, 1891-02-14

Won know, and we mustn't be hasty in
buying things that must last us b. long.
Don't you seeE'
He saw. So did the clerk, and he
knew that the clerk saw too. He tried
desperately TO frame his lips to some
such expression as Very well, WHEY"
but no word Of the desired character
would come at command; so he pinched
her arm. and she, compromising, whis-
pered that she wouldn't do it again.
There was an awkward pause. the clerk
standing by, note pad in hand. Would
the lady take the chair? She looked up
at him; he was engrossed in studying a
bronze statue that he couldn't have
bought had he wanted it. So she hut-
tered an inandible yes, and they passed
on. She had been divided in favor be-
tween two sets of dining room appoint
ments, and he wanted to take the first
he came to.
She could see, and worse yet, feel the
tunult Of embarrassment that was surg
ing within him. but she knew what was
wise, bless her sa~gacious noodle! and she
insisted upon careful examination and
comparison OF prices. She hated to
80 nm oAA LAAA oA1 RAfoaEA Z
rosy lips hard together and then entered
upon a disquisition as to the relative
merits of the two sets-hOw one was sub
stantial, but not quite in harmony with
the decorations, and the other, though
cheaper, was pretty and harmonious, and
might do until the time should come
when they might need a larger house.
and then they would nave t. change
Hnyway-and they decided upon the
cheaper outfit.
Other chairs, carpets, tables and the
like were passed in review. and both he
and she came to a pause, each waiting
for the other to suggest necessities un-
accounted for. The clerk helped them
out. They would ind chamber furni-
ture On the third floor, back. So up they
went, and when the whole list of fur
nishing was complete the clerk made out
a statement. He paid the bill. and con-
scious of a great load off his mind step
ped out with her upon the street. There
she reminded him that all manner Of
kitchen and table ware was yet to be
purchased. With a gesture of despair
he begged to be let off.
That's your department, " he pleaded.
You get what you want. You know
all about it. and l can't do any good"
Whereupon, almost tearfully, she be-
sought him to remember that they were
going TO live together, and that she
could never do anything at all without
him. And of course he went along,
c~ontenting himself with a protest that
he should simply stand around and let
her do the buying. He kept his word
for a while after they had entered a
furnishing store. She couldn't
AN iron basting spoon or a meat
chopper, much less a kettle, without
bringing it over to show to him. and
his opinion or assent, Not even un-
generous scowls ON his part could check
her in this madness, and at last in self
he went to buying on his own
account. His attention was attracted
by n mechanical device for facilitating
the mashing of potatoes, and he brought
it TO her triumphantly.
Whats that good for?' she exclaimed.
~ never saw such "A thing beforel l use
the old style" and 80 on, and when with
dignity he ordered the salesman
TO include it in the bill she added: Very
we'll, but that's the last. Why, dear, if
you go to buying everything that's got a
machine to 1t you'll ruin Us in a Year,