The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-06-25


Poor GeorNe!" she said, q che
feeling increased; "I'm afraid some
thing is going wrong with HIM"
Placing tS1Sletter on the mantel-
piece, where her husband could see it
when he came in, Mrs. Whitman en-
tered upon some household duties; but
. strange impression. ~ of weight, lay
upon her heart-a sense OF impending
evil-a vague. troubled disturbance Of
her usual inward dissatisfaction.
II the thought Of Mrs. Whitman re-
Cured, as wa 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.
III I only knew what that letter
contained!' she said, half al 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 mantlepiece, took up
the letter, and examined the super
scription. It did not enlighten her.
Steadily she became more assured that
its contents were OF . nature to trouble
her husband.
Hes been 4 little mysterious Of
late" she said to herself. This idea
affected her very unpleasantly. He
grows more silent and reserved" she
added, as thought, under q kind of
feverish excitement. became active in a
new direction. tMore contemplative,
as it were, and less interested in what
goes on around him. His GOODNESS
chills mo at times, and his irritation
pains me.
She drew . 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.
sS0mething has gone wrong with him
this yeai!!' she said aloud. as feeling
grew stronger. What can it bea"
The letter was still in her hand. This
may enlighten me.
With careful fingers she opened the
envelope. not breaking the paper, 80
that q could seal 1t again II she deslr-
ed to do so. There was a bill for fifteen
pounds. and q communication from the
person sending the bill He was q jew
eler.
'.If this is not settled at once, V he
wrote, II shall take proceedings. 1t
has been standing for nearly q year,
and ! am tired of getting excuses in
stead of my money.
The bill was for q lady's watch,
which Mrs. Whitman had almost COM
PEELED her husband to purchase.
Not paid for! Is it possible?" ex-
claimed the little woman, in great as
constituent, while the blood mounted
to her forehead.
Then she sat down to think. Light
began to come into her mind. As she
sat thus thinking, a second letter for
her husband came in. She opened it
without hesitation. Another bill! and
another dunning letter!
Not paid! Is it possible?" she re-
peated.
It was a bill of four pounds for boots
and slippers. which had been standing
for three or four months.
This will never dot said the as
tonished wife-"never-no never!" She
thrust the two letters into her pocket
until { Ts shs essu was Il a her f husband ada She bG did
an unusual amount of thinking for her
little brain. She saw, the moment he
entered. that tho morning cloud had
not passed from his brow.
Here is the money for that new
dress. he said. taking it from his vest
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. if not cheerful. A kiss and q
smile inst then would have been more
precious to the young wife than a hun
dred silk dresses. She took the money,
saying: THANK you, dear! It 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 . look OF inquiry. But
she turned aside, so that he could not
read its expression.
He was graver and more silent than
usual, and ate with scarcely an appear.
ance OF appetite.
Come home early, DEAR" said Mrs.
Whitman. as she walked to the door
MAsA!3 neS sua
Are you impatient to bave me ad'
mire your new silk dress?" he asked,
with a faint effort to smile.
Yes. 1t will be something splen'
did. she replied.
He turned off from her quickly, anc
left the house. "A few moments she
stood. with . thoughtful c%ountenance
n he whole manner completely
changed. Then she went to her room
and commenced dressing to go out,
Two hours later and we lind her in the