The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1882-09-16

is curious SORT OF exCltement IN SPenu
ing money which seems to drive tn,
most sober and economiziEg people
desperate, when they once get at it,
Jack had always been one OF the NOS
careful OF men, counting the cost o.
everything as he went, and saving every
stray penny.
Once into the vortex Of city life hi:
prudence was speedily changed into q
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 delight in seeing his money go.
"We've got snug quarters here, Nell,
by George - he said, looking through
the cxtravagantly furnished rooms with
admiring pride. "No one in town can
outshine us, not even Marlborough him.
self. 1t has lightened our purse good
deal, I'll admit, but what does that sig
nify9 What good comes of having
money unless one enjoys it1"
"we must try and save up little
now, Jack, since We are fixed so nicely" "
] said, feeling somewhat terrified at his
growing recklessness.
"Pshaw, child Who ever heard OF a
bankers clerk saving anything9 five
make both ends meet il will be more
than look for"
"My dear" said Mrs. Marlborough,
when we were pleasantly settled in our
handsome house and hired couple OF
servants, al suppose you want to give
some sort of party now9 IL is custom
any, you know. Suppose you let it be
an informal reception, with cards and
coffee for the old people, 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 your refreshments, and Ce-
celia will write out your invitations for
you. She's an excellen, judge as TO
whom il is expedient to invite"
mentioned the matter TO Jack when
he came home, and he entered into the
spirit Of the affair with great excite
/ mcnt.
"To be sure, little wife, have party
by all means. When ones in Rome
one must do as the Romans do, you
know. Dom; spare expense either, my
dear; we mus, make as good show rs
other people. And shall take il upon
myself to order your costume want
YOU to look as grand as little empress. |"
"Bu,, Jack" | suggested timidly,
"we are spending great deal ofmoney." "
"Oh, well, never mind. Il will 60
anyway, one way or the other, and we
might as well enjoy it. You've always
wanted to get into good society, Nell,
and YOU are fairly in now and it won't
do to le, people see tha, you are cramp-
ed for money. Let's make the most Of
it while we've got it,"
Ny heart ached little, and in the
midst of all the fare and nuiter Of pre-
p1ra;ion, was conscious of vague
feeling OF regret whenever recalled the
quiet months OF my early wifehood,
spent 4, Cherry Hill. Jack had seemed
such different person in those days
so strong and steady and self-relian;,
ard now he seemed TO take as much
pleasure in life's frivoli,ies as | did
With the foolish inconsistency Of my
sex, sat down and cried over the con-
summation Of the very hopes which
had cherished so long.
But, despite my tears, our reception
went on, and it turned out TO be grand
success. The best people in town hon.
ored us with their presence, and every
thing, thanks TO Mrs. Marlborough
foresight, was carried out in the mos;
lavish and elegant manner.
"By George" said Jack, "this sort
of thing is jollier than the old farm.
see now. little wife, that you are right,
always right"
would ten times rather he should
have upbraided me and blamed me fol
what had done.
The winter that followed was exceed
ingly gay. We were invited every
where, and our house was constantly
filled with guests. Balls, soirees, kettle
drums and the opera seemed to engros
every hour. Jack and | seldom had ;
. quiet moment together, yet he seemed
|. to enjoy it all with his own heart.
When spring came our last surplu
dollar had been expended, and we wer'
solely dependent on Jacks MONTH!
salary.
The warm weather came on and th'
baby soon fell i'll. hoped day by da,
that Jack would say something abou
going back TO his fathers for the sum
mcr, but he did not even hint of sucl
i 4 thing.
The days grew longer and warmer
The sun shone down with 4 pitiles
splendor and the paved streets seemeC
like heated brass.
Our fashionable friends fluttered oi
like summer swallows, and We were lef
, almost alone.
Couldn't you manage TO make
little trip to the seaShore, my dear1'
, Mrs. Marlborough had suggested, ant
|, Jack had caught at the idea with eager
!. ness.
ave might, Nell, think We ean.-
I'll try to borrow a few hundred some
where"
: "Oh, Jack, no, no." I sobbed out
> in my remorse and despair. al won
60 to the seashore. You see how j
baby is. Oh, Jack, ask your father I
let us return home"
|, "Oh, you wouldn't be satifed, Nell
r il VIC went back. 1t is sdreadfully stupi
down there these summer days, with th
1 hay making, and the reaping, and a
E that sort OF thing. We should never b
e able to endure it now"
I said no more. The long, bright
e burning days wore on, and our bills "a
i up higher and higher, and baby's littl
. breath seemed to grow weaker an
!. weaker, and poor Jack himself began Z