True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-11-18
9 Storg for Qibes,
THE LAST SECRET.
BY PRUDENCE PRlM.

BY PRUDENCE PRlM.
Helen Stohg was sitting alone one al
ternoon, in the early part Of December.
The wind was blowing chill and drear
without, which caused the glowing Goals
to emit more greatful warmth within,
and the cosey ii,,le parlor looked more
bright and cheerful, in contrast with the
dark clouds, which we're hurrying to and
fro, as if making preparations for heavy
storm.
There were no cloudsupon Mrs. Strong's
brow, and the peaceful smile which wrea-
thed her pretty mouth, and the light
which beamed in her bright eyes, showed
that no storm was gathering in her heart.
No; very peaceful were her thoug hts
that afternoon, as she sat there stitching
upon the slippers which were to encase
her husband S feet, and she had just come
to the conclusion that he was the best
husband ir. the world, and that it was not
possible for woman to be happier than
she was, when the ringing of the door
bell reused her from her reverie.
She hastened to the door, and found
that her visitor was her old friend. Mrs.
Price, who had been her playmate in
childhood, her school companion in later
years, and, since their marriage, which
took place about the same time, two years
before, her most intimate acquaintance.
"Oh Alice" said Mrs. Strong, after
the first greetings were over, "what a
splendid new hat you have!. Do let me
look at it! Where did you get it :"
"Isn't it beauty p said Mrs. Price,
as she took off the hat and held it out for
her friends inspection. IL have just
got it, and come this way to show it to
YOU. So cheap too-only nine dollars y
"Cheap. indeed ~ replied Helen.-
"Such rich plume! Where did you
get it :"
cat Mrs. Hoods. She has another
lust like it, and want you 10 have it,
I told her to lay it aside, until tomorrow
for thought you would get it, Put i
on"
"How kind of you! But did no,
intend to get any new hat this winter.
she said placing the dainty thing on hel
head. "I have just had the one I'wort
last winter, fixed up, and it looks very
WELL"
"Nonsense! I hope you don't thinl
Of wearing that old thing all winter, wher
YOU can get such beauty as this for nin'
dollars--and so becoming, tool" said AL
ice, leading her friend to the mirror.
Helen looked silently into the mirror
thinking it was indeed becoming; thel
taking i, off, she gazed Iongingly upo'
its softly waving plume and quiverinI
pendants, as she moved it gently. to AM
fro in her hand.
"You will get it, won't you :" salt
her friend, as she watched Helen's long
ing look.
IL don't know" she replied doubtfully
still gazing upon the hat; 81 should lik
it dearly, but can't bear to say anythin
TO Charles about it. know he'll thin
Ills foolish, aud, besides, he has got t
make payment on our lot in shoi
time, and I am afraid he cannot affor
it,"
owe shall have to make paymer
too on the first of January, and Georg
says he does not know where the none
is coming from; but he wants me to dres
alittle like folks, so mean 10 gel what
need, and not trouble myself about none
matters. George will fix 1t up somehow
know" And the little woman fixe
the little hat upon her head and continued
"Now tell Charles, that he must get th'
bonnet for you. l will call here to'mol
row morning, and go with You to Mr.
Hoods.
When Mrs. Strong bade her frien
goodbye, her voice was little less JOY
0us than when she first received her an
when she sat down to her stitching, he
face was shade sadder, and The light
her eyes a little less bright, than whe
she sat there an hour before. Yet st
was not unhappy; but that hat-if st
could only have that she should certain
Iy be the happiest woman in the world
In the evening as Charles was seate
upon the sofa, which was wheeled y
before the fire. HelenNsea'ed herself /
his side, and timidly broached the su6je
which lay nearest her heart" that lo'
ofa hat"
Charles heard what she had to say
praise of the desired article, and tht
said -
We'll, what do you. want Of it. Hele
You certainly cannot wear two bonnet
and you have good one now"
" But really, Charles" she answer
persuasively. /" that looks quite rusty al
old. fashioned, by the side Of Alice's ne
one, and / am ashamed to wear it al
longer. l wish you could see hers ,
know you would admire it." y
every likely" said Charles dryly,
Helen lad never teased her husband