The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1869-09-04

affected her very unpleasantly. He
grows more silent aud reserved, she
added, under kind Of feyerish excite
ment, became active in a new direction.
More indrawn, as it were, and less
interested in what goes on around him.
His coldness chills me at times, and his
irritation hurts me"
"She drew long, deep sigh. Then,
with an almost startling yiyidness,
came before her mind, in contrast, her
tender, loving, cheerful husband of
three years before, and her quiet, So
ber-faced husband Of to-day.
Something has gone wrong with
him" she said aloud, as the feeling
grew stronger.
What can it be p
The letter was in her hand.
"This may give me light" And
with careful fingers she opened the en-
velope, not breaking the paper, so that
she could seal it again il she desired
so TO do. There was bill for sixty
dollars, and communication from the
person sending the bill. He was
lieweler
IF this is not settled at once" he
wrote, Il shall PIT the account in suit.
II has been standing for over year,
and | am tired of getting excuses in-
stead Of my money"
i The bill was for u lady's watch,
which Mrs. Whitman had almost COM
PEELED her husband to purchase.
Not paid for Is il possible 2" ex-
exclaimed the little woman in blank
astonishment, while the blood mounted
TO her forehead.
Then she sat down to think. Light
began to come into her mind. As she
sat thus thinking, second letter came
in for her husband from the penny
postman. She opened it without hesi-
tation Another bill and another dun
ming letter.
: Not paid! Is it possible:" She
repeated the ejaculation. 1t was bill
of twenty-five dollars for CATERS and
slippers, which had boon standing for
three or four months.
This will never dor' said the awak.
ening wife neyer-no. never" And
ct in resolute way. From that hour
) she thrust the two letters into her pock.
, until the return of her husband at din
! ner time Mrs. Whitman did an ur.usu.
al amount of thinking, for her little
brain. She saw the moment he enter.
ed, that the morning cloud had no;
: passed from his brow.
Here is tho money for that new
dress he said, taking small roll oi
bills from his vest pocket, and handing
them TO Ada, as he came in. He did
not kiss her, nor smile in the old
bright way. But his voice was calm,
I il not cheerful. 4 kiss and a smile
would have been more precious to the
. young wife than hundred silk DIRE esses
She took the money, SAYING:
THANK you dear. 1t is kind OF you
TO regard my wishes.
} Something in Ada's voice and man
: ner caused Mr. Whitman TO lift his
: eyes. with look of inquiry. to hel
face. But she turned aside, 80 thai
he could not read its expression.
He was graver and more silent than
usual, and ate with scarcely IN appear.
ance Of appetite.
"Come home early, dear, said Mrs
: Whitman, as she walked to tho door
with her husband, after dinner.
Are you impatient to have ne ad,
mire your new silk dress?" he replied
with faint effort 10 smile.
"Yes. It will be something splen.
did. she answered.
He turned off from her quickly, and
left the house. A few moments she
stood, with thoughtful face, her
mind indrawn, and her whole mannei
completely changed. Then she went
to her room and commenced dressing
to go out.
Two hours later, ard we find her in
q jewelry store on Broadway.
"Can l say word to you?" She
addressed herself to the owner of the
store, who knew her very well.
Certainly" he replied. and they
: moved to the lower END Of the long
show cases.
Mrs. Whitman drew from her pock.
ct lady's watch and chain, and lay.
} ing them on the show case, said at the
same time holding out the bill she had
taken from the envelope addressed to
her husband:
( "I cannot afford to wear this watch
my husbands circumstances are toe
limited. I tell you so frankly. III
r should never have been purchased -
} but too indulgent husband yielded
> to the opportunities of foolish young
wife. say this to take blame from
him. Now, sir, meet the. case, if you
t can do so in fairness to yourself. Take
back the watch, and say how much
shall pay you besides.
The jeweller dropped his eyes tc
: think. The case took him little by
surprise. He stood for nearly min
: ute; then taking the bill and watch
E he said-"Wait moment, and went
4 to the desk near by.
3 "Will that do?'' He had como for.
! W 'rd again, and now presented hel
: with the receipted bill. His face wore
r pleased expression.
"How much shall I pay your" asked
: Mrs. Whitman, drawing out her pock-
{ et-book.
) Nothing. The watch is not de-
/ faced
t "You have done q kind act, sir,
: said Mrs. Whitman, with feeling trem,
bling along her voice. "I hope you
r will not think unfavorably of my hus'
r band. It's no fault of his that the
/ bill has not been paid. Good morn
cling, sir. !"
4 Mrs. Whitman drew her veil over
u H. liz ratn