Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-04-24
Jacks heart was too full for utterance

shall not get tired"
Our new home in town was stylish
residence on q fashionable street. We
established ourselves in the principal ho-
tel, and then set about the task Of fur
nishing the house.
MY dear child" said Mrs. Vanbor.
rough, the bankers wife, dropping in for
an early call, "don't dream Of such a
thing as Ingram carpets. Get Brussels.
by all means, good English Brussels.
You'll find it much cheaper in the end,
and besides. it is much more stylish"
We hearkened to our friends advice,
and laid our rooms with Brussels, and
the cost ran up into hundreds.
Then furniture was got to match,
Mrs. Marlborough and several other
friends aiding US in our selection, and all
sorts of costly brio. .a-brac. and real lace
curtains. and new piano. My old in
strument was too plain and clumsy for
the new establishment.
There is a curious excitement in spend
ing money, which seems to drive the
most sober and economizing people des-
perate when they once get at it. Jack
had always been the most careful Of men,
counting the cost of everything as he
went and saving every stray penny.
Once in the vortex Of town 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 delight in seeing his money go.
We've got snug quarters here, Nell,
by George" he said, looking through
the extravagantly furnished rooms with
admiring pride. "No one in town can
outshine US, not even Marlborough him.
self. 1t has lightened our purse good
deal, Ill admit. but what does that sig
Nifty: What good comes Of money un-
less one enjoys il"
ave must try and save up a little
now, Jack, since we are fixed up so
nicely" | said. feeling somewhat terri-
fed at his growing recklessness.
"Pshaw. child Who ever heard Of a
bankers clerk saving anything: If we
make both ends meet it will be more
than look for.
MY DEAR said Mrs Marlborough,
when we were pleasantly settled in our
handsome house and had hired couple
of servants, 81 suppose you will want to
give some sort Of party now: 1t is
customary, 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 open your parlors into one and the
new carpets will not get much injured.
III help you to order your refreshments,
and Celia will write your invitations for
you. She's an excellent judge as to
whom it is expedien. to invite.
mentioned the matter to Jack when
he came home, and he entered into the
spirit Of the affair with great excitement.
ITO be sure, little wife have party
by all means. When one is 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 | shall take it upon my
self to order your costume. | want you
to look as grand as little empress"
"But Jack" suggested, timidly, 1--WE
are spending a great deal Of money"
"Oh well, never mind. 1t will oil go
somehow, one way or the other, and we
might as we'll enjoy it. You've always
wanted to get into good society. Nell.
and you're fairly in, and it wont do to
let the people 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 fare and iutter of prepara-
ton. was conscious of a vague feeling
Of regret whenever l recalled the quiet
moments Of my early wifehood spent at
Cherry Hill, Jack had seemed such a
different person in those dsys-so strong
and steady and self-reliant and now he
seemed to take as much pleasure in life's
frivoli,ies as l did. With the foolish in
consistency Of my sex, l sat down and
cried over the consummation Of the very
hopes which had cherished so long.
Bit, despite my tears. our reception
came on, and it turned out to be great
success. The best people in town hon.
ored US with their presence, and every
thing, thanks to Mrs. Vanborough's fore
sight, was carried on in the most lavish
and elegant manner.
"By George" said Jack, "this sort o.
thing is jollier than the old farm. | SCI
now, little wife that you were right"
| would ten times rather he shoult
have upbraided and blamed me for what
had done.
The winter that followed was exceed
ingly gay. We were invited everywhere
and onr house was constantly filled will
guests, balls. soiries, kettledrums, AM
the opera house seemed to engross ever,
hour. Jack and | seldom had a quie
moment together. yet he seemed to en-
, ioy it all with his whole heart.
When spring came our last surplu
y dollar had been expended, and we wer
/ solely dependent on Jacks monthly sal
, ary.
y The wayn weather came on and bab
:. soon fell i'll. hoped day by day tbs
Jack would say something about goin
I back to his fathers for the summer, br
e he did not even hint at such thing.
o The days grew longer and warmel
Q The sun shone down with a pitile'
II IL. cayad atraofs eoamo