The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-07-24
rHr DAILY CAIRO BULLETIN SUNDAY MORNING,

"And what pleasure," exclaim, facing
round and looking ut my sisters, "do you
expect 10 find in eyes rolling after you,
following every movement Bee II does
very well for stories; but think II is the
greatest mistake TO have your husband too
fond Of you.
"And as a married woman, OF course,
YOU speak from experience" Rec says,
with smile in her bright eyes. And then
/ become conscious that Helen's face is ex-
pressing surprise.
"What do you mean, Madgic!"
..Nothing, Don't look as If had said
something dreadful, Helen. Did | ever
mean anything said in my life"
She Is not convinced; and, fearful OF her
reading my meaning all to clearly, ! lean
out of the open window, and see Humphrey
sitting by himself, book beside him.
Snatching at full-blown China-rose vast
ing it's fragrance above my head, shower
its dainty petals on Humphreys hat, and
he looks up and smiles.
"Shal come DOWN.
oNot unless you want to do So" he an
,wers. but he looks immensely pleased
hasten down and sit beside him for five
minutes. till the tea-bcll rings again; and
then L lpdu HllH III, anu i'ti INV 'VHN Wv
who had captured u bear, and is trying TO
make the best Of 1t. 1T is very unfair
thought, but husband is terrible drag
on one.
"Oh, Madgic, how lovely! And you
don't seem to care about II one bit!'
The voice is l.cna's the words are spoken
in raptured admiration, called forth by
| the disclosures that follow the unpacking
OF my boxes.
| Lena's eyes are taking in every bow and
furbcow in the silk dresses Humphrey
insisted on my getting in Paris--he sccps
to think that woman's happiness depends
on the size of her wardrobc-and truly
there is some pleasure. in being well dress
ed.
The seventy pounds expended on my
| trouseau--a sum especially sent Tor that
purpose by my godnothcr, maiden lady,
| who solemnIy declared then and there that
by that one gift she discharged all duties
concerning mc--dd not go very far after
all; and it seemed to give Humphrey great
pleasure in lifting me out like doll. He
| nut me in Wortll's hands, and the result -
seen by Lenas open-eyed amazement.
| To be well dressed is, ! think, the sole
| ambition of Lena's life; and many and
FREQUENT are the signs and heartburnings
| over last summers hornets freshly re-
trimmed, aud dresses turned and returned
again and again "PoorIy but neatly
clad" describes the curate's family accu-
rately. Lena would look pretty in any
thing: her childish loveliness wants little
adornment
1t is ooh, Madgie !. and son, Madgie"
as the unpacking proceeds, followed
by elbow | envy youw Bee looks on with
pleased face, and laughs at every fresh
outburst of Lena's.
The silk dresses are all lying on the bed
hate them all to me they are the price oil
my liberty. But Lena has wonderful
respect for good clothes.
''Put one on, Madgie" she says heart
lessy, but decline.
"Put it on yourself, Lena; the same
things always fitted us both"
Nothing loath, she complies and adorns
her slight figure in a long black silk dress
that lies trailingly upon the ground and is
made in the latest fashion. Lena walks up
and down.
"Faicy wearing such dress" she says,
stopping to survey herself in the glass;
"Madgie wish were in your place"
~ wish YOU were,' answer with truth
full fervcr, looking at my sisters flushed,
pleased face; and then an idea seizes me,
and fly down stairs in search OF Hum
phrey.
He is reading the newspaper in the draw
ing-room, with Regy and Isabel in close at
tendance; but the newspaper is laid aside
as / appear, and Humphrey gets up quick
ly.
"Wcre you looking for me' he asks.
eyes" say, looking at the children ,
81 want to ask you something, Humphrey"
"Anythng serious!"-smiling down at
me, and leading the way to the window.
But find a slight difficulty in making
my request, and grow warm under my hus
bands pleasant smile.
"Wel, what is it, Madgie-anyth
can do for you, DEAR"
''IIumphrey," 1 say, plungng desperate
ly into my subject, ''may do what wish
with my dresses and things"
"Of course he answers,
But he does not quite see my meaning
and lift my eyes from contemplating the
carpet, and see his puzzled face looking at
me.
"May give Lena one of my dresses"
whisper, feeling very mean and shabby,
and crimsoning to the roots of my hair.
'Give her the whole lot of them if you
like, little woman, and | will buy you a
dozen more. Give the girls anything you
like, only be happy" putting his hand
under my chin, and looking at me. 81 don't
like to see my wife afraid to ask me for
anything"
'Itseems so mean" falter; "you have
done so much, Humphrey"
"Hush," and the smile leaves his eyes.
"Don't trespass on forbidden ground,
Madgie~
But Lena does not become the possessor
Of the silk dress after all. On my way up
stairs meet mamma, and unfold to her my
intentions; and my little scheme is nipped
in the bud at once. Mamma will not hear
OF it, and am Obliged to give in, and per-
force agree that one solitary handsome dress
would be most unsuitable addition TO Lee
mas wardrobe.
CHAPTER VIII.