The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-06-19
Sober Second Thought.

81 must have it, Charles said the
handsome little wife of Mr.. Whitman.
$50 don't put on a sober face
Odd | put on n sober face z asked
the husband, with an attempt to smile
that was anything but success.
"Yes, sober as man on trial for his
life Why, its as long as the moral law.
There, dear, clear it up, and look as if
you had ut 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 aqWeseent.
"About forty dollars was answered,
with Just little faltering in II lady's
voice, for she knew the sum would sound
cXtravagant.
Forty dollars Why, Ada, do you
think am made Of money q Mr.. Whit
mans countenance underwent II remark
able change of expression.
Il declare, Charles" said his wife,
little impatiently. you look at me as if
| were an object Of fear instead OF atiec
ton. | 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 OF seven during the same period,
and every one of hers cost more than
mine, | know you think we extrava-
CANT, 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; that is, if
NO its or butts, ii you please. The
sentence is complete without them
Thank you, dear I'll 60 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 pat
terms | ever laid my eyes on. Just suits
my style and complexion. l shall be
inconsolate if it's gone You won't dis
appoint me p
''Oh, 40. You shall have the money"
said Mr. Whitman, turning from his
wife, as she thought, little abruptly,
and hurrying from her presence. In 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 door came Earring upon her ears.
"Just say money to Charles, and at once
there is a cloud in the sky"
She sat pouting and half angry.
Forty dollars for new dress e men
tally calculated the husband of vain,
pretty, thoughtless Mrs Whitman, as he
shut .he door after him. Il promised to
settle Thompson's coal bill to-day, thirty
three dollars-but don't know where the
money is TO come from. The coal is
burnt up, and more must be ordered. Oh
dear | am discouraged. Every year
| fall behindhand This Winter | did
hope TO get little in advance, but if
forty-dollar silk dresses are in order.
there's an end to that devoutly to be
wished for circumstance Debt, debt !
How | have always shrunk it; but
steadily, now it is closing its Briaerian
arms around me, and my restricted chest
labors in respiration. Oh, if | could but
disentangle myself now, whilst have the
strength of early manhood, and the bonds
that hold me are weak. If Ada could
see as | see-if | could only make her
understand my position rightly Alas,
that is hopeless, | fear
Not long time after Mr. Whitman
left the house, the postman delivered a
letter to his address His wife examined
the writing on the envelope, which was
in bold, masculine hand, and said to
herself as she did so-'I wonder who
this can be FRONT
Mrs Whitman turned the letter over
and over in her hand, in a thoughtful
way, and as she did SO, the image of her
husband, sober-faced and silent as he
had become for the most of the time, of
late, presented hi nself with usual vivid
ness. sympathy stole into her heart