Middletown transcript., 1884-02-08
LEND NE $1,000.
BY EMILY READ.

BY EMILY READ.
Tom Kirby was not so engrossed i
either his breakfast or newspaper tina
he did not feel reasonable amount o
curiosity in regard to the letter that s
completely absorbed his wife's attention
1t was useless to ask a question, or ever
to remind her that her coffee was grow
ing cold /; therefore, it was relief tC
his anxiety when the last Of the eight
pages of closely-written note paper was
read, and she looked at him over thC
coffee-urn.
"You remember the Vernons, Tom n
II should be ungrateful if did not.
since met you first at their house,
''They were very kind to me and
took me everywhere. I was far too
poor to see much Of society without
their help. Fanny writes me they
have money troubles. She wants me
to lend her 5,000."
Dollars or cents ?''
Dollars, I fancy"
I" And you will ~
wish could. Liberal as nv al
lowance Of pin-money is, l am penni-
less at the end Of every quarter. She
wants the money for six months"
And you cannot oblige her ~
No; I wish | could. But you
can
4 7 am banker, and lend money on
good security. But cannot afford to
give away S., 1000.
You do not doubt that Fanny will
return the money when she says she
will ?" asked Kate, in surprise.
!" ] would not be SO rude. Besides,
a mere promise is, to say the least, un-
business-like
" Tom, you are surely joking. You
will not refuse Fanny-or rather me ~
exclaimed Kate, in dismay.
" a practical joke, then," he an
swered, coolly.
Which are always mean and vul-
gar, !" returned Kate, hotly.
" ! don't agree with you. They are
amusing, if cleverly managed 7
Tom had risen, gathering up his let
ters and papers as he spoke. He had
not been married long enough to know
whether to expect scene, and he was
anxious to get away. But Kate took
his refusal coolly, though she did not
hide her disappointment. Tom was
rich, and liberal enough with his
money but he was also habitually
sharp in business matter, and not
fond Of risks. He was afraid he had
offended his wife, but he could not
help it. She would constantly be made
dupe Of by her friends, if they found
she had unlimited credit.
Then you refuse to let me help
Fanny 7" asked Kate, as she left the
room.
Certainly unless she gives proper
security.n
Then it is only the security you
wish ~
Yes and if you viii Write-n
" Pardon me, =" interrupted Kate. II
could scarcely, after all the Vernons'
kindness, write that | doubted their
honestly
Tom Kirby said no more, but went
to his bank. Kate strolled through the
fed her birds, gave the
necessary household orders. and sent
word to the coachman at what hour she
wanted the carriage. Then she wrote
a long letter to Fanny Vernon. Tom
Kirby would have been surprised if he
had read the last half dozen lines
Kate expressed regret at not enclosing |
The desired cheque, but promised to do
20 in week. Then she dressed to 60
out.
Her first visit was to her jewelers.,
where she bought some trinkets, looked |
At sets Of jewels, and ended in ordering |
her diamonds to be reset in an antique
style she fancied. They were to be
sent home the first of the week, in time
for ball that was to be given. Then
she drove to her dressmaker's, and
wasted an hour or more in looking over
fashions, before she ordered dress for
5he coming ball.
BY the way, madame, y she said, as
she left, have an order for you to
ill Immediately. It is for widows
dress, bonnet, veil-in short, every
thing needed for the deepest grief. y
Certainly" said smiling madame.
= It shall be sent as soon as possible.
shall be glad to give satisfaction, as
It is not for yourself. y
Mr.. Kirby is perfectly well," said
Kate, gravely.
Tom Kirby was glad to find that
Kate had forgotten their little trouble
about the 5000 loan indeed, Kate
was never gayer nor sweeter-tempered
since he first knew her. He was very
busy one morning and not at all pleased,
when his clerk announced that lady
wished to see him on business. He
4
mad a good many visitors, and be did
not enjoy them. He thought women