Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-12-29
Christmas StOry-The New Carpet.

Il can hardly spare it, Jeanette, but as
you have set your heart uOOn it, why, sup
pose that L must"
The young wife looked with rapture on
the ten shining gold pieces.
Zone hundred DOLLARS said she to her
self-''hOW rich it makes me feel. 1t seems
a great deal to pay for a carpet, but gold
is worth gold the old saying is, and good
purchase is worth a dozen poor ones. I'll
buy one of the finest and most beautiful
Brussels"
Afternoon came; the rosy babe was laid
asleep in his cradle, and the little maid re-
ceived a score of charges to linger By its
side every moment till the darling woke
up. Jeanette, flushed with eager anticipa-
ton, looked her prettiest, and throwing Il
mantilla over her handsome shoulders, she
was just hurTyin9 away, when loud ring
at the door caused very pettish sob dear"
at the unexpected intrusion.
'Oh, Jeanette-dear jeanette - and a
pale young creature sank painting upon the
sofa; we are in such trOublp-sJlch 5eri-
GUS trouble. DO you think we could Dor
row Il hundred dollars Couldn't you get
it for us, Jeanette ? You know you said L
might rely upon you when trial came, and
poor Charles expects every moment to have
his little stock of gOOlS attached, and he is
so sickly."
The poor young creature almost sank on
the floor.
"Can't you obtain the money elsewhere?
Have you tIied?'
eyes," answered her friend, despond-
inGly. ''PeOple know that Charles is sick,
and cannot repay Immediately. Oh, it
seems to me some creditors have such stony
hearts"
Her pitiful voice, and the big tears run
ming like rain drops down her pallid cheek,
almost unnerved Jeanette'S selfish resolu-
ton. But the carpet, that beautiful carpet
she had promised herself SO long, and so
often disappointed Of its possession-she
cOuldnOt give it up. She, knew herhusband's
heart, and that he would urge her to self
denial; no, she would not see him-if she
did, it was all all over with the carpet.
''Well," said her FRIEND in desponding
voice, rising to go, "Im sorry you can't
help me; l know you would if you could,
and that is sOmethinG-but L go back with
a heavy heart. Good morning, dear Jea-
nette."
How handsome the new carpet looked as
the sun streamed i'll upon it, and Jeanette
felt proud at the lavish praise of her neigh
bOrS. 1t was Il bargain, too; she had saved
ten dollars in its purchase, and bought q
pair of elegant window shades to match her
carpet.
II Declare" said her husband, ''thiS looks
like comfort, but it spoils my pleasure to
think of that poor Charley Somers he is
dead"
Jeanette gave slight scream, and the
flush faded from her face.
''1 cs-for the paltry sum of one hundred
dollars, that rascally j attached every
thing i'll the little shop, and was 50 insult
ing besides, that springing up angrily in his
bed, Charles ruptured blOOd-vesSel, and
lived scarcely half an hour afterwards
''And Mary" issued from JeanetteS
bloOdless lips,
''She has dead child, and they say her
life is despaired Of"
Jeanette tremblcd.
''Why on EARTH" continued the husband,
''didn't they send to me. L could have
easily spared the money for that purpose
If it had stripped me of the last cent they
should have had it. Poor fellow poor
Mary
''And might have saved it ALL shriekcd
Jeanette, sinking upon her knees OH the
rich carpet. ''Nlary did call here, and with
tears begged me to aid her, and | had the
whole sum in my very hand, and coldly
turned her away. Oh, my God forgive
mer'
In the very agony of her grief, poor
Jeanette would receive 10 comfort. In
vain her husband strovG to sooth her; she
would not hear a word III eNtenuation Of
her conduct.
II shall never forget poor Mary's tears
and her sad voice; they will haunt me to
my dying day. Oh, take it away-that
hateful carpet, l have purchased it with
my dearest friend. How could l be so
cruel 3? l shall never be happy again
neverr'
Years have passed since then, and Mary
and her husband lie together beneath the /
green sod of the church yard. jeanette has |
grey hairs mixed with light brown of her |
tresses, but she Ives in home of splendOr, |
and none know her butfto bless her. There
IS a oentle Mary. in the holISehold--tlear to !