The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-06-19

time holding out the bill she had taken
from the envelope addressed to her hus-
band
81 cannot afford to wear this watch,
my husbands circumstances are too limit
ed. tell you SO frankly. 1t should
never have been purchased, but too in
dulgent husband yielded to the importu-
mites of foolish wife. 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 shall pay you besides"
The jeWeler dropped his eyes to think.
The case took him a little by surprise.
He stood for nearly minutes then tax
ing the bill and watch said:
"Wait a moment" and went to desk
near by
"Will that do?" he had come forward
again and now presented her with the
receipted bill. His face wore a pleased
expression.
Chow much shall | pay you2" asked
Mrs. Whitman, drawing out her pocket
book.
Nothing. The watch is not defaced." :"
"You have done kind act, sir" said
Mrs. Whitman, with feelings trembling
along her voice. 81 hope you will not
think unfavorably Of my husband It's
no fault of his that the bill has not been
paid. Good morning, sir" Mrs. Whit
man drew her veil over her face, and went
with light steps, and light heart from
the store. The pleasure she had experi-
eneed on receiving her watch was not to
be compared with that now felt in part
ing with it. From the jewelers. she went
to the boot maker's-and paid the bill of
twenty-five dollars, from thence to her
milliner's, and settled for her last bon
net.
81 know you are 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 alongl Don't hang back,
Charles, as,if you are afraid"
Charles Whitman went with his wife
passiyely looking more like man on
his way to receive sentence than in ex-
pectation of pleasure. His thoughts
were bitter.
"Shall my Ada become lost to me" he
said, in his heart-s'lost to me in world
of folly, fashion, and extravaganza"
"Sit down, Charles" She led him to
large, cushioned chair. Her manner
had undergone change. The bright
ness of her countenance had departed.
She took some thing, III a hurried way,
from drawer, and catching up foot
stool, placed it on the floor near him, and
sitting down, leaned upon him and look
ed tenderly and lovingly into his face.
Then handed him the jewelers. bill.
cit is receipted, you see." Her voice
futtered a little.
"Adal how is this? What does it
mean" He flushed and grew eager.
81 returned the watch, and Mr.. R
receipted the bill. 1 would have paid
for damage, but he said it was uninjur-
ed, and asked nothing"
ooh, Ada"
''And this is receipted also; and this. I"
and handing the other bill which she had
paid.
,,And now, dear" she added, quickly,
chow do you like my dress2 Isn't it
bea1tiful?"
We leave the explanations and scene
that followed to the readers imagination.
If any fair lady, however, who, like Ada,
has been drawing too heavily on her hus-
band's slender income, for silks, and jew
els, is at loss to realize the scene, let
her try Ada's experiment. Our word
for it, she will find new and happy ex-
perience in life. Costly silks and jewels
may be very pleasant things, but they
are too dear, when they come as the price
Of husbands embarrassm ent, mental
disquietude or alienation. Too often the
gay young wife wears them as the sign of
these unhappy conditions. Tranquil
hearts, and sunny homes, are precious
things, too precious to be burdened and
Olcuded by weak vanity and love of show.
Keep this in mind; oh, ye fair ones, who
have husbands in moderate circumstan-
ces. Do not let your pride and pleasure
oppress them. Rich clothing, costly lace
and gems,ar poor substitutes for smiling
peace and hearts unshadowed by care.
Take the lesson and live by it, rather
than off fer another illustration, in your
own experience, Of the folly We have
been trying to expose and rebuke.