Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-12-26

their troubles were not lessened. The
fair patrons were fore 10 main
tain their equilibrium in the swirl
OF the human maelstrom for an hour
or more until their "change" was re-
turned. Add TO this the trouble of giving
their names and addresses, and saddle
that with the suspense aud veXatiOn at
tending the delay In the delivery OF the
purchases, aud 1t Is easily TO be seen that
the lot OF the holiday buyer Is not
happy one. Many present bought two
days before Christmas will not be de-
livered until after the anniversary.
Ii IL rs much as a lady's life Ia worth
to secure seat in dry goods establish
ment running It's own restaurant. Its
diningroom in the afternoon Is crowded to
repletion. The tired shopper sagaciou-ly
determines to patroni2e some outside
cafe. Diaries and exquisite luucn rooms
surround the heart of the shopping dis
trict. She enters one on Union square
and Is appalled, at the sight. Ii is vast
hall, but every table is filed. Over
thousand ladies are eating rolls
and slipping coffee there. The noise
and confusion Is deafening. The
chattering surpasses the chattering OF
hock of parraquets. An accommodating
head waiter marches the newcomer an
eighth of mile IN search OF n vacant
door of a gorgeous parlor, where she is
asked TO wait until the crush is over. She
may as we'll wait without going else where.
All the restaurants in the vicinity
are filled with customers and
their walters are daehing around like
insane men trying to I'LL their orders.
While eating IN sixth avenue restaur-
ant near Fourteenth street the other
afternoon, a couple secured seats with
ma ut he ssxl,I NJ Iu1, AL
icate and was richly attired. The fires OF
"a shopping excitement burned in her
eyes, but she was as fragile as crystal.
The eXertioD had been too mnch for her.
She was totally exhausted. She COM
planned of her head, her back and her feet
to the gentleman who accompanied her.
He was evidently her husband. He had
temporarily left business caree down
town behind him and had sped up on the
elevated railroad TO enjoy lunch with
his wife. She had been waiting some
minutes for him. never saw WON an
more completely tired out. Her pretty
ace WAS haggard, and she hardly had
strength enough to unbutton her sealskn
cloak. The husband REGARDED her wi b
atfectlonate sOlicitude "a she deiai ed ire
troubles OF the day and the surpiising
purchases that she had made. After no.
ning over a list OF the gifts she mad
bought for Johnny" and ''the baby" ehe
spoke OF those that remained unDOuRbt.
and deicately insinuated that sha was
out OF money.
''DOn't run around any more today.
DEAR" her husband said. you are
worn out already, and II you're not care
tul you'll be down sick. Take my advice
and go home and rest. Let tbs Christ
mas toys go until you're stronger.
The ruling passion was too rec, how
ever. She answered him with loving al
fectlon, but was unable to shake off the
shopping fever. Her eyes dilated as she
told Of the wonders that were yet to be
gathered In. The husband began to be
pressed for time. He looked at his watch
every minute. He urged her TO take a
glass OF ale or beer with her dinner as a
healthy stimulant, but she would have
nothing but strong coffee. Her cooinRs
became softer and softer, and at times
almost inaudlble. At last she carried her
point.
"I can wait no longer" the husband
said as he arose. "Here are $lS. dear.
must get back TO the Office. You may
look for me at inner at 7. Don't overdo
yourself Good-by."
Five minutes afterward the lady re-
sumed her shopping expedition, her face
radiant with antic patton. Last night l
sat 10 quiet conversation with a WELL
known physician on sp. elevated train.
The same woman's husband entered the
car and had talk with tue doctor, lie
left the train nj Forty-second street.
Poor fellowp said the physician, "be
will have a sad Christmas"
"WhaPs the matterT inquired.
''His wife is down with the typhoid
fever, and che will never recover. Zoo
much Christmas shopping. feel sorry
for the Two little ones"
AMOS J. CUMMINGS.