The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-07-17
Selert Storg.
THE WIFE'S LESSON.
Myra was pouting.

Myra was pOuting.
The unmistakablo expression Of il.tem.
per dis6gured her pretty face, and Ernest
sighed as he remembered how often il had
been there during their brief marriage ex.
perience.
Upon the breakfast table were standing
the dishes Of substantial meal, in the dis.
order that follows their use.
Breakfast was over, but Ernest still
kept his seat, toying absently with tea
spoon, while Myn looked at him with the
cross look Of thwarted child
Then you won't give me the dress p
she said.
''I cant Myra really could not do
it without running into debt"
That's just an excuse. Papa always
gave me the money for my clothes, even
il be was cross about some other things -
"Your father was rich man, Myra,
when we were married
ii wish be was rich now Id ask him
for the money. never thought you would
be iingy, Ernest
This last thrust was too much for the
iobS Se0uuTlhk temper.
Ernest Mathers voice was very stern as
he answered
~ am not stingy, Myu, You knew
that was poor man when you married
me, and that could not give you the lux
uries of your old home, but have granted
you every indulgence in my power without
getting into debt. That / will not do, for
your sake as well as mine"
He left her then, lingering 10 the hall,
as he put on his oyercoat, hoping she would
come for kiss and word of reconciliation.
But she sat tapping her little foot upon
the aoor until the hall door closed, and
then ran to her room crying
She was a spoiled ohild, the only daugh.
ter Of q man who had been very wealthy,
bat who had haEarded his money 10 au
unfortunate speculation, aud lost it.
A position abroad was offered him,
which he accepted
His house and furniture, which he had
given his daughter as avoiding gift, were
settled upon herself, and not affected by
his change OF fortune.
Iie knew Rrnest Mather to be an hon
orable man, who had q good business ca
pacity and high place In the esteem aud
confidence Of his employers, aud he felt
no anxiety about Mya's future.
So the little wife, as she made her eyes
all rod with tears Of temper, had no sen
sible mother to tell her how wrongly she
was acting, no sister to sympathize with
her, no one to scold or humor her.
Under these circumstances tho tears
wers soon dried, and Mrs. Mather went
out for walk.
"It's no harm TO look at the dress again
even if | can't buy it, she said, as she tied
on her coquettish little bonnet and other
wise beautified herself for her expedition.
The day was bright, soft warm morn.
ing in early spring, aud the shops were
filed with tempting fnery.
In Myra's dainty portemonuaie there
was money enough TO purchase number
Of nice little parcels, even though the
price of the expensive dress she wanted
was denied her.
So the morning slipped away, aud lun-
eheon time found her chatting with Julia
Maxwell, aud quite willing to accompany
that friend upon a second tour in the ai-
ternoon.
It was after Eve clock when the little
matron, stirred 10 death, as she said,
reached her pretty home.
Her first shock was catching glimpse
Of Ernests maiden aunt, Miss Cordelia
Lowry, her especial aversion and dread,
seated upon the drawingroom sofa.
"Oh horrorl" she muttered. ~ wish
sho was at home. | want to make it up
with Ernest. I don't like the dress half
ns much as did yesterday
Tbs second shock met her upon open
Ing the door of Der bedroom.
Open boxes, closets, drawers, an air Of
general confusion everywhere, and the
small trunk Ernest took with him on short
business trips missing altogether.
Clearly her husband had packed up and
gone, leaving Aunt Cordelis, as usual, to
keep Myra company.
But where was be
Upon the dressing. table was a note d.
reeted to herself, aud Ms Mather tore Il
open.
No loving address to herself; merely
this
81 have waited for your return as long as
possible, and write this to explain INV All.
senee. told you six months a 70 OF Mr. Az.
news offer 10 me, if would accent the posi
tion Of traveller to the house---d double nv pres.
ent salary, and liberal commission. de-.
eiined Il then, because you said the money
would never compensate you for che constant
separation To-day the oAer Il renewed
Ailer our conversation this morning, think
your old objection willhardly have any weight;
so ! have accepted, and leave 10 an hour. /
viii write toyou every month, incl0sinE remit.
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