The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-07-29
THE NAVY-BLUE SILK.

Il shall be expected to call on the
bride, this morning." said. but of
course I can't do so.'
Charlie looked up from his morning
paper with provokingly innocent face
as spoke.
'Why not, my dcar?" he said
''Oh, Charlie, how can you ask? You
know us we'll as I do, that I've nothing
gcntcel to wear This rusty old alpac-
ca is my best, and it is not fit to go to
market in, even. should think you'd
feel really ashamed to see me look SO
shabby"
"Shabby, Jennie" said Charlie, in
spccting me from head to foot, ''Why,
to my eye, you are the neatest, pretti-
est little woman the sun shines on.
The compliment pleased and flatter-
ed me; nevertheless, was veXed.
"All that sounds very nicely, Charlie;
but you know how much [ need some
sort of fall outfit, at any rate, I've NEIL
toned the fact more than once"
$50 you have, Jennie; but I've been
so cramped for money, with that con-
founded law business on my shoulders
I haven't had dollar to spare Never
mind, there are better days ahead, I
trust, my little woman. We can stand
the old alpaca a little longer, can't
we?'
II can stand it all winter, if you say
so, Charlie"
My husband arose, and tossed aside
his paper, a dancing light in his hand
some eyes. [ fancied he was making
fun of me, and my temper blazed up.
''There seems to be money enough for
all other needs except mine," l said,
chokinglv. cts too bad that I must
NOPE in the house for want Of decent
apparel
Charlie crossed the room and put
his arm about me-
$50 it is, little wife. but be patient
little longer
There is a point when patience
ceases to be a virtue
Charlie laughed AS he kissed me Il
merry, miscellaneous laugh, that increas-
ed my vexation.
*'By-by Jennie. I'll run up and kiss
baby and be off: Oh. get my best coat,
will you dear? And you can mend this
one up n little, while it is off duty, I ex-
pect to see some friends to-day; and by,
the way, you may put off dinner an
hour later, Jennie; I don't think I shall
get home at the usual time"
why not, Charlieo'
ooh, well-never mind, Jennie, 1t
isn't polite to inquire into a fellows pri-
waite matters, you KNOW" and with a
laughing glance, he ran up stairs.
His reply vexed me afresh, and l
brought out his coat, and hung it on q
chair, and then took myself off to the
kitchen.
Jennie, I'm off" he shouted, when he
came down.
I did not run out to say a last good
by, as I had done every morning since
our marriage. I answered; every we'll,
Charlie" and went on with my work.
the front door closed and from the
kichen window saw my husband hur-
ny down the street. Then, after the
fashion of my sex, sat down and had
good cry. [ was vexed because l
could not call upon the bride; vexed
that Charlie had treated my need of a
new dress so carelessly; and vexed with
myself for my petulant temper.
When my unavailing cry was over,
| dried my eyes, and returned to the
breakfast room. On the lounge lay
Charles old coat. I took it up, with a
sharp pang at my heart. 1t was dread
fully worn and threadbare. Poor Char
lie! after all he had done his best. My
repentant tears rushed forth afresh;
nevertheless, I put my hand in Char
lies coat pocket. Does the woman live
who can resist the impulse which
promps her to explore her husbands
pockeSs?
Handkerchiefs by the half dozen. q
crushed cigar, and the fragment of
letter. Of course I examined that.
It was penned in feminine chiro-
graphy and ran as follows:
DEAR CHARL1E-The dresses are all ready.
and the Navy. Blue is exquisite. shall come on
Thursday, the 10TH Be sure and meet me at the
thing secret"
There the sheet was torn off. read
these lines over and over, lost in Won
der. What woman had a right to ad-
dress my husband as "dear Charlie ~
II shall come on Thursday, the
10th.