The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-04-21
THE QUESTIONABLE FURS.
A story with n Moral.

Now, father, I'll thank you for that
five hundred dollars; you promised to
give it to me this morning"
Yes, child, but | have not so much
here now; ride down to my office at
twelve, and you shall have the money.
| expect some tenants to pay their quar-
ters rent to-day, and can make up the
sum f." you by that time.
" Five hundred, and not a dollar less
and you may as well say six hunCded,
said the gay, laughing ga. A#e'.
her fathers ford indulgence.
"Oh eXtravagant y exclaimed he.
But whatever of reproof the remark inn
piled, it was completely nullitied by the
carcss given at the same time.
Five hundred dollars too much for
set of furs No, indeed. WHY, Clara
Morgan's cost eight hundred, and moth
er thinks these she selected for me very
cheap"
The man of business smiled upon his
darling daughter then left his elegant
and comfortable home for the cherries
office in Wall street. At noon, Alice
was there too. Springing lightly from
the carriage, she tripped up stairs, and
was at Mr.. Durand's desk just as young
female turned to 90 out. Having re-
ceived the six hundred dollars, Alice
left Immediately, and was soon seen at
Smiths Bazaar, chatting gaily with a
young friend whom she met there. Both
were looking at the handsome cape and
muf which Mrs. Durand had fixed upon
the day before. They were beautiful
indeed, and the young ladies, having
to1 h. al hi
ing them, turned to look ut others. Just
then a hollow, suppressed cough close
by her caused Alice to turn, as young
girl passed on her way to the sewing
room. Thither, too, few moments af-
ter she went also, to see if dress she
had making there was finished. The SUI
perintendent of work had it in her hand,
and was reprimanding some one FOR
coming so late.
- am sorry to disappoint you, Miss
Durand," she said, seeing that young
lady approach but Jane Lester, who
is embroidering your dress, did not get
here until just now, and it is not yet
finished" Then turning, she said
"Here, Jane. you must work fast, and
make up Cor lost time"
As the girl took the garment she
coughed again. Oh, that dismal sound
Ii touched the heart of Alice; for she
recognized in Jane Lester the one that
passed her in the office and show room.
She looked at her moment and
thought, 1t is by the labor Of such as
she that my fathers rents are paid, and
! 81 tain the money to lavish on costly
clothes.' She went up to the girl, who
by this time was diligently at work, and
said in kind, low tone:
Don't hurry at all ! am not the
least in need Of the dress
THANK you, man, but will soon
have it done. If | am not at work on
this, it will be on something else
&" But why do you work at all? With
that cough you ought not to come out
in such weather as this
What would become OF us-of faith
en- mean, and the children-if | were
idle ~
Do you have to support them?"
asked Alice, with eager CURIOSITY.
Not when father is well, bgt he has
been sick all winter, and ! paid out the
last Of his earning this morning; so J..
must try and earn more than ever.
Again that cough
Well, if that is the case you must
consult doctor, and do something for
yourself, or you will be unable 70 work
at al. -
Jane shook her head sadly. No. in
deed; we cannot afford a doctor for
father, and | couldn't think OF such a
thing for myself"
There was moments pause, then Al
ice spoke. GIVE me your address, and !
will see kind physician who will not
charge you anything; but he must pre-
scribe Tor both, and you must follow his
directions"
Never mind me, Miss: I'm not so
bad as you think, and will be better
in a little while. cough more than
usual this morning, from having walked
so fast"
Miss Durand returned to the store