The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-04-12

from her paternal home. He had for
gotten to speak of it before, but instantly
it occurred to him when his wife limited
at new bonnet. He knew his notes in
bank would require all the money he
could command fer that week.
The wife read the letter hastily; and
perplexity to the husband it was from a
younger sister, and nearly ali about fash
ions and feunces, furbelows and laces,
beaux and amusements. A new bonnet
was described; the wife read the deserip-
ton, and added graphic picture of the
very pretty bonnet Mrs. P. had worn.
The merchant was compelled to con-
slider the bonnet question, and he told
his wife he thought he might arrange his
affairs so he and she could 60 with Mrs. P.
and her folks to the theatre.
Christmas came, and it cost Mr.. Farley
fair round sum. He was in fever to
re.rench, but how could he without let
ting his wife know that his affairs were
much embarrassed and surely some of
his friends would assist him if he should
not be able, out of his ewn resources, to
meet his pecuniary engagements. He
must make his wife some kind Of New
Years present, and 1t might as well be a
new bonnet, to exhibit first on that event
full day, and then Worn to Mrs. Z. IS in the
evening, to be left for inspection, while
the ladies went, with wells on their heads,
to see the pretty New Year piece which
was to be played at the theatre. Of this
the pretty wife was duly advised, and her
generous heart swelled with gratitude
not pride Her husband was the kind
est, best man in the world
On the last day of December heavy
note against Mr.. Farley fell DUE He
had not the money to meet it. He went
up street and down street to borrow
he tried friend after friend, but money
was very "tigbt." The hour for closing
the bank was drawing near; the mer-
chant was in deep perplextty-how many
times he thought Of old sayings about
fair weather friends; but bitter thoughts
would not pay his note.
He sat down and wrote in his memo
randum book the names of such friends
as he had not called upon, who, he was
certain, might help him if they would
He went to one and another with heavy
heart. He vas not cordially received
One had been disappointed, money prom.
ised him had not come-a second was
very g short . that day-a third had JUS
paid his last five dollars on little ac
Icount, several heavy bills had been me-
that day. Al length the harrassed naer-
chant became discouraged, and to usurel
be went, determined, ut some rate, to have
the money he needed. The usurer knew
he hadea desperate man to deal with. ant
drove hard bargain. He took judg
ment note at twenty days, and Mr.. Earle,
had money enough to meet his obliga
tions and buy his wife new bonnet.
He went to bed that night with heav,
heart, but when in the morning his wit,
greeted him with a cordial &c Happy Ney
Year." his heart .cheered, and p gave hin
pleasure to- see how much JOY she woul'
have when the new bonnet and the ne,
dress, he had bought as New Year gift
were sent home. She did not say a wor,
abou presents but there was a peculia
twinkle ia her eye, and a hallknewin;
smile, half. f.expressed on her lips.
/ 1t was yet rather early for callers whe
the door bell rang. The wife was to
impatient to wait the slow motion of
servant, and she answered it Eherself !
little boy had caused its welcome tintir
nabulum, and he had a bandbox unde
his arm.
i A happier wife there was not in tn
} world. She bestowed upon her husban
, the fondest of caresses, and could opl
speak of him as a dear sweet man. II
:, forgot susurers and notes in bank, an
} went to the theatre, and saw every bod
admire his pretty wife in her new dres
? with such satisfaction as doting hu'
/, band can alone appreciate. The Ne
/ Year bonnet was "a little gem in th
: opinion of all Mrs P.'s folks, and tn,
5 added another large drop to the cup I
e joy. from which the young wife drank
n the fuliness of grateful love.
( One month in the new year had NJ
9 passed before she, drank from anoth'
: cup-a cup of bitterness. Her husban
was at home regularly, and when at hon
$ he was gloomy always-sometimes su
't len; he became haggard in his appea
: ance-he denied his wife any coniden,
in regard to what weighed upon him.
y She had no surmise of the true cause
a his depression of spirits, and she borro,
e ed grieveus trouble about it. The ne
3 dress afforded her no comfort now-sl
u had no JOY in her :" love of bonnet y
1t balls and concerts had no attractions
m the husband made show of Cheerful
o ness to the wife, and the wife smil,
3 family in return; but both recogniz
!; mutual deception, and the once hap
IS home became torment to its occupan
y The husband Stunned it, and the wi
81 wept in it.
" The note given to the usurer fell du
s, He would extend the time at the sal
az high rate of usury on which the mon
for it was given, and this bankrupt poll
+ was necessity of the merchants circu
le stances he dare not let his busins
IN creditors know that he was the victim
u, !" keen shave" and week after week
e. paid the usurer money, which, if inve
ed in his business, would have relieve
Ia while its loss created additional embs
g rassment.-. = =
Every day the load of care which
o. carried from the store to his home
creased the weight, and at last he becal
n, SO rnorose that his wifs's patience was
III ed beyond, endurance. She became