Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-09-13
THE HOUSEHOLD.
The Old Broche Shawl
BY MARY KYLE DALLAs.

"Oh, indeed, shant wear that shabby thing
I'D rather freeze"
''IIet me carry IL then, in case you need Il.
II shant display 1t at all. don't want her Il
know that haven't decent things like other Ia
dies. You ought to see her shaWls."
''You dltodys look nice. You shall have al
sorts OF splendors when am rich, but to-day b,
sensible and comfortable"
1T Is sensible to look ones best, and I'm no
comfortable when Tn shabby.
Estelle spoke coldly, with areproachful glancl
at her husband. She knew well enough how
good he was and how generous he was to her
but she was smarting under the effect Of an OK
hibition OF fnery just given. up in her own room
by her guest, young Mrs. DuA, who had married
an old man for bis money.
She never would have given her band without
] . heart. but she felt envious of the dry good
which had been bought by the sacrifice.
All the morning her guest, Mrs. Duff, had beer
spreading out her treasures-cloaks of all kinds
shawls OF all sorts, Of high prices, velvet dress
es, satin dresses, diamonds, pearls, and rubies
II was enough to drive any woman wild and
Mrs. Earle felt little injured when she thought
of her slender wardrobe
my suit is decent, she said, with a little sigh
sand shan't wear that over it,"
'Of all old fashioned things q broche," Mrs.
Dun had said that morning and Estele deter
mined that hers should not rest under the soorn.
full gaze Of those black eyes. although, as she
said to herself, there was time when Fannie
Dun had hardly dress on her back.
IF you are sure you are warm enough, Es-
telle." said Mr.. Earle. II don't think you are,
though"
She longed to reply.
Il shall suffer, but mean to do 1t rather
than look ILL.,"
But she did not dare. She wanted to ride in
that elegant carriage too much.
She merely turned with a smile to Mrs. Dun,
who appeared at this moment in some gorgeous
wreppings. and allowed old Mr.. Duff to hand
her into the carriage, and her husband following,
away they drove and though Mrs. Earle was 4
little chilly, pride kept her up, and she hid the
fact from her companions.
They drove along the pleasant road for a while.
They admired the fresh beauty OF the early
spring. They stopped at a little hotel, and had
lunch. Mrs Duff, In her warm shawl, was over
flowing with high spirits. Mrs. Earle, who grew
chillier every minute, could not smile.
When will We ever turn homeward
Why did come ? Why couldn't have a hand
some shawl, as well as Fannie Duff II Henry
had really loved me. he'd have tried somehow to
give me things"
She was in wretohed mood. All sweetness
had left her heart She drew her hand from
that Of her husband when he laid it upon hers
little knowing or thinking how many wives who
have India shaws and diamonds. would be de-
lighted to exchange them all for one such token
of tenderness from the husband who refused no
gift that money could buy. since love is the most
precious jewel a wife can wear
Henry Earle knew very well what sort of
felt hurt by thom. Who would not feel injured
by such knowledge He also grew silent. Mrs
Dun made up her mind that Stella did not get
along with her husband az we'll as she pretended
to, and that love matches did not turn out any
better than others after all, Old Mr.. Duf thought
how much prettier his wife was than EaIle's wife
aud then somebody said that 'there were
clouds. and the horses were turned just as the
rain began TO pour in torrents.
There was q top to the carriage, OF course, and
1t was put up, but it only protected two Of the
party. Estelle and her husband were exposed
to its full fury.
Poor Estelle; her walking dress was really not
thick. She was quite unprotected, and shivered
like an aspen, but in an instant her husband had
AIKEN on his over-coat AMI wripp ID it about her.
buttoning 1t to the throat.
''She IL such an imprudent GIRL" he said to
Mr.. Dun. Il urged her TO wear a shawl"
And MIR. Duff thought to himself that he was
glad his wife had some sense, and that he should
not have pleased to make the sacrifice for any
lady.
I'm afraid you'll catch cold, Henry" said
Mrs. Earle, with a remorseful twinge at her
heart.
III one oil. us must I'd rather IT should be me"
said Henry; and then he sat and bore the drench-
ing braVely until they reached home.
There was good fire and warm tea but
though the others were soon comfortable, moth.
ing seemed to cure Henry Earle of his miserable
chilliness. He retired early. hoping. or pretend.
ing to hope, that bed and rest woud help him
And morning found him indeed no longer cold;
he was in a high fever, and Estelle inexperienced
as she was, felt that he was seriously i'll.
physician was sent for, and for days the
wretched wife hung over her husbands pillow.
feeling that II he died her vanity and her wish
TO reproach him for her plain wardrobe-the
contemplate feelings which had filed her
bosom az the eight OF a rich woman's finery 30
that for an hour or two she had no love for him
had absolutely murdered him.
Mrs Duff had gone home. There were no
splendid dresses to envy near at hand. She felt
that she would willingly wear rags and live upon
dry bread all her life il by these means she
could buy ths precious life that seemed fast fad
ing. And at last in her agony, she knelt beside his
bed, and putting his wasted fingers to her lips,
begged forgiveness
III 1 had worn that shawl you would not have
been here" she said.
And he answered
II had better be here 1 shall die, and some
rich man may be your husband some one who
can give you all cannot"
1t seemed then to Estelle that God had put
out his hand and especially cursed her.
"Oh, my darling !" she said 1T was only
one wicked moment. What are all the costly
things on earth to me now ? II lose you,
'In very truth, Estelle, he said "even il
am never rich 2"
'You know it is true" she said.
He looked in her face.
Yes" he said, "Yes, Estelle, hope God will
let me live now"
And Henry Earle did not die. He began to
mend from that day, and was soon restored to
strength and health. But Estele never forgot
how nearly her foolish pride and vanity had been
her husbands death, aud strove tocrush all rem
nants Of those feelings In her soul lfrom that
time henceforth.
Whenever pang OF jealousy was awakened
In her mind by the )sty dress and furniture OF
some other womsn, she had but to say to herself,
But have my Henry" and it vanished. Aud
now, though Mr.. Earle is one OF the wealthiest
in his native city, Mrs. Earle is known as one
who never cares for dreAs and who ia almost
averse to splendor Of attire and extravagant sur
roundings.
The Romance of a Rich YOnnE Girl
There is a young girl employed in the factory
at Ottawa, Canada, where the Bank Note Com