The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-06-08

chills me at times, and his irritation hurts
me-"
She drew long, deep sigh. Then.
with an almost starting vividness, came be-
fore her mind, in contrast, her tender,
loving, cheerful husband of three years
before, and her quiet, sober-faced husband
of to-day.
Something has gone wrong with him, y
she said aloud, as feeling grew stronger
"What can it be ?"
The letter was in her hand.
"This may give me light" And with
careful fingers she opened the envelope,
not breaking the paper, so that she could
seal it again if she desired so to do.
There was a bill for sixty dollars, and a
communication from the person sending
the bill. He was jeEeler.
eff this is not settled at once, he wrote,
II shall put the account in suit 1t has
been standing for over year, and am
tired of getting excuses instead of my
money"
The bill was for lady's watch, which
Mrs. Whitman had almost compelled her
husband to purchase.
'Not paid for Is it possible p ex-
claimed the little woman, in blank aston
ishment, while the blood mounted to her
forehead.
Then she sat down to think. Light
began to come into her mind. As she sat
thus thinking, second letter came in for
her husband from the postman. She
opened it without hesitation. Another
bill and another dunning letter
"Not paid Is it possible ?" She re-
peated the ejaculation. 1t was bill Of
twenty-five dollars for CATERS and slippers,
which had been standing for three or four
months
'This win never do r said the awaken
ing wife-"never-no, neverr' And she
thrust the two letters into her pocket in a
resolute way. From that hour until the
the return of her husband at dinner time
Mrs. Whitman did an unusual amount Of
thinking, for her little brain. She saw,
the moment he entered, that the morning
cloud had not passed from his brow.
"Here is the money for that new dress, -
he said, taking a small roll of bills from
his vest pocket, and handing them to Ada,
as he came in. He did not kiss her, nor
smile in the old bright way. But his
voice was calm if not cheerful. A kiss
and smile would have been more pre-
cious to the young wife than a hundred
silk dresses. She took the money, saying
sThank you, dear 1t is kind of you
to regard my wishes"
Something in Ada's; voice and manner
caused Mr.. Whitman to lift his eyes, with a
look of inquiry, to her face But she
turned aside, so that he could not read its
expression.
He was graver and more silent than
usual, and ate with scarcely an appearance
of appetite.
"COme home early, dear" said Mrs.
Whitman, as she walked to the door with
her husband, after dinner.
"Are you impatient to have me admire
your new silk dress p he replied, with a
faint effort to smile.
"Yes. 1t will be something splendid, y
she answered.
He turned off from her quickly, and left
the house. A few moments she stood
with a thoughtful face, her mind indrawn,
and her whole manner completely chang
ed. Then she went to her room, and
commenced dressing to 90 out
Two hours later, and we find her in a
jewelry store.
''Can | say word to you?" She ad.
dressed herself to the owner of the store,
who knew her very well.
"Certainly," he replied, and they moved
to the lower end Of the long showcases.
Mrs. Whitman drew from her pocket a
ladys watch and chain, and laying them
on the showcase said, at the same time
holding out the bill she had taken from
from the envelope addressed to her hus-
band:
81 cannot afford to wear this watch; my
husbands circumstances are too limited
l tell you so frankly. 1t should never
have been purchased; but a too indulgent
husband yielded to the opportunities of a
foolish young wife. say this to take
blame from him. Now, sir, meet the case,
if you can do so in fairness to yourself
Take back the watch, and say how much
| shall pay you besides"
The jeweler dropped his eyes to think.
The case took him little by surprise
He stood for nearly minute; then taking
the bill and watch, he said "Waita mo-
ment," and went to desk near by.
"Will that do?" He had come forward
again, and now presented her with the re.