The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1886-06-19

/ Cured, as was natural, to the elegant
silk dress of which she was to become
the owner on that day, she did not feel
the proud satisfaction her vain heart
experienced little while before. Some-
thing OF its beauty had faded.
If 1 only knew what that letter con-
tanned |" she said, half an hour after it
had come in, her mind still feeling the
pressure which had come upon it so
strangely, as it seemed to her.
She went to the mantelpiece, took up
the letter, and examined the superscrip-
ton. 1t did not enlighten her Steadily
she became more assured that its con-
tents were Of nature to trouble her
husband.
He's been little mysterious OF Iate,"
she said to herself The idea affected
her very unplensantly. HE grows
more silent and reserved" she added,
as though, under o kind of feverish
excitement, became active in new
direction more contemplative, as it
were, and less interested in what goes
on around him. His coldness chills me
at times, and his irritation pains me-.
She drew a long, deep sigh. Then,
with an almost startling vividness, came
before her mind in contrast, her tender,
loving, cheerful husband of three years
before, and her quiet, silent, sober-faced
husband OF to-day. 3.
Something has gone wrong with him
this year !" she said aloud, as feeling
grew stronger. "What can it be ?" The
letter was still in her hand This may
enliShten me"
With careful fingers she opened the
envelope, not breaking the paper, SO
that she could seal it agnin if sho desired
to do so. There was bill for fifteen
pounds, and communication from the
person sending the bill. He was o
jeweler
"If this is not settled at once" he
wrote, II shall take proceedings. II
has been standing for nearly year, and
am tired OF getting excuses instead OF
my money"
The bill was for a lady's watch. which
Mrs. Whitman had almost compelled
her husband to purchase.
"Not paid for Is it possible ?"
exclaimed the little woman, in great
asionishment, while the blood mounted
to her forehead, -,i
Then sho sat down to think. Light
began to come into her mind. AS she
sat thus thinking, q second letter for
her husband came in. She opened it
without hesitation. Another bill and
another dunning letter ).
mot paidl Is it possibIer" she
repeated. ~
1t was bill Of four pounds for boots
and slippers, which had been standing
for three Or four months
"This will never dol" said the aston
ished wife" "never-no, never" She
thrust the two letters into her pocket
in resclu.e way and from that hour
until the return of her hu -hind she did
MI unusual amount of thanking for her
l''lo brain. She saw, the moment ho
entered, that the morning cloud had not
passed from his brow.
Hero is the money for that new
dress, he sAid, taking it from his We.
pocket and handing it to her as he came
in.
He did not kiss her, nor smile in the
old, bright way. But his voice was
calm, il not cheerful. A kiss and q
smile just then would have been more
precious to the young wife than hun
dred silk dresses. She took the money,
saying, "Thnnk you, dear 1t is kind
OF you to comply with my wishes.
Something in her voice and manner
caused Mr.. Whitman to lift his eyes to
her face with o look Of inquiry. But she
turned aside, 30 that he could not read
its expression. ts-
He was grayer and more aiIent tthEH
usual, and ate with scarcely an appeaB.
ance of appetite. --.~--~=-----..(S
Come home early, dear.S said Mrs.
Whitman, as she walked to the door
with her husband
"Are you inpatient to have mo
admire your new silk dress ?" he asked,
with faint effort to smile.
T. Eyes. 1t will be something splendid, ,,
she replied.
He turned off from her quickly, and
left the house. A few moments she
stood, with thoughtful countenance,
and her whole manner completely
changed. Then she went to her room,
and commenced dressing to go out,
Two hours later, and we find her in the
jewelers. shop
MAY speak a word to your she
said, addressing the owner, who knew
her very well.
CERTAINLY" he replied. and they
moved to the lower end of one Of. the
long glass cases. -
T. Mrs. Whitman drew from her pocket
a ladys watch and chain, and laying
them on the glass case, said, at the same
time holding out the bill she had taken
from the envelope addressed to her
husband: -
al cannot afford TO wear this watch /;
my husbands circumstances ore too
limited. l tell you so frankly. It
should never have been purchased; but
q too indulgent husband yielded to the
importuuities of foolish young wife,
l say this to take the blame from him.
Now, sir, meet the case, if you can do
30 in fairness to yourself. Take back
the watch, and say how much shall
pay you beside"
Tho ieweler paused little to think.
The case took him little by surprise,
He stood for nearly minute; then talk
ing the bill and watch, he said. "Wait
moment. and went to desk. -,
"Will that do ?" -
He had come forward again, and now
,,vosoy,kaI l,a- MIL, A., L.