The Sentinel. [volume] (Trenton, N.J.) 1880-1882, 1881-05-28

IDENTIFY had the best Intentions in the
world. He loved his wife. He even
esteemed his mother-in-law. I never
saw man work so hard in what he con.
sidered his line of duty, and so utterly
fail to recommend it to others, as pool
Robinson. But he began to be brighter
and apparently happier. The anniver-
sary of his wedding was close at hand,
and he was interested in a gift to his
wife.
"I was puzzled what to get" said
Robinson. "You see she's got almost
everything, Smith; her wedding pres
ents embraced so many little adorn-
ments and knickknacks. At last I hit
upon black silk dress-a woman can't
have too many, and can get bargain
down in the store just now. She said
she'd rather have the money and buy it
outside; but / persuaded her that
would be foolish. So she's coming in
to choose the trimmings this afternoon,
and if she comes while I'm out you'll
take care of her, won't you?'
With pleasure" said. And it so
happened that she did come while
Robinson was away, and seemed to
bring all the sunshine with her.
I told her that her husband had left
her in my care, and begged her to use
me in any way that suggested itse to
her; that it would be my happiness to
serve her.
[ suppose there was an honest fervor
about this declaration that impressed
Mrs. Robinson. 1t had so happened
that was able to show her some little
favors and attentions in return for the
many that her husband had done for
me. had told her I was under obi
cations to Robinson. OF course
didn't explain that it was in his desir-
ing to help me select my hat and coats
and boots; it wasn't necessary to enter
into these little details, but she under
stood that natural gratitude on my
part led me to send her in return a few
little trifes, like bouquets, or new
1 books, or music, OF opera tickets, once
in while. So she knew the declaration
of mine that day at the store, that l
would be happy to serve her, came
straight from my heart.
"You are so good and kind" she
said. Then all at once an eager visit
fulness leaped into her eyes. 81 wish
[ could dare ask you to do me favor,
Mr.. Smith, very great favor she
said.
"Do," I replied. "I won't abuse
your generosity"
"Oh +! I wonder if it will be right %
she said, clasping her little gloved
hands, and looking up in my face with
q charming air of indecision. 81 won
der if I ought to do such thing?"
"The fact that you desire to do it is
a proof that it is blameless," / replied.
81 do desire it, ever so much" she
said; "and it is perfectly blameless.
I've set my heart on giving my husband
present upon our marriage anniver-
sary'"
SIS that all, Mrs. Robinson"
"All!" she replied, tapping her foot
with her parasol, with an air of vexation.
She was looking upon the floor now,
and warm color burned in her cheek.
81 It's so hard to explain to you," she
said. I" / don't like to borrow money of
mamma, because she don't understand
my husband, and makes so many I'M
pleasant remarks, and it's quite large
sum want for the present. Tn afraid
it will cost ten dollars" Here she
hesitated, and her color grew more and
more vivid.
"Ten dollars isn't very large sum, "
[ said. I had decided now that she
wanted to ask me to lend her the money,
but didn't know how to go about it, and
I was at loss how to help her. I had
two crisp fve-dollar bills in my vest
pocket, but how to get them into her
hand was problem. In the meanwhile
time was flying and Robinson would be
back.
"You understand my husband, Mr..
Smith. You know how kind and good
he is to me. He has told me how he
confdes in you. You must know he is
the dearest, best of husbands"
"Of course [ do, Mrs. Robinson. We
are like brothers," I said, with intense
friendly fervor
81 hate even to deceive him for 9
moment, Mr.. Smith. Of course [ shall
tell him afterward; but I want to sur
prise him. I wouldn't care to give him
anything if it wasn't surprise
"Of course you wouldn't, Mrs. Rob
inson. Any other way would be SC
humdrum and commonplace. / know
just how you feel about it."
"And my husband is SO thoughtful
he is so anxious to relieve me of every
care, that he knows just where every
penny goes and, oh dear, it's too bad 7
Big tears gathered in her beautiful
eyes it was too much for me.
81 understand it all, Mrs. Robinson,
bIurted out. "Don't fret over such
trife as this" and thrust the two five
dollar bills in her hand.
She was on her feet in an instant
White now to her lips, and an awful ex
preston in her eyes of reproach, rage
regret, heaven knows what and all. TIL,
fve-dollar bills had dropped on tn,
floor.
Good-morning, sir" she said {"
have been mistaken in you. Please tel
my husband I could not wait for him.
She was little woman, but sh
seemed about ten feet high as she swep
out of our department. Fortunatel.
some foreign cases nad effectuall,
| screened us from observation. It wa
some time before / could pick up tn