The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-12-25


~. -. 800 .......-- 49,
band at dinner-time, Mrs Whitman did an
unusual amount Of thinking for her little
brain. She saw, the moment he entered that
the cloud had not passed from his brow.
Here is the money for that new Dress he
said taking small roll Of bills from his vest
pocket, and handing them to Ada as he came
in.di He did not kiss her, nor smile in the old
bright way. But his voice was calm, if not
cheerful. A kiss and smile Just then would
have been more precious to the young wife
thanaa ihundredlsilk dresses She took the
money sayine,--ai 10 shGesaeA - ~
THANK you dear. It is kind of you to re-
gard my wishes sdi -aas4at ,9ias39
u Something in Adas voice and manner
caused Mr.. Whitman to lift his eyes with a
Hook of inquiry to her face. But she turned
aside, 80 that he could not read its expression
|sis He was -graver and more silent than usual,
and eat with scarcely an appearance of ap-
petite Come home early, dear, said Mrs.
Whitman, as she walked to the door with her
husband, after dinner ID .g99ae
Are you impatient to have me admire
your silk dressN he replied with tain effort
Ito smile s9g1Ga @ia8 gal l9 lrils 45s
taesYas it will be something splendid she an.
severed. ysil asgi ii esgi3al4sse s'-s
Returned off, from her quickly, and left
the house. a. few moments she stood, with
q thoughtful face, her mind indrawn and her
whole manner completely changed. Then
lshe went to the room and commenced dress
ling to go out. 3tN tias S 1ssp
b. Two hours later and we find her in jew
lelry store on Broadway beg G9i III n
Can I say wordto you? 2 she addressed
the owner Of the store, who knew her very
well. gaiEd 8oaa FSifaW 's En-
Certainly be replied, and they moved to
the lower end Of the long show cases. ~
Mrs. Whitman drew from her pocket a
llady's watch and chain, and laying them, on
1.-THE show case, said, at the.s same time holding
lout the bill she had taken from the envelope
addressed to her husband ----g vH
i cannot afford to wear this watch, my
husbands circumstances are TOO limited. I
tell you so frankly. 1t should never have been
purchased, but too indulgent husband yield
led to- the opportunities of abolish 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 m A
The jeweler dropped his eyes to think
The case took him little by surprise. He
stood for nearly minute; then taking the
bill and watch said: est
wait moment, and went to desk near
lby. i.ia& n
will that do ? he had come forward again
and now presented her with the receipted bill.
His face wore placid expression. Hs',''
/ How much shall / pay youY asked Mrs.
Whitman, drawing out her pocket book
Nothing. The watch is not defaced' :
you have done a kind act, sir, said Mrs.
Whitman, with feeling and trembling along
her veice. 4 hope you willnot think ,unfa-
vorable Of my husband. It is. no fault Of his
that the bill has not been paid. Good morn.
ing, SIR Mrs. W hitman drew her veil over
her face. and went with light steps, and light
heart, from the store. The pleasure she had
Experienced on receiving her watch was not
Ito be compared with that she felt in parting
with it.. From the jewellers she went to the
boot makers and paid the bill Of twenty
five dollars; from thence to the milliner's and
settled for her last bonnet iaF.s
~ know you are dying to see MY new dress ,
said Mrs. Whitman, gaily. as she drew her
Iaim within that Of hef husband, on his ap-
|peatance tint evening Come over to; our
bed room and letame show it, Come along
Don't hang back, Charles ,as If you are afraid.
n Charles Whitrhan went with his wife pas
tsively loo6king more Ike man on his way to
receive 4 sentence than ID expectation, of a
pleasant sight His thoughts were better. ~
I sashsll ny Ada become lost "a me- he said
y