diminulive by the side Of those ne
n ones"
e Charles remained silent, and Hell
e continued she did not smooth his CLOS
r. hair, she did not look lovingly into h
face, nor speak in soft pleading voic
d as she once did. No; she sat ereC
p and spoke in a clear, business like tone
y "Alice has got new set, and as o
ct hats and mantillas are alike, I shou
% like furs like hers"
cannot afford it," replied Charlie
N ~ should think" said Helen, lit
N spirited, "that you could afford il
well as they can. George is doing
!! better business than you are, and the
8, family is much mole expensive tn
ours"
ID "I don't know anythipg about George
ID AFFAIRS" Charles replied. But l
W know that I cannot afford it. So dol
" say anything more about it."
/ All Charles |! Charles take back tho
cold harsh words. Know ye not tn
SOW the seeds of disease, which shall re
Or out confidence in each other.