The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1888-12-21

always kissing his wife good bye when
he left the house: but this morning
her reproachful brown eyes were abso-
lutcly turned away, and she looked so
thoroughly unkissable. that, after iid
getting about for moment or two. he
hastll Y opened the door, and went out
without one backward glance.
\ falling out with Molly was suf-
. ilcicntly uncommon occurrence to rem
der him uncomfortable for the dav {:
and he went home at night willing to
purchase peace at almost any price.
His wife met him with gentle dig
nifty that hintcd of stalskin. but much
to his delight she did not mention it.
/ He knew that his circumstances for
bade any unnecessary outlay: that in
+ time Molly herself would see how I'M
! possible it was for him to grant her ex-
travagant request; and yet the martyr
like resignation perceptible IN every
/ glance. cut hint cut him like Il
knife
I As for Molly. she was too womanly
to fret, tease, or render herself in any
way obnoxious.
She accepted the inevitable calmly :;
gavo up her visit, and her hopes OF an
Initiating Erasmus betrothed, with Il
few secret tears, and great outward
composure.
All the same she felt keenlv the in,
justice of the deprivation.
Looking back over al the days of
her married life, she could see herself
careful, prudent, economical, tidy
housewife, Il thrifty helpmeet: and
what had been her reward:
Her heart hardened. the martvr lines
deepened, a gloom that had in it no
hint of Christmas iollity, fell upon the
little household.
y gloom that darkened more and
more as the holiday season approached.
She could not 90 out of doors with
any comfort: for the very shop win
dows glarcd ut Ler dcrisively. and mock
ed the unsatisfed belongings Of her
soul.
She never stepped into the street,
but some fortunate woman buttoncd
inside Of a garment of rich brown fur,
sailed by. and DESTROYED her peace OF
mind.
Once Charley caught her looking at
an overdressed dummy, that stood Sc
ductiyely in Il doorway; wrapped in a
particularly costly and beautiful fur
cloak
When she perceived her husband,
she turned upon him eyes full of ell
raptured entreaty-and tears.
The tears were Il sudden inspirations:
but they were large Of their age. and
she felt that they must be in measure
effective
Much to her surprise, however. he
did not appear IN the least touched on
the contrary, he spoke quite inpatient
ly.
why, Molly Winship = said he,
'how childish you are growing. do you
think that seven hundred dollar
cloak would harmonic with my last
years overcoat:
/ If You really need an outside gar
ment, why not get one OF those pretty
plush wraps =
plush" cried Molly. fine scorn
flashing Il cross her sweet. indignant
! i.cc.
plush, indeed | wouldn't wear it;
that is asking for bread and getting Il
stone with vengeance
Without another word. she turned
and walked rapidly away, leaving him
half amused, and wholly bewildered.
4 When she reached home she folded
up very carefully certain article that
bad been for some time the companion
of all her spare hours.
1t was gentlemen gown of dark
blue flannel, faced with cardinal satin.
and adorned with very splendid cord
and tasSelS.
There has been good many stitches.
Il good deal Of time. and not little
self denial pat into that dainty gar
ment; but Molly folded it unrelent-
ingly, and hid it in an unused drawer.
along with some tender memories nt
past sweet surprises.
She was Very sure that all pleasure
was simply memory.
Her husband had ceased to care for
her: the failure stretched before her. 4
furleSs waste, loyeless and dcsolate.
The day before Christmas. when
Charley asked for her orders, she told
him soberly tha: she needed nothing.
You have ignored Christmas this
year. said she: 1.-THE only gift that
cared ior. yon have refused me and So
httIe has the blessed spirit Of the day
affected You, that not even tree in our
parlor. Or wreath in our window. or 50
much as sprig of holly over our door.
tells OF the happy Christmas time"
The day ought 10 mean more than
eating and drinking: | do not care to
celebrate it only on my table. when its
benedlction does not rest upon our
home, or in our hearts.