The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1883-06-14

and besides, 1t s much more stylish.
We hardened to our friends ad
) vice, and the cost ran up int
: hundreds. The furniture was 90
to match, Mrs. Marlborough anc
several other friends aiding us il
our selection, and all sorts of pretty
costly bric-a brac, real lace curtains
and new piano. Ny old instru-
ment was too plain and clumsy foi
the new establishment.
There is q sort of curious excite
ment in spending money, which
seems to drive the most sober and
economizing people desperate when
they once get at it. Jack had always
| been the most careful of men, count
ing the cost of everything as he went
and saving every stray penny. Once
in the vortex of town life his pru-
dence was speedily changed into a
sort of recklessness Alter 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 Georgein he said looking
through the extravagantly furnished
rC oms with admiring pride. "No
one in town can outshine us, not
even Marlborough himself. 1t has
lightened our purse good deal, I'll
admit, but what does that signify?
What good comes of having money
unless one enjoys it?''
eve must try and save up a little
now, Jack, since we are fixed up so
nicely" I said, feeling somewhat ter
rified at his growing recklessness.
"Pshaw, child! Who ever heard
Of bankers clerk saving anything?
If we make both ends meet it will
be more than l look for
"My DEAR" said Mrs. Marlborough,
when we were pleasantly situated in
our house and hired a couple of
servants, 81 suppose you will want
to give some kind of party now !?
It's customary, you know. Suppose
you let it be an informal reception,
with cards and coffee for the old
people and ice and fruits and dane
ing for the young ones. That would
do nicely. You can throw your
parlors into one and the new carpets
will not get much injured, I'll help
you to order youI refreshments, and
Cecilia will write your invitations
for you. She is an excellent judge
at to whom it is expedient to in
vite."
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 a
party by all means. When one is in
Rome one must do as Romans do,
yod know. Don't spare expense,
either, my dear; we must make as
good a show as other people. And
l shall take upon myself to order
your costume. [ want you to look
as grand as a little empress
''But, jack" suggested timidly,
"we are spending great deal of
money"
"Oh, well, never mind. 1t will go
somehow, one way or another, and
we might as well enjoy it. You've
always wanted to get into good
society, Nell, and you're fairly in
now, and it won't do to let people see
that you are cramped 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 flare and futter of
preparation l was conscious of
vague feeling of regret whenever l
recalled the quiet moments of my
early wifehood 1 spent at Cherry
Hill. Jack had seemed to take as
much pleasure in lifes frivolities as
did. With the foolish inconsis-
tency of my sex l sat down and
cried over the consummation of the
very hopes which l had cherished
so long.
But in spite of my tears the re-
ception came on, and it turned out
to be q great success. The best
people in town honored US with
their presence, and everything,
thanks to Mrs. Vanborough's fore
sight, was carried out in most
lavish and elegant manner.
"By George" said Jack, this
sort of thing is jollier than the old
farm. l see now, little wife, that
you are right"
l would ten times rather he should
have upbraided and blamed me for
what l had done. The winter that
followed was exceedingly gay. We
were invited everywhere, and our
house was constantly filled with
guests; balls, soirees, kettledrums
and the opera seemed to embrace
every hour. Jack and ! seldom had
quiet moment together, yet he
seemed to enjoy it with his whole
heart When spring came, our last
surplus dollar had been expended,
and we were dependent on Jacks
monthly salary.
The warm weather came on and
baby soon fell i'll. L hoped day by
day that Jack would say something
about going to his fathers for the
summer, but he didn't even hint
such a thing. The days grew longer
and warmer. The sun shone down
with pitiless splendor, and the paved
streets seemed like heated brass.
Our fashionable friends futtered off
like summer swallows, and we were
| left almost alone.
Couldn't you manage to make a
little trip to the seashore, my dear?'
Mrs. Marlborough had suggested,
and Jack caught at the idea with
eagerness.
1--WE might, Nell; 1 think we can.
I'll try and borrow a few hundred
somewhere.
"Oh, Jack, no, nor 1 sobbed out
in my remorse and despair. 81
won't 90 to the seashore. You see
how i'll baby is. Oh, Jack, ask your
father TO let US return home.'
"Oh, you would not be satisfied,
Nell, if we went back. It's dreadful
stupid down there these days, with
the haymaking and reaping, and all
that sort Of thing. We should never
be able to endure it there now"
l said no more. The long, bright,
burning days wore on, and our bills
ran up higher and baby's little
| braath seemed tn GROW ueoI-a and