The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-06-13

Dick wondered and asked In vain what
the matter was. She always said
nothing. = but she was unlike her old.
cheerful self.
An invitation came 70 them 20 spend
the holidays with Hcftie's hurried sis
ter in Boston. and Dick. thinking IL
would do Hettie good, accepted tho
Invitation.
Hettie was anxious TO co But
what was she 20 doP II was necdful
she should have a new cloak Of some
kind TO 20 in. or at least while she was
in Boston. She couldn't get another.
while that one was in the house. and
how could she tell Dick nowg She was
in hourly fear, besides. that the bill
would be sent In, and then the truth
would have 10 come out.
They were TO go the day before
Christmas. AT supper time. on the
evening OF the twenty-third Dick came
In with a bright face. ind "A large
.pasteboard box in his hand.
We'll. little woman. was his greet
ing, tits n bit early for l. Christmas
present; but you'll want 10 put IL In
your trunk. to- morrow. and - | brought
II along. See how you like it,
What Is ftp" asked Hettie. as he
put the box in her lap.
Look and Sect He united the string
which fastened the box, took OF the
cover. and lifted out-oh. dreadful!
Hettie's heart flew 10 her mouth. and
almost choked her-for II was IA rich.
black velvet cloak. And one far richer.
and nor elegantly trimmed. than the
hateful thing locked in her wardrobe
drawer. upstairs.
Hettie sat an instant. pale and still.
Then she rallied, with n determined
effort.
'HOh, Tick, how kind you are she
said, as quietly rs II her hcatt was
not throbbing like II trip-hammer. II
am afraid you couldn't afford this /
didn't expect il. I'm sure"
Yes, / could afford IL. ] would not
have bought il. otherwise. didn't go
in debt for IT, mind you!'
What did IL cost?' asked Hettie.
family. bending over the box. that
Dick might not notice her flushed face.
Seventy dollars. You remember
asking for n velvet cloak n while ago
Yes
well. / resolved. thea, IL | could
possibly spare the money, TO get you
n for a Christmas present. wouldn't
tell you. for ! wanted IL TO be n pleas
ant surprise. But | got the incest one
| could find"
1T is beautiful. said Hettie, 'sd
IL Is IA pleasant surprise, for ! never
thought OF IT,"
"Wcll. you ~ere such a good little
woman, 70 give it up - willingly. when
asked you 90. that ] thought you de-
served it,
Poor Hettie had 10 summon all her
nerve TO keep from bursting into tears,
and crying out that she did not deserve
IL. just then the supper bell rang
greatly 10 her relief, and 20 telling
Dick she would try on the cloak after
supper, they went 10 the cosy little
dining-room.
Before supper was over. Hettie had
taken u resolution. And with the
Jul 1E1 IL kAft MOI Nil0 ~ tll bn hllt
velvet cloak. after supper. and praised
IL enough to satisfy even Dick. who
received her thanks very gracioUsly,
and was delighted with the success OF
his elegant present.
After breakfast. next morning. Dick
went to the bank. saying he would put
his work I'm order for n few days alb
80. ,,I a.. l...l, f,uo, ...l.. Jt,nou
They were TO start for Boston at half
past two.
As soon as he was gone. Hettie hur-
riedly dressed herself. took the box
which contained the cloak she had
bought, and went straight 10 Wallace
d Dukes. She had a very humiliating
tnsk TO perform; but IL was her only
chance; and she determined. II she
could. this once, TO save herself in her
husbands esteem.
II bought n cloak here a few weeks
ago. and ON taking il home, ] find /
shall not be able TO pay for IL. this
winter. y she said. therefore, / con
cluded 90 bring IL back. / suppose
you will take II, II ! pay something. y
she said TO the clerk. She had fifteen
dollars. and she offered that.
We'll. madam" says he. 1--WE don't
often take baok. or exchange goods,
unless they are returned Immediately.
But II the cloak Is In good ordsr-"
at has never been even out OF the
box but twice" said Hettie. not feel
ing obligec 10 say she had worn IT, .'it
is entirely uoinjurcd. Please look at
Il, and sea-"
We'll. II won't sell ~ well as n
month ago.. and so we will have to
take the fifteen dollars TO cover our
loss"
The clerk looked at IT, found IL Just