The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-03-22
The Sober Second Thought.
ny T. 8. ARTHUR.

II must have il, Charles" said the
handsome little wife Of Mr. Whitman
$50, don't put on that sober face"
"Oid | pu, on sober face 2" asked
the husband. with an attempt TO smile
that was anything but success
"les, sober as a man on trial for his
life. Why, it's as long as the moral law. :
There, dear, clear il up, and look as il
you had at least one friend in the world
What money-!ovcrs you men are,'
"How much will it cost ?" inquired
Mr.. Whitman with anorhcr effort too look
cheerful and acquiescent.
"About forty dollars" was answered.
with jus! little faltering in the lady's
voice. for she knew the amount would
sound exravagant.
Forty dollars Why, Ada. 90 you
think l AM made Of money :" Mr.. Whit
mans countenance underwent remark
able change Of expression.
IL declare, Charles" said his wife, a
little impatiently, you look at me as il !
were an object OF fear, instead OF affection.
| don't think this is kind Of you, I've only
had ;hree silk dresses since we were mar
ried. Amy Blight has had six or seven
during the same period, and every one OF
hers cost moro than mine. know you
think me exravagant, but wish you had
vie like scme women could name.
rather think you'd find out the difference
before long"
There. ret, don't talk to me after This
fashion; III bring you the money at din
ner time, that ;s, if"
mo IFS or butts il you please. The sen
tenee is complete without them. Thank
you, dear, III 60 this afternoon and buy
the silk. So don't forget to bring the
money. l was in at Silkskin's yesterday,
and sew one Of the sweetest patterns
ever laid eyes on. Just suits my style
and com plexion. shall be inconsolable
il it is gone. You won't dissppont me %
And Mrs. Whitman laid her soft white
hand on the arm OF her husband, and
smiled with sweet persuasion in his face
"O,no,you shall have the money" said
Mr.. Whitman, turning off from his wife
as she thought little abruptly, and hur
rying from her presence. In his precipi
tat;on, he had forgotten the usual morning
kiss
That's the way il is always " sale
Mrs. Whitman, her whole manner chang
ing as the sound Of the closing street dool
came iarring upon her ear. "Just say
money 10 Charles, and at once there is d
cloud in the sky"
She sa, down. pouting and half angry
"Forty dollars for new dress - men
tally circulated the husband of vain
pretty. thoughtles Mrs. Whitman, as he
shut the door after him. IL promised tc
settle Thompson's coal bill 10 day-thir,y
three dollars-but dou't know where the
money is to.come from. The coal is burnt
up, and more must be ordered. o, dear
I'm discouraged. Every year fall be
hind. This winter l did hope TO &c, n
lille in advance. bat if forty dollar silk
dresses are 10 be the order OF the day,
there's an end 10 that devoutiy TO be
wished for circumstance. Debit debt
how have always shrunk from it ! But
steadily now il is closing its Briaresn
arms around me and my constructing chest
labors in respiration. o. il l could but
disentangle myself now, while I have the
strength Of early manhood, and the bonds
that hold me are weak. II Ada could
see as see-if could only make her
understand rightly my position. Alas,
that is hopeless, fear" H.....
And Mr.. Whitman hurried his steps be
cause his heart beat quicker, and his
thoughts we're unduiy excited.
No! a long time after Mr.. Whitman
left home. the city postmaster delivered a
letter to his address. His wife examined
the writing on the envelope. which was in
bold, masculine hand, and said to her
self as she did so->sS
Il wonder who this can be from ?"
Something more than curiosity moved
her. There intruded on her mind a vague
feeling Of disquiet, as il the missive bore
unpleasant news 10 her husband. The
stamp showed il TO be a city letter. A
few times, Of late, such letters had come tc
his address, and she had noticed that he
read them hurriedly. thrust them without
remark into his pocket, and became silen
and sobcr-faced.
Mrs. Whitman turned the letter ovel
and over again in her hand. in thought
ful way, and as she did SO, the image o
her husband. sober faced and silent as ht
had become for most Of the time OF late
pre- ,ented itself with unusual viyiduess.--
Sympathy stole into her heart.