Connecticut western news., 1878-11-06
Sober Second Thought.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.

!" must have 1t, Charles," said the handsome little wife of MT. Whitman. "So don't put on Q sober face."
 "Did I put on a sober face ?" asked the husband, with an attempt to smile that was anything but success.
 "Yes, sober as a man on trial for his life. Why, it's as long as the moral law. There, dear, clear it up. and look as if you had at least one friend in the world. Whatmoney lovers you men are p
 How much will it cost ?" inquired Mir. Whitman. There was another effort to look cheerful and acquiescent.
 ''About forty dollars, was answered, with just little faltering in the lady's voice, for she knew the sum would sound extravagant.
 Forty dollars Why, Ada, do you think I am made of money ?" Mir. Whit mans couutenance underwent remark able change of expression.
 .tsI declare, Charles" said his wife, a little impatiently, "you look at me as if were an object of fear instead of affec- ton. I don't think this is kind of you. I've only had three silk dresses since we were married, while Amy Blight las had six or seven during the same period, and every one of hers cost more than mine. know you think me extravagant, but wish you had wife like some women I could name. rather think you'd find cut the difference before long,"
 There, there, pet, don't talk to me after this fashion I'll bring you the money at dinner time that is, if"
 tNo ifs nor 'buts,' if you please. The sentence is complete without them. Thank you, dear! I'll go this afternoon and buy the silk. So don't fail to bring the money. was in at Silkskins yes terday, and saw one of the sweetest patterns ever laid my eyes on. Just suits my style and complexion. shall be inconsolable if it's gone. You won't disappoint me?"
 And Mrs. Whitman laid her soft, white hand on the arm of her husband, and smiled with sweet pursuasion in his face.
 ''Oh, no. You shall have the money, said MT. Whitman, turning from his wife, as she thought little abruptly, and hurrying from her presence. Iu his precipitation, he had forgotten the usual parting kiss.
 "That's the way it is always!' said Mrs. Whitman, her whole manner changing, as the sound of the closing street doors came iarring upon her ears. "Just say money to Charles, and al once there is cloud in the sky"
 She sat down pouting and half angry.
 "Forty dollars for a new dress P mentally calculated the husband of vain pretty, thoughtless Mrs. Whitman, as he shut the door after him. "I prom ised to settle Thompson's coal bil to-day-thirty-three dollars-but don' know where the money is to come from The coal is burnt up, and more must bt ordered Oh, dear I'm discouraged Every year I fall behindhand. Thi winter I did hope to get little in ad vance. but if forty-dollar silk dresser are in order, there's an end to that de voutly to be wished-for circumstance Debt, debt! How l have always shrunl from it; but steadily, now, it is closing it's BriRrian arms around me, and m, restricted chest labors in respiration Oh, if I could but disentangle mysel now, while have the strength of earl, manhood, and the bonds that hold m are weak. If Ada could see as I sec if I could only make her understand m, position rightly. Alas that is hope less, fear"
 And Mir. Whitman hurried his steps because his heart beat quick, and hi thought was unduly excited.
 Not long time after MT. Whitma left the house, the postman delivered letter to his address. His wife examine the writing n the envelope, which wa in bold, mascuh . hand, and said t herself, as she did so-"I wonder wh this can be from?"
 Something more than curiosity move her. There intruded on her mind vague feeling of disquiet, as if tn missiye bore unpleasant news for he husband. The stamp showed it to be city letter. A few times, of late, sue letters had come to his address, and sh had noticed that he had read then