South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-03-05
CAN'T AFFORD 1T.


that it fairly terrifes man contempla-
ting matrimony. There is your favor
ite, Miss Hartley; she declared to me,
in strictest confidence, last evening, that
she couldn't imagine how any one could
exist without the opera. And not week
sgo l heard Of her mentioning all India
shawl as positive necessity for a Ia
dy's wardrobe
"AIere girlish exaggeration, WILL
She has always had a rich father to pay
Ter bills
And naturally will expect 4 rich hus-
hand to do the same. If 1 had Mr.. Hart
!ev's bank account, the matter would be
different; r1y income independent OF,
that is small. IfIprovide Indian shawls
and opera tickets without limit to the
future Mrs Stanton, L can scarcely meet
expenses if do not actually run in debt.
Now am quite resolved to save little
every year till 1 own a home, and can
start in business FOR myself
"a good wife would help you, Will"
But where is she to be found?'
Uncle Josh chuckled a little at the
idea of his giving information on the
subject, aad the gentlemen having tin-
ished their preparations for departure
started for their places of business.
Uncle Josh was the cashier, and Will
the clerk in . large dry goods store, but
the elder gentleman possessing ample
means, employed his time, not from ne
cessty, but from q horror Of idleness.
He boarded. rs did his nephew, at fash
ionable boarding house i'll Brooklyn,
crossing the ferry every morning forthe
store il New York.
Handsome, well conducted and we'll
educated, Will Stanton was favoritcin
society, and the fact that his bachelor
uncle was fond Of him was no drawback
to his popularity. Many girlish heart
huttered when he drew near, and Uncle
Josh was eloquent on the charm Of mat
ri!noav, and homa for Will. where he
might share the domestic circle.
On the morning when the gentlemen
held the conversation recorded above,
vii! f2u2i his services required as q
salesman, o77i,,ag to the ili:>s Of che ~
::h2 :Elca, il TIE silk department. lie
Lad served in the same capacity before,
though lie held q more lucrative position
ii tile counting-house, but stepping be-
hind tie counter he found already few
fair customers i'll the store. Two ladies,
young aal pretty, required his services
at Cnc2.
"Even;a5 silks. ifyou please, said one,
G tai!, very stylish looking girl, dressed
in ezqu;5:5e ta;3e, aaff-,'ith richly
ulant9. s.Sl,ow Inc some Of the ncw
shaIcs."
Several pieces OF the shining fabric
were unrolled, and Will noted the fact
that both ladies seemed equally intcres-
ted in the choice Of 8 dress. But the
companion OF the stylish girl who had
first spoken was far more quiet than her
friend in voice, manner and dress; while
every detail Other naat walking suit vas
perlec: III finish, fitting her exquisitely,
and was less tasteful and simply elegant.
Wits experienced eyes told him that
the cost was less than half Of the COM
panion's, anl yet she seemed equally
we'll dressed, setting aside that one item
Of expense. a cloth cloak instead Of 4
velvet: dress Of fine French poplin,
instead Of real lace; kid gloves Of dark
serYiceable tint instead Of pale buff ones,
and furs less expensive than the real er-
mine Of her friend, all lett . large bal
ance III her favor, while her appearance
was lady-li!ze and refined.
Oh. Vinnie,' said her companion
This shade ofsage Tiil suit you perfect
lv. an not fair enough to wear it. but
it is lovely tint for blonde. Don't
look any further for silk"
i am not going to get new silk,
3Iarcia.'
Not get g new silk for Mrs. Hartley's
party? Why, Vim, it will be one OF the
most dressy occasions Of the season.
You have never been at one Of Floy
Uartley's parties?" .
No; Miss Hartley is recent &C
quainatancc.H
Then take my advice and get a hand
some dress. You have nodes how much
they dress there
Il can't afford it. Marcia
"Ch. nonsense -
'.Diltt it IS fact. I have been ont so
nuch this winter that my allowance will
not last me until spring unless am ve-
~ economical"
Ask fo- more; I never pretend to
keep within ny allowance.
i an saving for new piano. and /
cannot afford any extravaganza
'':iut what will you weaF?''
y have new white organdie that
Aunt Kate gave me last summer, that |
did not need. 50 it has not been made
TIP. I shall make it so that it will serve
me atJerward as an evening dress
"OEin. Vim. Asif your father would
not give YOU twenty new dresses if you
asked for them
i know he would. but he gives me o
liberal allowance, and find it sufficient,
with : margin for saving
Ali the above conversation carried on
in low tone was apparently unheard
by the smiling clerk, whose quick ear
had. however. caught every word Of it.