The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1893-03-01
SELECTED STORY.
Bred In the Bone.

MRS. houston was as Inherent as
possible from her husband. He had
that kind of self.respect which prompts
one to wear fine clothes. His wife
counted clothes as one of lite's him
ORANGES, except as they served for bod
lily comfort.
The love of dress has wrecked more
lives than whisky, tobacco, morphine
and all the rest" she remarked 10 Mr.,
Houston one cold morning in Decem-
Der.
They were discussing the advisability
pf replepishirs the wardrobe, and, as
usual, did not agree.
THAT may be so" he answered with
entire indifference to the wrecking OF
lives or what wrecked them, "but that
is no reason why you should go round
looking like fright. didn't make
the world" he added, a little pettishly,
sand don't propose to shoulder the
responsibility Of it,'
But you make, or should make, my
little world, Herbert, and you are mainly
responsible if it is wrecked. am sure
do what can to earn money, and ]
am as saving as know how to be. l
bought my shawl last year because il
Wdb UtAOW SOSb Gnu Va EOOd huhlOi AdA,
and shawls never go out OF fashion,"
All the same you are not handsome
in it, and Bartlett has forty.dollar
cloaks for twenty five. You would look
like somebody in one of those"
Mr.. Houston lighted a cigar, and
stood before the fire putting out blue
rings of smoke, to the delight Of the
twins. These two little girls, though
only seven years old, had opinions, and
one of them was, as Jennie expressed
it, that "papa was about right" 1t is
true mamma was very sweet and looked
well enough at home, and she had
pleasant way of Frightening the hearth,
spreading warm mat, and having the
pancakes almost ready before she called
them in the morning. Yes, mamma was
very pleasant to have about, but papa,
with his dash and style, and his refined
scent of cigars and perfumery, was
their idea.
Z" am afraid it would be very inju-
dicious to spend 80 much on cloak"
Mrs. Houston argued. "YOu have
scarcely that sum, have your"
Twenty Eve, lbiriy-6ve." emptyipg
his pocket on the table, en- give the
kids nickel apiece" he added, tossing
the coins into their laps, that will leave
twenty five and a quarter"
"But the rent is due next week, and
we need coal soon, and the children
ought TO have wraps-I could make
them out of heavy flannel"
Mr.. Houston started toward the door.
Nothing Initiated him so much as TO
hear these Cheap John plans of his
wife's, as he called them.
"Please, Herbert, don't spend that
money on me ~ she called after him.
The answer wac bang OF the street
door, and Herbert Houston stepped
briskly to the sidewalk and hailed
passing car.
His wife turned away with sigh,
but the twins watched their stylish
father until he sappeared-whsked
away by the rushing car He stood on
the outside with The conductor, and, in
addition 10 the fare, gave him two of
his cigars. Mr.. Houston was aecus.
toned to pay these little attentions, in
order, as he said, to keep on good terms
with the men. But he always paid his
fare.
1t was nearly four O'Clock. Mrs.
Herbert had arranged her four rooms,
finished the pillow slips she was max.
ing for hotel, read yesterdays paper
through and through, and cooked the
last OF the rice for the children, before
Mr.. Houston made his appearance.
She saw HIM leave the car with bupd g
under his arm, and her face darken, d
He came in briskly, kissed "the ba-
bies," and throwing The bundle in his
wife's lap, asked her what she thought
OF that for bargain. Fifty dollar.,
and | got it for thirty, borrowed ive."
"Where ia the meat for dinnel?n
she asked, rather coldly.
"Clean forgot IL Well, bless my
soul ~
T'Give noe The money" impatiently.
81 will buy some al the corner"
" Haven't got a cent-met the boys
and had TO set 'em up"
"What shall we do for dinner"
Mrs. Houston was usually full OF ex.
pedienls, but now she suggested moth
ing.
"Borrow kidseys' money"
AT this suggestion two very grave
pairs of eyes were turned upon The
father.
Run and get il, d Rings. To-mor-
row poppy will give you two moneys. !"
The silver was brought, but with re-
luc,ance, and two doleful little faces
watched from the window as Mrs.
Houston hurried away toward the
shop. She soon returned, and held a
pair Of familiar and suggestive striped
pepper bags, which restored their smiles
at once.
Here's your candy, dear" che said,
as they rushed TO open the door.
"Don't eat it all-save some for 10.
morrow"
Turning to her husband, she said
alphabetically:
They have had no candy for month
and have been waiting all day for you
to come home 30 that could 20 out and
buy il for Them" Then, hsppening tc
glance at his coat, she laughed almost
Historically. 80 that is my new cloak ~
she exclaimed.
You said you didn't want one. .