Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1877-08-10
CAN'T AFFORD IT.

Thomas S. Collier.
CAN'T AFFORD IT.
II tell you, Uncle Josh, can't a ford it.
Girls nowadays are so extravagant that
it fairly terrifes a man contemplating
matrimony. There is your favorite, Miss
Hartley she declared to me in the strict
est confidence last evening, that she
couldn't imagine how any one could exist
without the opera. And now week ago
know Of her mentioning an India shawl
as a positive necessity for a lady's ward
robe"
''Mere girlish exaggeration, Will She
has always had rich father to pay her
bills.''
''And naturally will expect rich hus-
band to do the same. If had Mr.. Hart
ley's bank account, the matter would be
different; but though my salary is good.
my income, independent of that, is small.
If provide India shawls and opera tickets
without limit to the future Mrs. Stanton,
I can scarcely meet expenses, if [ do not
actually run in debt. Now, I am quite
resolved to save little every year till I
own home, and can start in business for
myself"
GA good wife would help you, Wll.''
But where is she to be found ?'
Uncle Josh chuckled little at the idea
of his giving information on the subject,
and the gentlemen having finished their
preparation for departure started for their
place of business.
Uncle Josh was the cashier, and his
nephew clerk, in large retail dry goods
store. but the elder gentleman, of ample
means, employed his time, not from ne
cessity, but from horror of idleness. He
boarded as did his nephew, at fashionable
boarding house in Brooklyn, crossing the
ferry every morning for the store in New
York.
Handsome, well conducted and well ed
ucated Will Stanton was favorite in so
ciety, and the fact that his bachelor uncle
was fond of him was no drawback to his
popularity. Many girlish heart futtered
when he drew near, and Uncle Josh was
quite eloquent ON the charms of matrimo-
ny, and home for Will, where he might
share the domestic circle.
! On the morning When the gentlemen
held the conversation recorded above, Will
found his service required as salesman,
! owing to the illness of one of the men in
the silk department. He had served in
the same capacity before, though he held
a more lucrative position in the counting
house but stepping behind the counter
he found already a few fair customers in
the store Two ladies, young and pretty,
required service at once.
| Evening silks, if you please.'' said one,
a tall, stylish looking girl, dressed in ex-
quisite taste, and with rich garments.
''Show me some of the new shades.''
Several pieces of shining fabric were I'M
rolled and Will noted the fact that both
ladies seemed equally interested in the
choice of 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 of
her neat walking suit was perfect in finish
fitting her exquisitely, and was tasteful
and simply elegant. Willis experienced
eyes told him that the cost was less than
half of her companions, and yet she seemed
equally well dressed. A cloth cloak in
stead of velvet; collar and cuffs of
J embroidered linen instead of real lace
kid gloves of dark serviceable tint instead
of pale buff ones, and furs less expensive
than the real ermine of her friend, all.left
large balance in her favor; while her ap-
pearance was lady-like and refined.
"Oh, Vinnie,'' said her companion, ssthis
shade of sage will suit you perfectly. I am
not fair enough to wear it, but it is a love-
ly tint for a blonde. Don't look any furth-
er for silk.'
II am not going to get a new silk, Mar
cia.''
"Not get 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 Hartley IS
parties 20
No; Miss Hartley is a recent acquain-
| tance.''
''Then take my advice and get a hand
some dress. You have no idea how much
they dress there"
II can't afford it, Marcia
ooh. nonsense /"
''But it is fact. I have been ont so
much this winter that my allowance will
not last me until spring, unless am very
economical
"Ask for more. never pretend to keep
within my allowance"
II am saving for new piano, and I
cannot afford any extravaganza.
'sBut what shall you wear ?''
81 have new white organdie that Aunt
Kate gave me last summer, that I did not
need, so it has not been made up. I shall
make it SO that it will serve me afterward
as summer DRESS"
'sOh Vim! Vim! AS if your father would
not give you twenty new dresses il
Won asked for them ~