Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-07-29

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feeling the pressure which had come
down upon it so strangely, as it
seemed to her.
She went to the mantel-piece, took
up the letter, and examined the
superscription. 1t Gid not enlighten
her. Steadily she became more as
sured that its contents were of ma
ture to trouble her husband.
Hes been little mysterious of
late, she said to herself This idea
affected her very unpleasantly. "He
grows more silent and reserved, )"
! she added, as thought, under kind
I of feverish excitement, became active
1 in a new direction s.More contem-
/ plative, as it were, and less in
terested in what goes on around him.
I HIS GOODNESS chills me at times, and
his irritation pains me.
something has gone wrong with
I him this year." she said aloud, as the
feeling grew stronger. What can
/ it be?" The letter was still in her
hand This may enlighten me.
/ With careful fingers she opened
the envelope, not breaking the paper,
so that she could seal it again if she
desired to do so. There was a bill
for fifteen pounds, and a communica-
tion from the person sending the bill.
He was jeweler.
If this is not settled at once, he
wrote. Il shall take proceedings. 1t
has been standing for nearly year;
and / am tired of getting excuses in
stead of money"
The bill was for lady's watch,
which Mrs. Whitman had almost
compelled her husband to purchase.
Not paid for! Is it possible?" ex-
claimed the little woman in great as
constituent, while the blood mounted
to her forehead.
Then she sat down to think. Light
began tocome to her mind. As she
sat thus thinking, a second letter for
her husband came in. She opened it
without hesitation. Another bill!
and another dunning letter!
Not paid. Is it possible2n she re-
peated.
Itwas bill Of four pounds for boots
and slippers. which had been for
three or four months.
This will never do said the as
tonished wife-'never-no. never.
She thrust the two letters into her
pocket in resoIute way; and from
that hour until the return Of her
husband she did an unusual amount
of thinking for her little brain. She
saw, the moment he entered, that the
morning cloud had not passed from
his brow.
Here is the money for that new
dress" he said. taking it from his
vest pocket, and handing it her as he
came in.
He did not kiss her, nor smile in
the old bright way But his voice
was calm, if not cheerful A kiss
and smile just then would have
been more precious to the young wife
than hundred silk dresses. She
took the money, saying, Thank you,
dear! 1t is kind of you to comply
with my wishes.
Something in her voice and manner
caused Mr.. Whitman to lift his eyes
to her face with a look of inquiry.
But she turned aside, so that he
could not read its expression.
He was graver and more silent
than usual, and ate with scarcely an
appearance Of appetite.
Come home early, dear. said Mrs.
Whitman, as she walked to the door
with her husband.
''Are you impatient to have me adj
mire your new silk dress?" he asked,
with faint effort to smile.
Eyes. 1t will be something splen-
did she replied.
He turned off from her quickly and
left the house. A few moments she
stood, with thoughtful countenance
and her whole manner completely
changed. Then she went to her
room and commenced dressing to 60
out Two hours later, and we find
her in the jewelers. shop.
''May | speak word to you?n she
said, addressing the owner, who knew
her very well.
Certainly" he replied; and they
moved to the lower end of one OF the
long show cases.
WI W llALLldn uItM lFOl0 0Er
pocket lady's watch and chain, and
laying them on the glass case. said,
at the same. time holding out the bill
she had taken from the envelope adj
dressed to her husband, Il cannot
afford to wear this watch; my hus-
bands circumstances are too limited;
/ tell you so frankly. 1t should never
have been purchased but too.in-
dulgent husband yielded to the i'm
portunities of foolish young wife.
say this to take the blame from
him. Now, sir, meet the case If you
can do so in fairness to yourself
Take back the watch, and say how
much l shall pay you besides. .
The jeweler paused little to think.
The case took him little by sur
prise. He stood for nearly minute;
then taking the bill and watch, he
said, wait a moment" and went to
desk.
"Will that do?" He had come for
ward again, and now presented her