The Osceola times., 1881-03-05

"Yes, could afford it. would no
have bought it otherwise. didn't 90 in
debt for it, mind you"
what did it cost2' asked lletlie
flintly, bending over the box, that Dick
might not notice her flushed face.
'seyepty dollars. You remember ask
ing for a velvet cloak a while ago.
! Yes"
Wei l resolved then, II I could
| possibly spare the money, to get You one
for Christmas present. l wouldn't tell
you, for wanted it to be pleasant sur
prise. But | got the incest one could
find"
at is beautiful - said Hettie, "and it is
a pleasant surprise Dick, for | never
thought of it,"
well, you were such good little
woman to give it up so willingly when
asked you to, that | thought you de.
served IT,"
Poor Hettie had to summon all her
nerve to keep from bursting into tears,
and crying out that she did not deserve
1t. just then the supper bell rang,
greatly to her relief, and so telling Dick
she would try on the cloak after supper,
they went TO the coy little dining-roOm
Before supper was over, Hettie had
taken a resolution. And with the cour-
age it gave her, she did try on the velvet
cloak after supper, and praised it enough
to satisfy even Dick, who received her
thanks very graciously, and was delight
ed with the success of his elegant present
After breakfast next morning, Dick
went to the bank, saying he would put
hiswork in order for few days absence,
and be back for an early dinner. They
were to start for Boston at halEpast two
As soon as he was gone, Hettie hurried
ly dressed herself took the box which
contained the cloak she had bought, and
went straight TO Wallace d Dukes. She
had very humiliating task TO perform,
but il was her only chance; and she de-
termined, if she could, this once to save
herself in her husbands esteem.
Il bought cloak here few weeks
ago, and on taking it home, | find shall
not be able 10 pay for it this winter" she
said, therefore, / concluded to bring il
back. | suppose you viii take it if | pay
something she said to the clerk. She
had fifteen dollars, and she offered that.
well, madam" says he, eve don't
often take back or exchange goods. un-
less they are returned Immediately. But
if the cloak is in good order"
1T has never been out Of the box but
twice" said lIettie, not feeling obliged to
say she had worn il, "it is entirely unin-
jured. Please look at it, and see.'
"Well, it won't sell as well as a month
ago, and so We shall have to take the fif-
teen dollars to cover our loss"
The clerk looked at it, found it Just as
Hettie had represented, and consented
to receive it back.
Hettie lett the store with lighter
heart than she had had for weeks.
When Dick came TO dinner he was
struck by her high spirits As she put
on her hat to go to the depot, he said
"Hettie, I'm glad you are going of so
brightly. My little wife has had the
dumps this long time, and couldn't
guess why"
needn't try then,' laughed Hettie.
"Weli, she won't have them any more.
And, Dick, I'll tell you one thing-Tm
not going with Jenny Danvers any
more"
"Glad to hear it," said Mr.. Dick, dry
ly. Privately he wondered what
Madame Jenny had been up to now; but
he did not ask questions; no wise hus-
band does.
As for Hettie, it was a bitter lesson,
and wholesome one, that of the VEL
VET CLOAK.