Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-05-01
TALE FOR THE TIMES.

The January sun streamed cheerfully in a.
cross the crimson carpet of the snug little room
the fire glowed redy in the CRATE. and the
canary, whose cage hung in the window, trill-
cd and warbled as joy yously as if he was in the
land of cinnamon and spice cloves. instead of
the cline of snow and wind. And Mr.. Wayne,
as he buttoned up his overcoat and fitting on
his gloves, preparatory to facing the keen out
er air, glancing round, very much as though
he would prefer staying with the fire and the
canary bird.
just as he resolutely put on his fur cap, the
doer opened and his wife came in-one of
those bright-eyed rosy-cheeked little woman,
whom it is very easy to spoil, and very diff
cult to control. The crimson merino dress
she wore was the prettiest possible contrast to
her peach blossom cheeks, and the white lace
frils at her throat and wrists were more be-
cou'ming than the costliest French embroidery
could have been, while her tiny black silk a.
porn. all ruf1lcs and lace, and coquettish pOck
cts, might have been worn for use, but certain
ly, had rather an ornamental effect
care you off already, Charlie 20
Mr. Wayne nodded. ssTo be sure, puss.
These are times when man can't watch his
business tco closely"
s.Before you go, want some money" said
the lady, reaching up to arrange her hus-
bands cravat, with rather conscience-strick-
en- look.
"Mrs Arnold wishes me to go shopping with
her.''
"But you don't need to buy anything"
'I know that,'' said Mrs. Wayne pettishly.
"but | want little money, nevertheless, not
10 spend, but to carry. What would Mrs.
Arnold think if went shopping with an emp
ty purse !''
Mr.. Wayne whistled ominousy, and then
shook his head, as he sounded the depths of
bis pocket
Il haven't any thing but fifty dollar bill,
Matlier'
al will take that, sir I" said Mrs Wayne, de-
murely.
Hold on, thought shall need that for
rent, next week.
privilege of carrying it to-day. Don't be so
provoking, Charles-one would think was
child"
'sAnd you are, in all esseutials.'' said Mr..
Wayne, placing the bank-note in her extend
ed palm, and giving her playful kiss as he
took his departure.
"If you please, ma am, Mrs. Arnold is wait
ing," said a servant, thrusting her round red
face through the open door.
''Tell her I'll be down in one moment.''
Matte Wayne turned the bill from side to
side, and looked thoughtfully at it. Had she
not better place temptation out of her reach,
and leave it at home q
next reflection, and Mrs. Wayne placed it in
her portemOnaie, and ran up stairs to dress.
SITS a great bargain, ma'am," said the
shopman, stroking down the rich folds of the
Cashmere shawl as it hung from the shoulders
Of the lay figure.
"Take it Matte! 1 never saw anything so
cheap whispered Mrs. Arnold.
"But really do not need it at present.
hesitated Mrs. Wayne.
"You can lay it aside until you do ma 'am -
persisted the clerk ssThat is the great advan-
age Of these gOods-they never go out of
fashion. Think of it-a shawl like this for
twenty dollarsl You won't have another
such chance for ten years."
SHOW 1 wish had not bought that India
wrapper Of mine," said Mrs. Arnold, "I GER
sainiy would have preferred this"
- VIII take it, said Mrs. Wayne laying
Town her solitary note, and silencing her con-
.l0,eHce with the observation-disclosures can't
"c'I seeing now cheap it isl
Matte, do look at these silks?' exclaimed
11rolher lady, who had just recognized Mrs.
"ayne, "dtd you ever see anything with such
,,s'fe nus, and so cheap:''
mrs Wayne's eyes sparkled with true femi
n, tHne rapture, as she glanced at the shining
' ,Oius' and IRON that moment she was lost
ssohan, as far as the change from the fifty |
Oar Oil went! Is il fair to blame her ? |
et those who cast the first stone who do not |
Ano" how strong is the influence of crowded |
-.iporiums, cheap goods, and advising friends, |
"nose own wealth makes them inconsiderate |
VI ',t,. .neir neghbors less lengthy purses.
nat makes you look SO grave, Matte =" |
N'n1a ''S Mrs. Arnold on their way home.
op, p,d look grave? I was only thinking! !''
my enly thinking-only recalling the folly and
on,. sgauce of which she had been guilty
- 'eehng for the first times the bitter sting |
iemorse. What roud Charles say 1t |