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

Inc olii was lOr lauy watch, which she
had almost compelled her husband to pur-
chase. mot paid for? Is it possible %
she exclaimed in blank astonishment, while
the blood mounted to her forehead.
Then she sat down to think. Light be-
gan to come into her mind. As she sat
| thus thinking, second letter came for her
husband. She opened it without any hesi-
tation. Another bill and another dunnins
letter.
Mot paid? Is 1t possible?' she repeat
ed. 1t was bill of twenty FIVE dollars for
CATERS and slippers which had been stand
ing for three months.
''This willnever do, said she-'sneyer-
no, never and she thrust the two letters
into her pocket. From that hour till the
return of her husband at dinner time, she
did an unusual amount of thinking for her
little brain. She saw, the moment he en-
tered, that the morning cloud had not passed
from his brow.
"Here is the money for that new dress, "
he said, taking a small roll of bills from his
vest pocket, and handing them to Ada as
he cane in. He did not kiss her, nor smile
in the old Bright way. But his voice was
calm if not cheerful A kiss and a smile
just then would have been mnre precious to
the young wife than a hundred silk dresses.
She took the money, saying:
''rhank you. dear. 1t is kind Of you to
regard my wistes."
Something in Ada's voice and manner
caused him to lift his eyes, with look of
inquiry to her face. But she tarned aside
SO that he could not read its expression.
He was graver and more silent than usual
and ate with scarcely any appearance Of ap-
petite.
Come home early, DEAR said Mrs
Whitman, as she went to the door with her
husband
'Are you impatient TO have ME admire
your new dress?'' He replied With an effort
at smile.
''Yes, it will be something splendid" she
answ cred
He turned off from her quickly, and left
the house. A few moments she stood with
thoughtful face, her mind indrawn, and
her whole manner changed. Then she
went to her room and commenced dressing
to go out.
Two hours later and.we find her in a jew
elry store on Broadway
:, . : -y word m s,o,f 2'' She address
ed the owner OF un. 80 = " - ntISm Ifcr
very we'll.
Certainly he replied, and he moved to
the further end of one of the long show
eases.
She drew from her pocket lady's watch
and chain, and laying them on the show
case, said, at the same time holding out the
bill she had taken from the envelope ad-
dressed to her husband:
Il cannot afford to wear this watch, my
husbands circumstances are too limited |
tell you so frankly 1t should not have been
purchased, but too indulgent husband
yielded to the opportunities of a 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 l shall have to pay you
besides.
The jeweler dropped his eyes to think.
The case took him by surprise. He stood
for nearly minute, then taking the bill and
watch said:
'sWait moment" and went.to desk
near by.
ssWill that do?" He had come forward
again, and now presented her with a receipt
ed bill. And his face wore pleasant ex-
preston.
sHow much shall 1 pay you sir?'' asked
Mrs. Whitman, drawing .out her pocket
book.
Nothing. The watch is not defaced"
"You have done kind act, sir, said
Mrs. Whitman, with trembling voice. Il
hope you will not think unfavorable of my
husband it's no fault of his that the bill
has not been paid. Good afternoon, sir
The pleasure she had experienced upon
receiving her watch was not to be compared
with that she now felt in parting with it.
From the jewelers. she went to the boot ma
ker's and paid the bill of twenty-five dol
lars, and from thence to the milliner's and
settled for her last bonnet.
II know you are dying to see my new
Dress" said she to her husband, on his ap-
pearahce that evening. Come into The
parlor and let me show it. COME along;
don't hang back as if you were afraid.
He went with his wife passively, looking
more like man on his way to receive SEN
tence than in expectation of pleasant sight.
''Sit down, Charles She led him to
large cushioned chair. She took something
in hurried way from drawer land taking,
up footstool, placed it on the floor near
him and looked tenderly and lovingly in his
face; then handed him the jewellers bill.
''It is receipted, you sce." Her voice
futtered little.
''Ada, how is this. what does it mean?"
Il returned the watch, and he receipted
the bill. l would have paid for damage but
he said it was uninjured, and asked nothing.
And this is receipted also, and this hand
ing him the other bills which she had paid.
'And now, DEAR" she added quickly,
''how do you like my new dress-isn't it
beautiful ?''