The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1886-06-18
A SECOND THOUGHT.

IA kOlISOANH 1llOJOl1ls
The Story of IA Wifc's Good Sense.
IL must have il. George" said MIR.
Whitman's handsome little wife. $50.
don't put on that sober. face"
"Did put on a sober faceP" asked
the husband. with an attempt to smile,
that was anything but a success.
Eyes. sober as man on trial for his
life" she replied. "rhcrc. dear, clear
it up, and look as if you had at least
one friend in the world! What money
lovers you men arc!"
"How much will It costp" inquired
Mr.. Whitman.
There was another attempt to look
cheerful and acquiescent.
"About six pounds" was answered,
with just little faltering in the lady's
voice, for she knew the SUM would sound
extravagant.
six pounds! Why, Mary. do you
think am made of moneyp'
And Mi. Whitman's countence under
went a remarkable change of express
sion.
II declare, George" said his wife, a
little impatiently, 'you look at me Us if
were an object of fear. instead of af-
feotlon. L don't think this is kind of
you I've only had three silk dresses
aimee we were married, while Amy
Blight has had six or seven during the
same period, and everyone of hers cost
moro than mine. I know you think
me extravagant, but I wish you had a
wife like some women could name.
rather think you'd find out the differ
ence before long"
"There, there, pet, don't talk to me
after this fashion! I'll bring you the
money this evening-that is, II"
''No ifs nor butts, if you please. The
sentence is complete without them.
Thank you, dear! I'll 90 this afternoon
and buy the silk. So don't fail to bring
the money. 1 was in street yester-
day, and saw one of the sweetest pat
terms l ever bcheld. Just suits nv
style and complexion. shall be incon-
solable if it's gone. You won't disap-
point me?'
And Mrs. Whitman laid her soft,
white hand on the arm of her husband
and smiled with sweet persuasion in
her face.
"Oh, no. You shall have the
money" said Mr.. Whitman, turning
off from his wife, as she thought, lit.
tie abruptly. and hrrying from hcr
presence.
In his precipitation he had also for.
gotten the usual parting kiss.
That's the way it is always!' said
Mrs. Whitman, her whole manner
changing, as the sound of the closing
street door came jarring upon her ears.
"Just say money to George, and oil
once there is cloud in the sky"
She sat down, pouting and half an.
six pounds for now dress!" men.
tally calculated tho husband of the
vain, pretty and thoughtless Mrs
Whitman, as he shut the door after
him. II promised to settle the Goa
merchants bill to-day. but don't know
where the money is to come from The
coal is nearly out. and more must be
ordered. Oh, dear! I'm discouraged
Every year l fall behind hand. Thi.
winter did hope to get little in ad
vance; but if silk dresses are to be Tho
order of the day, there's an end to tina,
Observation-Disclosures circumstance
Debt-debt! how have always shrunl
from it! But steadily, now, it is over
towering me. Oh. il could but dis
cntangle myself now, while have tn,
strength Of early manhood; but tn
bonds that hold mo are weak. If Mar,
could sec Us ] sce-if could make he
understand rightly my position! Alas
that is hopeless, l fer"
And Mr.. Whitman quickened III
steps, because his heart beat quicker
and his mind was unduly excited.
Not long after MIR. Whitman had LEI
home, the postman delivered a letter t
his address. His wife examined til
writing on tbs envelope, which was il
bold hand. and said to herself as sh
did so, Il wonder who this can b
fromp'
Something more than curiosity NOV
ed her. There intruded OH her mind
vague feeling of disquiet, rs il the mis-
sive bore unpleasant news for her hus
band. The stamp showed it to be
city letter. Several times of late sue
letters had come TO his address. and sh
noticed that ho read them hurriedly
thrust them, without remark, into hi
pocket, and became suddenly silent an
gloomy.
Mrs. Whitman turned the letter over a,
over again in her hand in a thoughtful
way, and as she did so the image Of he
husband, sober faced and silent rs b
had become for most of the time of late
. presented itaelf With unusual vivdnoss
Sympathy stole into Asr heart
Poor George" che said, as tn
! feeling increased; "Im afraid some
thing Is going wrong with HIM"
Placing the letter on the mantel
piece, where her husband could see
} when he came in. Mrs. Whitman en-
tered upon some household duties: br
a strange impression, as q weight la,
upon her heart-a sense of impending
, eVil-s vague, troubled disturbance Q
her usual Inward dissatisfaction.
II the thought of Mrs. Whitman re
CURED, as was natural, to the elegan
silk dress Of which she was to becom
the owner on that day, she did not fee
.. the proud satisfaction her vain hear
! experienced q little while before. Some