The Wilmingtonian., 1886-06-26

1t was bill Of four pounds for boots and
slippers, which had been standing for three
or four months.
"This will never do p said the astouished
wife --"never-no, never y She thrust the
two letters into her ocket in resolute way
and from that hour until the return of her
husband she did an unusual amount of think
| ing for her little brain. she saw, the NOM
ent he entered, that the morning cloud had
not passed from his brow.
"fIere is the money for that new dress,
he id, taking it from $ vest pocket aud
banding it TO her aS he came in.
He did not kiss her, nor sm'l, il the old
bright way. But his vo &c was calm, If not
cheerful. A kiss aud u smilt ,>t then would
have been more precious to the youlg wife
than a hundred silk dresses. She tnok the
money, saying. "rha k you, den 1t is
Kind OF You t., comply with my wish 5"
Something in her voice aud lnahner caused
M. Whitman to lift his eyes TO her face
with look Of inquiry. But She TUNED
aside, 50 that he could not read its express
sion.
He was graver and IN re silent than u>utl
and ate with scarcely an appe france of appe-
tite.
Come home eatl dear" said Mrs. Whit
m u, as she walked to the door with her
husband.
care you impatient to have me admire
your new silk dress ?'' be asked, with faint
effort to smile.
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 l speak word to You ?" she said
addressing the owner, who knew her very
we'll. $751;"
"Certainly," he replied, and they moved
| to the lower end of one of the long g,ass
cases.
Mrs. Whitman drew from her pocket a
lady's watch and chain, and layirg them on
the glass case said, at the same time hold
ing out the bill she had taken from the en-
velope addressed to her husband
81 cannot afford to wear this watch my
hurband's circumstances are too limited. |
tell you so frankly. 1t should never have
been purchased {; but a too iudulgent husband
yielded TO the opportunities of foolish
young wife. say this to take the blame
fiom him. Now, sir, meet the case, if you
can do SO in fairness to Yourself Take
back the watch, and say how much shall
pay you beside"
The .ieweler paused 4 little to think The
case took him little by surprise. He stood
for nearly minute then taking the bill and
watch he said, "Wait a moment" and went
to desk
"Wil til 1t do?"
lie had come forward again, and now pre-
sented her with the receipted bill His face
wore pleased expression.
GLOW much have to pay you?" asked
Mrs. Whitman, taking out her pocket-book,
"Nothng," lie replied The watch is
uninjured
"You have done kind act, sir, said Mrs
Whitman, with tremulous voice. II hope
you will not think unfayorahly of my hus
band. It's no fault Of hiS that the bill has
not been paid. Good morning, sir
Mrs. Whitman drew ler veil over her face
an went with light steps and light heart
from the Shop. The pleasure she had exper
iouced on receiving her watch was MT to be
.Al, Al. IL. = -, rtit
with it, From the jewelers. She vent 10 tFt
bootmaker's and paid his bill from theuct
to her mill ner's, and settled for her last hon
net.
Il know you're dying 10 ste my new
DRESS" said Mrs. Whitman, gtSly, as SHE
drew her arm within that h,r husband on
his appearance that evening Come NJ
stairs and let me show it. Come along
Don't hang X, GcurS", as if y'u watC
AFRAID
George Whitman went with his Wifo pas
sivtly, looking more like IL man on his way
to receive dreadful scntc' &C than it exrec
tltion of a pleasant sight His thought
were bitter.
shall my wife become lost to me-" Ii
SAID in his heart-"!ost to me in a W rid o
fIlly, fashion and extravaganza p
f "Slt down, George" she said, leahin; hi n
to a chair.
Her manner had undergone change. Th
brightness Of her countenance had departed
She took something in a hurried way from
I the drawer, and catching up foutstOOl
t placed it on the fluJr near him, and sitting
l down, leaned upon him, and looked tenderl
and lovingly into his face. Then she handet
him the jewelers. bill.
at is receipted to you she said, and he
! voice fluttered a little.
"Mary how is this ~ he asked. "Wha
does it mean? ?''
u returned the watch " she replied ;."an
Mr.. r ,se rece pied the bill. | would hav
plid for any damage but 70 said it was uu
injured, aud would not take anything"
,oh Mary" said her husband.
"And this is reccpted also and this, ST
!, said, handing the other hills which she ha
; paid "Anl now, dear" she added, qnickl
chow do you like my d esS?" "Isn'tlt bea'
: tiful?''
. We leave to the readers Imagination til
ex lanations and the sclne that fullJwec
: If, however, any fair lady, who, like MIR
Nnitp,,n a. I,,an a r. yyin1 t,n hnayiiv n