Litchfield enquirer., 1861-03-14

of thinking for her little brain.i She saw, the moment he entered, that the morning cloud had not passed from his brow.
 sHere is the money for that new dress he said, taking a small roll of bills from his vest pocket, and handing them to Ada, as he came in He did not kiss her, nor smile in the old bright way. But his voice was calm, If not cheerful A kiss and smile just then would have been more precious to the young wife than ahundred silk dresses. She took the money, saying -
 Thank you, dear! It is kind of you to re- gard my wishes ...
 Something in Ada's voice and manner caused MT. Whitman to lift his eyes, with look of in jury, to her face But she turned aside, so that he could not read its expression.
 He was graver and more silent than usual, and eat with scarcely an appearance of appetite.
 Come home early, dear,' said Mrs. Whitman as she walked to the door with her husband, af ter dinner
 Are you impatient to have me admire youl new silk dress 9 he replied, with faint effort to smile.
 Yes. It will be something splendid,' she an swered.
 He turned from her quickly and left the house. A few moments she stood, with a thoughtful face, her mind indrawn, and her whole manner completely changed. Then sl}e went to her room and commenced dressing to go out.
 Two hours later and we find her in jewelry store on Broadway
 Can say word to you?' She addressed the owner of the store, " ho knew her very we'll
 Certainly he replied and they moved to the lower end of the long show cases.
 Mrs. Whitman drew from her pocket lady's watch and chain, and laying them on the show case, at the same time holding out the bill she had taken from the envelope, addressed to hel husband
 I cannot afford to wear this watch; my hus bands circumstances are too limited. 1 tel you so frankly. It should never have been purchas ed, but too indulgent husband yielded to the opportunities of foolish young wife. l say this to take blame from him. Now, sir, meet the case if you can do so in fairness to yourself Take back the watch, and say how much shal pay you besides
 The jeweller dropped his eyes to think. The case took him little by surprise. He stood fol nearly minute then taking the bill and watch lie sad :--
 Wait moment and went to desk near by.
 Will that do?' He had come forward again and now presented her with the receiptcd bill His face wore pleasant expression.
 How much shall l pay your asked Mrs Whitman drawing out her pocket-book.
 = Nothing. The watch is not defaced.'
 GU have done very kind act said Mrs Whitman, with feeling trembling along hel voice. I hope you will not think unfavorably of my husband. It's no fault of his that the
 Mrs. Wildman drew her veil over her face and went, with light steps, and light heart from the store. I lie pleasure she had experienced on receiving her watch was not to be compared with that now felt in parting with it. From the jewellers she went to the boot makers. and paid the bill of twenty five dollars /; from thence to the miliners, and settled for her last bonnet
 know your dying to see my new dress, said Mrs. Whitman, gaily, as she drew her arm within that of her husband, on his appearance that evening. Come over to our bedroom, and let me show it. Come along! Don't hang back Charles, as if you were afraid
 Charles Whiteman went with his wife pas sively, looking more like man on his way to receive sentence, than in expectation of pleas ant sight. His thoughts were bitter.
 Shall my Ada become lost to me- he said il his heart lost to me in world of folly, fash ion and eXtravagance?'
 Sit down, Charles She led him to large cushioned chair. Her manner had undergone a change. The brightness of her countenance
 
 way, from drawer, and catching up footstool placed it on the floor near him, and sitting down leaned upon him, and looking tenderly and lov. ingly into his face. Then she handed him the jewellers bill.
 It is recepted you sse.' Her voice Auttered a little.
 Ada? how is this What does it mean :? He flushed and grew eager.
 l returned the watch, and Mr. R. receipt. ed the bill. I would have paid for damage, but he said it was uninjured, and asked nothing.'
 'Oh, Adar
 And this is receipted also and this,' hand ing the other bills which she had paid. And now, dear,' she added quickly, how do you like my dress? Isn't it beautifully
 We leave the explanations and the scene that followed to the readers imagination. If any fair lady, however, who, like Ada, has been drawing too heavily on her husbands slender income, for silks and jewels, is at loss to real life. Costly silks and jewels may be very pleas ant things, but they are too dearly bought when they come at the price of husbands embar- rassment, mental disquietude or alienation. Too often the gay young wife wears them as the signs of these unhappy conditions Tranquil hearts and sunny homes are precious things too precious to be burdened and clouded by weak vanity and love of show Keep this in mind, oh, ye fair ones, who have husbands in moderate circumstances. Do not let your pride and pleasure oppress them. Rich clothing, cost ly faces and gems are poor substitutes for smi. ling peace and hearts unshadowed by care. Take the lesson and live by it, rather than offer anoth CT illustration, in your own experience, of the folly are trying to expose and rebuke.