The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1879-01-17
Miscellan @ O u q.
Sober Second Thought.

II must have it, Charles" said the hand
some little wife of Mr.. Whitman. $50
don'tput on that sober face"
"Did put on sober face ?" asked the
husband, with an attempt to smile that
was anything but a success.
eyes, sober as q 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 What money
lovers you men are !"
"How much will it cost ?" inquired Mr..
Whitman. There was another effort to
look cheerful and acquiescent.
about forty dollars" was answered
with just little faltering in the ladys
voice, for she knew the sum would sound
eXtravagant.
Forty dollars Why, Ada, do you
think am made of money ?" Mr.. Whit
mans countenance underwent remarka-
BILE change of expression.
81 declare, Charles" said his wife, lit
tie impatiently, "you look at me as if /
were an object of fear instead of affection.
l don't think this is kind of you. I've
only had three silk dresses since we were
married, while Amy Blight has had six or
seven during the same period, and every
one of hers cost more than mine | know
you think me extravaganza, but wish you
had wife like some women could name.
rather think you'd find out 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''-
mo its nor butts 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 yesterday, and saw
one of the sweetest patterns l ever laid
my eyes on. Just suits my style and COM
plexion. l shall be inconsolable if it's
gone. You won't disappoint me 2"
And Mrs. Whitman laid her soft, white
hand on the arm of her husband, and
smiled with sweet persuasion in his face
"Oh, no. You shall have the money
| said Mr.. Whitman, turning from his wife
as she thought, little abruptly, and hur-
rying from her presence. In his precipi
tation, he had forgotten the usual parting
| kiss.
"Thats the way it is always !" said Mrs
Whitman, her whole manner changing, as
| the sound of the closing street doors came
jarring upon her ears. "Just say money to
| Charles, and at once there is cloud in
the sky"
She sat down pouting and half angry.
"Forty dollars for new dress ~ men.
tally calculated the husband of vain, pref.
ty, thoughtless Mrs. Whitman, as he shut
the door after him. ~ promised to settle
Thompson's coal bill to .day-thirty- three
dollars-but I don't know where the
money is to come from. The coal is burnt
up, and more must be ordered. Oh, dear
Pm discouraged. Every year l fall be.
midland. This winter l did hope to get
a little in advance, but if forty dollar silk
dresses are in order, there's an end to tina,
devoutly to be wished for eli cumstanc,.
Debt, debt! How / have always shrunk
from it but steadily, now, it is closing it,
Briarian arms around me, and my restrict
ed chest labors in respiration. Oh, il ]
could but disentangle myself now, while
have the strength of early manhood, aud
the bonds that hold me are weak. If Ads
could see as l see-if could only max,
her understand my position rightly. Alas
that is hopeless, fear"
And Mr.. Whitman hurried his steps, be
cause his heart beat quicker and hi
thought was unduly excited
Not long time after Mr.. Whitman
lett his house, the postman delivered let
ter to his address. His wife examined tn,