Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1882-08-11

we called the farm, was sold at great sac
rifce, and one sunny morning we turned
cur backs upon the breezy mountain sum-
mits and golden grain fields, and journeyed
cityward.
tim afraid you we made big mistake, +"
said Jack 3 father, as he babe US goodbye
YOU'D better have stuck to the farm
You remember the old saying about roll
ing stones.'' sg53ff
II don't believe in old sayings, sir" l
answered, loftily, land l think can ap-
preciate my husbands abilities better than
any one else." @&
''All right; hope you won't ind your
self mistaken, my dear. Goodbye to both
OF you. Whatever you do, care we'll for
the little one. I'm afraid she won't like
the change. If you happen to tire Of
town and fashion. don't forget that a wei
come always awaits you at home"
Jack g heart was too full for utterance.
'"Thank you, sir, said. '.but wesshall
not get tired.''
Our new home, in Penryth, was a stylish
residence in a fashionable block. We es-
tablished ourselves in the principal hotel,
and then set about the task of furnishing
the house.
MY dear child,'' said Mrs. Vanbor-
ough, the bankers wife, dropping ID for
an early call. ''don't dream of such thing
as ingram carpet. Get Brussels. You'll
find it much cheaper in the end, and be-
sides, it is so much more stylish"
We hardened to our friends advice, and
laid our rooms with Brussels, and the cost
ran up to the hundreds. Then furniture
was got to match. Mrs. Marlborough and
several other friends aiding US in our Sc
lection. and all sorts of pretty, costly brio
a-brac, and real lace curtains, and new
cottage piano. My old instrument was
too plain and clumsy for the establish
ment.
There is curious sort of excitement in
spending money, which seems to drive
the most sober and economizing people des-
perate, when they once get at it. Jack had
always been one Of the most careful men,
counting the cost of everything as he went,
and saving every stray penny.
Once into the vortex of city life, his
prudence was speedily changed into sort
of recklessness. After the first few days,
and by the time our new home was ready
to receive US, he actually seemed to take de-
light IN seeing his money 60.
''We've got snug quarters here, Nell, by
George l., he said. looking through the ex-
travagantly furnished rooms with admir-
ing pride. mo one in town can outshine
us, not even Marlborough himself. It has
lightened our purse great deal l II admit,
but what does that signify what good
comes of having money unless one enjoys
it ?"
"We must try and save up a little now,
Jack, since we are fixed up so nicely"
said, feeling somewhat terrified at his grow
ing recklessness.
"Pshaw, child Whoever heard of a ban
ker's clerk saving anything ? If we make
both ends meet, 1t will be more than 1 look
for.''
"My dear" said Mrs. Marlborough. when
we were pleasantly settled in our handsome
house and had.hired couple. of servants
II suppose you want to give some sore of a
party now? It is customary you know
Suppose you let it be an informal recep-
ton, with cards and coffee for the old peo-
pie, and ices and fruits, and dancing for
the young ones. That would do nicely
You can throw your parlors into one, and
your carpets will not get much injured
I'll help you to order the refreshments,
and Cecilia will write out your invitations
for you. She's an excellent Judge as to
whom it is expedient to invite.''
1 mentioned the matter to Jack when he
came home. and he entered into the spirit
of the affair with great excitement.
''To be sure, little wife, have party by
all means. When ones in Rome, one must
do as Romans do, you know. Don't spare
expense either, my dear; we must make
as good show as other people. And I
shall take it upon myself to order your
costume; want you to look as grand as
little empress"
"But, Jack,"I suggested timidly, I'VE
are spending a great deal of money"
"Oh. well, never mind; it ill all 60 any
how, one day or the other, and we might
as we'll enjoy it. You've always wanted
to get into good society, Nell, and you are
fairly in it now, and it won't do to let peo-
pie see that you are cramped for money.
Let's make the most of it while we've got
it.''
My heart ached a little, and in the midst
Of all the flare and futter of preparation,
I was conscious of vague feeling of re-
greet whenever recalled the quiet months
OF my early wifehood, spent at Cherry
Hill. Jack had seemed such different
person in those days-so stout and steady,
and self-reliant, and now he seemed to
take as much pleasure IN life's frivolities
as did. With the foolish inconsistency
of my sex, cried over the censumlma
tion of the very hopes which 1 had cher
ished 80 long.
But, despite my tears, our reception
went on, and it turned out to be great
success. The best people in town honored
us with their presence, and everything,
thanks to Mrs. Vanborough's foresight,
was carried out in the most lavish and ele-
CANT manner.
by George!'' said Jack, ''this sort of
thing is jolller than the old farm. I see
now, little wife, that you are always
right
1 would ten times rather he should have
upbraided me and blamed me for what I
had done.
The winter that followed was exceed
ingly gay. We were invited everywhere,
and our house was constantly filed with