Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-11-17
MISCELLANEOUS.
MY PUNISHMENT.

Isn't it beautiful, 6edgc!"
"Wcl, its rather pretty" said, with a
half suppressed yawn.
Now, George" she said, Indignantly,
- that too Lad. Do be generous for once
Isn't it perfectly 1oeciy'"
We'll, suppose it is ifyou say SO, my
DEAR" and fleancd back in my chair and,
with closed eyes, placidly emitted dense vol
umc of smoke from my lips.
1t was six O'Clock in the evening, dinner
was over, and had subsidized into the COM
Portable tranquility of my dressing gown
sinners and cigar Alice had been out shop
ping that afternoon, as several plcthoric look
i,,u bundles on the sidc-tabc testified; and
now must witness aud share in the lnvcsti-
cation of their contents.
So listened while my wife commented on
the texture of the linen intended for the bosoms
of my new shirts. -..5.
She then produccds mysterious looking
package, which, divested of its paper cover
ing, proved to be very handsome black silk
dress pattern. She looked so pretty as she
stood before me.-the bright fire light shining
ON her sweet face-and it was all in glow ;
and she was enthusiastic in the praise of her
last purchase, which she was holding up be-
fore my unappreciating eyes. She was nat at
all satisfied with the limited praise bestowed
upon it. -t -... ..rr r.... ...-.
e '' How provoking you are George War
den, do YOU hear DO take that cigar out Of
your mouth, and come out of your smoke
clouds lit 10 while l never can get a word
out of you when you once get to smoking
How much do you suppose | gave for this
piece of silk Z" .. ,....-.7... ...l, ..
Mrs. Wardcn's husband opened his eyes and
declared he hadn't ,he slightest idea! how
should he know? Mrs. W., was well aware
that he knew little and cared less about the
pharaphernala of lady's toilet.
Only fifty dollars for the pattern-not q
cent more. It's well worth ffty-six; I've
saved That much anyhow. And it's so ricl
and thick it'll wear well, am sure. Now
don't you think it cheap" ot =
"EWell, rather = and | knocked the ashes
from the tip of my cigar and prepared to re-
sumo my train of thoughts, when her voice
aroused me again. . G.tl3a rd' ~ -rd
80. But it isn't paid for yet" she was saying
hesitatingly. ~" hadn't enough money Will
. inc, and was afraid if | waited till to-mor
row, should lose The chance and was SURF
YOU would not care-just this once )" she said
timidly, as if she wasn't sure would not carr
after all.
: sat upright-all right-all awake in
moment. Ii there is anything abhor, it il
the credit systcm-J mean where woman are
Positively the idea that my rife was going il
debt for things. and getting into the habit o
running up long bills at the dry-goods stores
was more than could bear. My prophets
eye saw in. the future vision of temptation
deception, anxiety, unhappncss, and per
haps, ruin--an resulting from those terribl
bills had labored SO bard to Impress on he
mind thisone lesson. Payas you CO." AN
the thought that she had disobeyed me on til
first temptation +nads-me vesy-wrathful. TIL
storm burst over her unconscious head.
Alice, is it possible ?Awhen have toll
you repeatedly never, under any eifcurn
stances, to get anything on credit, if you cal
possibly avoid it !? l must say"
g But, George, it is the first time ] ever di
so, and" 1e1. 4.a3 9ii .t.g
"It must be the last | hope I am not mig
gardly. am willing TO let you have all tn
money you need; but l will not consent I
your running up long bills at the stores.
could tell you how many men Of my acquain'
ance haye been ruined. by their wives doin