Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-07-15
MIRROR FOR YOUNG WIVES.

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| MIRROR FOR YOUNG WIVES.
Il must have it, Charles, said the hand
some little wife of Mr.. Whitman $50 dom
put on that sober face
'How much will it cost2" inquired Mr.
Whitman. There was an effort to lool
cheerful and acquiescent
About forty dollars,'' was answered
with just little faltering in the lady's voic,
for she knew the sum would sound very ex
travigant
Forty dollars? Why, Ada, do you
think | am made of money! His counte-
nance underwent a remarkable change o.
expression.
Il declare, Charles said she, ''you
look at me as though 1 were an object Of
fear instead of affection | don't think this
is kind of you. I've only had three silk
dresses since we were married, wLile Amy
Blight has had six or seven during the
same period, and every one OF hers cost
more than mine. know you think me ex.
trayigant, but | wish you had wife like
some could name, l think you'd find out
the difference before long"
There, pet, don't talk to me after that
fashion, I'll bring the money at dinner
time, that is, if"
'No ifs or butts if you please The SEN
tence is complete without them. Thank you
dear, L II go this afternoon and buy the silk
so don't fail to bring the money | was in
at Silkskin's yesterday, and saw one of the
sweetest patterns L ever laid my eyes ont;
Just suit my style of complexion. You won t
disappoint me-"
anu nIFs.z .zuHreIiIau-iaid her soft, white
hand on the arm of her husband, and
smiled.
''Oh, no. you shall have the money"
said he, turning off from his wife, as she
thought, little abruptly, and hurrying
from her presence.
Forty dollars for new Dress" said he,
as he shut the door after him. II promised
to settle the coal bill to- day-three dollars
but / don't know where the money is to
come from. The coal is burnt up and more
must be ordered Oh, dearl I'm discour-
aged. Every year 1 fall behind. This win
ter did hope to get little in advance, but
if forty dollar silk dresses are the order oi
the day, there is no end to that devoutly te
be wished for consummation. Oh if
could disentangle myself now, while l have
the strength of early manhood and the
bonds that hold me are weak. IF Ada
could see as see if could make her un
derstand rightly my position. Alas, that i:
hopeless, Sar.'
And he hurried his steps, because his
heart beat quicker and his thoughts were
excited.
Not long after Mr.. Whitman left home
the city postman delivered letter to hi
address. The wife examined the writing or
the envelope. Something more than cur;
osity moved her. There intruded on hel
mind vague feeling of disquietr as if the
missiye bore unpleasant news for her hus
band. The stamp showed it to be city
letter. A few times of late such letters haC
come to his address, and she had noticed
that he had read them hurriedly and thrus
them without remark into his pocket, ant
become quiet.
Mrs. Whitman turned the letter over anc
over again in her hand, in thoughtful way
and as!she did so, the image of her husband
sober faced and silent, as he had become fo
most of the time of late, presented itsel
with unusual vividness. Sympathy stol,
into her heart.
''Poor Charles?' said she, as the feeling
increased; ''Tm afraid something is wrong
with him."
Placing the letter on the mantle piece
where he could see it when he came in
Mrs. Whitman entered upon some house
hold duties, but with strange impression, {
vague feeling that all was not going wei
with her husband.
''He has been little mysterious of late, y
she said to herself The idea affected hel
very unpleasantly. ''He grows more silent
and reserved" she added, as though hel
mind, under feverish kind of excitement
became inactive in new direction. More
| indrawn, as it were, and less interested in
what is going on around him. His GOODNESS
chills me at times-his irritation hurts me. u
Something is going wrong with him.
What can it be?"
The letter was in her hand.
''This may give me light" And with
careful fingers she opened the envelope, not
breaking the paper, SO that she could sea-
it again if she desired so to do. There was
bill of sixty dollars, and a communication
from the person sending the bill. He was
a jeweler.
''If this is not sttled at once, he wrote,
81 shall put the account in suit. 1t has
been standing for over a year, and L am
tired of getting your excuses instead OF
money"