The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-06-19
THE SECOND THOUGHT
A Mirror for Young wives.

81 must have it, Charles" said the
handsome little wife of Mr.. Whitman
$50 don't put on that sober face"
"Did / put on sober face?" asked the
husband with an attempt to smile that
was anything but success.
"Yes; sober as man on trial for his
life. Why, it's as long as the moral law
There, dear, clear itup,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 effort to
look cheerful and acquiescent.
"About forty dollars" was answered,
with just little faltering in the lady
voice, for she knew the sum would sound
extravagant.
"Forty dollars2 Why, Ada, do you
think I am made of money!" Mr.. Whit
mans countenance underwear. refnarka-
bic change of expression.
81 declare, Charles" said his wife, a
little impatiently, "you look at me as il
l were an object of fear instead of affec-
tion. l don't think this is kind of you
I've only had three silk dresses since we
were married, while Amy Blight has had
six or seven during the same period, and
every one of hers cost more than mine.
I know you think me extravagant, but l
wish you had wife like some women
could name. rather think you'd find
cut the difference before long"
"There, there, pet, don't talk to me af-
ter this fashion. I'll bring the money at
dinner time, that is; if"
"No ifs or butts, if you please. The
sentence is complete without them. Thank
you, DEAR I'llgo this afternoon and buy
the silk. So don't fail to bring the mon
ey. was in at Silkskin's yesterday, and
saw one of the sweetest patterns ever
laid my eyes on. Just suits my style and
complexion. You won't disappeint me2'
And Mrs. Whitman laid her soft, white
hand on the arm of her husband, and
smiled with sweet persuasion in his face.
"0h, no. You shall have the money,
said Mr.. Whitman, turning off from his
wife, as she thoughta little abruptly, and
hurrying from her presence. In his pre-
cipitation,h he had forgotten the usual par
ting kiss.
"That's the way it is always!" said Mrs
Whitman, her whole manner changing, a;
the sound of the closing street door came
jarring upon her ears. "Just say money
to Charles, and at once there is cloud il
the sky
She sat down, pouting and half angry.
Forty dollars for new dress" ejacu
lated the husband of the vain, pretty
thoughtless Mrs. Whitman, as he shut
the door after him. 81 promised to set
| tie Thompson's coal bill to-day--thirty
three dollars-but l don't know where
the money is to come from: The coal il
burnt up and more must be ordered. Oh
dearl I'm discouraged. Every year fal
behind. This winter I did hope to get ;
little in advance, but if forty dollar sill
dresses are the order of the day, there's
an end to that devoutly to be wished fol
consummation. Debit debit How
have shrunk from it; but steadily, now, i
is closing its Brieaream arms around me
and my constructing chest labors in res
Ipiration. Oh, if l could but disentangl,
myself now, while / have the strength O
early manhood, and the bonds that hole
me are weak. IF Ada could see as / SCI
lii. / could only make her understand
rightly my position. Alas! that is hope
less I fear"
1 And Mr.. Whitman hurried his step
because his heart beat quicker, and hi
thoughts were unduly excited.
Nota long time after Mr.. Whitman
left home, the city postmaster deliyere,
a letter to his address. The wife exam
ined the writing on the envelope, whicl
/ was in bold, masculine hand, and sh
said to herself as she did So
/ 81 wonder who this can be from?'