Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1861-02-26
THE FIFTY DOLLAR BILL
BY MRS. GEORGE WASHINGTON wrLLxS

rOom-tbe nre gioweG rediy in the grntfs
and the canary. whose cage hung in the
window, trilled as joyously as If he were p
the land of cinnamon and spice groves. IN
stead of the CLINE Of snow and wind. And
Mr.. Wayne, as he buttoned up his overeoat
and fitted on his gloves, preparatory %
facing the keen outer air, glanced around,
very much as though he would prefer stay
ing with the fire and the canary bird
just as he resolutely put on his fur c2p,
the door opened, and his wife came inv1 u.
Of those bright-eyed, rosy checked
women, whom it is very easy to spq& q
very difficult to manage. The criufs ION ODD
rino dress she wore was The pretvest %
sible contrast TO her peach blossom "a
cheeks, and the white lace frifls at her
throat and wrists were more becoming th:sn.
the costliest French embroidery could hassH
been, While her tiny black silk apron, all
rufies and laees. and ccauettish pockets.
might have been worn for use, but certainly
had rather an ornamental effect.
Are you off already, Charlie ?"
Mr.. Wayne nodded ITO be sure puss.
These are times when q man cannot watch
his business too closely" 'a
" Before you go, want some money"
said the lady, reaching up to arrange her
husbands cravat, with rather a conscience
stricken look.
Money What for ?"
Mrs. Arnold wishes me to go shopping
with her."
" But You don't need to buy anything"
e. know that" said Mrs. Wayne, pet
tishly. but want litt'e money never
theless-not to spend, but to carry What
would Mrs. Arnold think if went shop
ping with an empty purse ?" .....
Mr.. Wayne whistled ominously, and
shock his head, as he sounded the depths
Of his pocket.
I" / bavn't anything but fifty dollar bill,
Matte" 800
81 will take that, SIR" said Mrs. Wayne
demurely.
Hold on, though, l shall need that for
rent next week"
:" Well, you may have it, ouly want the
privilege of carrying it to day. Don't be
50 provoking Charles-one would think l
was child" -.....
And so you are in all essentials" said
Mr.. Wayne, placing the hank note in her
extended palm, and giving her playful
kiss as he took his departure
eff you please, ma am, Mrs Arnold is
waiting" said a servant, thrusting her lace
through the open door.
Tell her / will be down in one mo-
ment"
Matte Wayne turned the bill from side
to side, and looked thoughtfully at it. Had
she not better place temptation out IF her
reach and leave it at home?
Nonsense, shall not spend it," was
the next reflection, and Mrs. Wayne placed
1t In her pert monnaie, and ran up stairs to
dress.
It's great bargain, madam" said the
shopmau, strokiDg down the rich folds of
the cashmere shawl, as it hung from the
shoulders of the lay figure.
Take it, Matte. Inever saw anything
so cheap" whispered Mrs Arnold.
q But really do not need it ut present"
hesitated Mrs. Wayne.
You can lay it aside until you do,
ma'am." persisted the clerk. ''Thi. is
the great advantage of these geods-they
never go out Of fashion. Think of it-a
shawl like this for twenty dollars. You
won't have another such chance for ten
years"
How | wish had not bought that In
dia wrapper OF mine-I certainly would
have preferred this" said Mrs. Arnold.
will take it," said Mrs. Wayne, Law
ing down her solitary note, and silencn =
her conscience with the reflection:
Charlie can't help seeing how cheap it
is"
Matte, do look at these silks" ex-
claimed another lady, who had just recng-
nIzed Mrs. Wayne. Did you ever see
anything with such lustre-and so
cheap" ..
Mrs. WayncS eyes srarkled with true
feminine rapture as she glanced at the
shining folds, and from that moment she
was lost woman, as far as the change oil
the fifty dollar note was concerned.
Is it fair to blame her? Let those cast
the first stone who do not know how strong
is the influence of crowded emporiums
cheap goods, and advising friends whose
own wealth makes them inconsiderate Of
their neighbors' less lengthy purses.
What makes you look so grave, Mat
| ?" asked Mrs. Arnold, on their way
home.
Did l look grave? / was only think
| ing"
Only thinking-only recalling the folly
and extravaganza of which she had been
guilty; feeling for the first time the sting.
! of remorse. rs.-- -.
What would Charles say?
1t was late when he came home, anC
| Matte had not the courage to make he
confession at once.
GLOW is the business world to-day
CbaTles?" she asked.
He shook his head "Matters are look
ing very badly-we business men neet
every cent, we can rake and scrape togeth
err. And, by the way, Matte. / am it'll
sorry you went shopping to day. Severa
men who have advanced me money thin
am able to pay at once, when they hav
seen you looking at expensive goods dow
town. OF course knew you were onl,
looking, for
Mattie's face was scarlet.
81 have spent the money you gave me
Charles hut"
His Look of amazement-almnst horro
checked her for moment, bot she wen
on presently, and related the whole story
Can you pardon my folly?" che aske
tearfully. ~
lie rose, and walked once or twice acros
the floor, with disturbed AIR.
81 shall have to d. what never did be
f8fe-ask the landlord 70 wait a month 60
his rent" he said with an air of grave IN
noyance.
'Oh, Charles if bad only left thu
money at home" faltered Mrs Wayne
Matte" said her husband, settin
down beside her, and taking the little han
that trembled so violently, 81 Thought
would be so, when you wanted the none
this morning, just to make show. Neve
be ashamed of an empty purse, when 70
have no need for a full one. This is a har
lesson for you, but shall nor think th
fifty dollars thrown away, if it teaches ys
prudence. Hereafter, let Us never allud
TO it again" yes-.
81 shall not forget it, Charles sai
Matte, her bright eyes shining. throug
mist, like rainbow. -ss.- ~.
She did not-and the fifty dollars wa
the best investment Charles Wayne eve
made. ag.;-s. ~. - /.