Arizona republican., 1891-02-13

you know, and we mustn't be nasty in buying things that must last us so long. Don't you seefp
 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, wifey," but no word of the desired character would come at commands; so he pinched her arm, and she, comprehending, 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 fut- tered an inaudible 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 tumult of embarrassment that was surg ing within him, but she knew what was wise, bless her sagacious noddle! and she insisted upon careful examination and comparison of prices. She hated to trouble him, but-and she pressed her rosy lips hard together and then entered upon 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 larger house, and then they would have to change anyway-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 8 pause, each waiting for the other to suggest necessities un- accounted for. The clerk helped them out. They would find chamber furni- ture on the third floor, back. Sc up they went, and when the whole list of fur nishing was complete the clerk made out 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 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 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, contenting himself with a protest that he should simply stand around and let her do the buying. He kept his word for while after they had entered a kitchen furnishing store. She couldn't select an iron basting spoon or q meat chopper, much less kettle, without bringing it over to show to him, and get his opinion or assent Not even un- generous scowls on his part could check her in this madness, and at last in self defense he went to buying on his own account. His attention was attracted by mechanical device for facilitating the mashing of potatoes, and he brought it to her triumphantly.
 Whats that good for?" she exclaimed. "I never saw such thing before! use the old style," and so on, and when with marital dignity he ordered the salesman to include it in the bill she added: "Very well, but that's the last. Why, dear, if you go to buying everything that's got a machine to it you'll ruin us in year"