The Russellville Democrat., 1881-02-24

aYes, I could afford it. would not have bought it otherwise. didn't go in debt for it, mind youl'
 ssWhat did it cost2' asked Hettie. faintly, bending over the box, that Dick might not notice her flushed face.
 Seventy dollars. You remember ask ing for velvet cloak while ago."
 nYes."
 Well, I 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 l could find"
 "It is beautiful" said Hettie, land it is pleasant surprise Dick, for 1 never thought of it."
 "Well, you were such a good little woman to give it up so willingly when 1 asked you to, that l thought you de- served fl"
 Poor Hettie had to summon all her nerve to keep from bursting into tears, and crying out that she did not deserve it. 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 cozy 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 &yNr C. De- l.1g AS soon as he was gone, Hettie hurried ly dressed herself took the box which l contained the cloak she had bought, and | had very humiliating task to perform, but it was her only chance: and she de | termined, if she could, this once to save herself in her husbands esteem. T bought cloak here few weeks ago, and on taking it home, I find I shall not be able to pay for it this winter" she said, therefore, I concluded to bring it | back. I suppose you will take it if I pay something" she said to the clerk. She had fifteen dollars, and she offered that. Well, madam" says he, i've don't often take back or exchange goods, un- less they are returned immediately. But | if the cloak is in good order" Tt has never been out of the box but twice" said Hettie, not feeling obliged to say she had worn it, ''it is entirely unin- jured. Please look at it, and sec"
 "Well, it won't sell as well as month ago, and so we shall have to take the fif- l 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 a 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 off so brightly. My little wife has had the dumps this long time, and I 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-I'm not going with Jenny Danvers any more"
 Glad to hear it," said Mir. 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 bitter lesson, and wholesome one, that of the VEL VET CLOAK.