The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-03-21
Sober Second Thought.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

81 must have it, Charles" said the
handsome little wife of Mr.. Whitman.
$50 don't put OH that sober face"
"Did | put on sober face p" asked
the husband, with an attempt to smile
that was anything but success.
eyes, sober as man on trial for his
life. Why, it's as long as the moral
law. There, dear, clear it up, and look
as if you had at least one friend in the
world. What money-lovers you men
are"
"How much will it cost?" inquired
Mr.. Whitman. There was another eff
fort to look cheerful and acquiescent.
"About forty dollars" was answered,
with just a little faltering in the lady's
voice, for she knew the sum would
sound extravagant.
"Forty dollars {! Why, Ada, do you
think 1 am made of money ?" Mr..
Whitman's countenance underwent a
remarkable change of expression.
81 declare, Charles" said his wife, a
little impatiently, "you look at me as if
l were an object of fear instead of af-
fection.. / don't think this is kind of
you. I've only had three silk dresses
since we were married, while Amy
Bright has had six or seven during the
same period, and every one of hers. cost
more than mine. know you think me
extravagant, but l wish you had wife
like some / could name. / rather think
you'd find out the difference before
long,"
"There, there, pet, don't talk to me
after this fashion I'll bring you the
money at dinner time, that is, if"
"No ifs nor butts, if you please. The
sentence is complete without them.
Thank you, dear! I'll 60 this after
noon and buy the silk. So don't fail
to bring the money. / was in at Silk.
skins yesterday, and saw one of the
sweetest patterns / ever laid my eyes
on. Just suits my style and complex
ion. / shall be inconsolable if its gone.
You won't disappoint me ?"
And Mrs. Whitman laid her soft,
white hand on the arm of her husband,
and smiled with sweet persuasion in
his face.
go, no. You shall have the money"
said Mr.. Whitman, turning off from
his wife, as she thought little abrupt
ly, and hurrying from her presence. In
his precipitation, he had forgotten the
usual parting kiss.
"That's the way it is alwaysr' said
Mrs. Whitman, her whole manner
changing, as the sound of the closing
street door came jarring upon her ears.
"Just say money to Charles, and at
once there is cloud in the sky.''
She sat down, pouting and half angry.
"Forty dollars for new dress !''
mentally calculated the husband OF
vain, pretty, thoughtless Mrs. Whit
man, as he shut the door after him.
81 promised to settle Thompson's coal
bill to-day--thirty-three dollars-but
don't know where the money is to come
from. The coal is burnt up, and more
must be ordered. o, dear! Pm dis
couraged. Every year 1 fall behind.
This winter l did hope to get little
in advance, but if forty-dollar silk
dresses are to be the order of the day,
there's an end to that devoutly to be
wished for circumstance. Debt
debt! How / have always shrunk
from it; but steadily now it is closing
its .Briarian arms around me, and my
constructing chest labors in respiration.
Oh, if l could but disentangle myself
now, while / have the strength of early
manhood, and the bonds that hold me
are weak. If Ada could see as l see
if | could only make her understand
rightly my position. Alas! that is
hopeless, 1 fear"
And Mr.. Whitman hurried bis steps,
because his heart beat quicker, and his
Thought was unduly excited.