The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1895-01-03
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1t was New Years eve IN thlt cola
and glorious climate where the snow
lies on the bosom of the earth like
protecting mantle from December to
March and the nights are crisp and
cold, with a resinous tang in the air,
due to the forests of odorous pine
New Years eve and the merry jingle
of sleighbells in the little town OF
Brandon made a harmonious discOrd
that reached the ears of two people
who were having the first quarrel OF
their lives, and who presented-if they
had only known it-an absurd appear
ancc, one in lachrymose, the other in
Il belligerent, state. 1t came about ir
the strangest way, this quarrel be-
tween two married lovers who had es-
tablished their lives upon a firm
foundation of principle and respect, as
we'll as mutual love, before they took
upon themselves the responsibilities Of
welded life.
These were the first holidays since
their wedding and they had antici-
pated season of quiet enjoyment with
each other, and now they were hardly
on speaking terms. And there was no
one to blame but themselves
1t happened in this way: Alice, Mrs
Eversham, had been very anxious to
make her husband, Horace, 4 New
Years present, but had refrained
from prudential reasons. They were
saving money to pay on a home and
were exercising q rigid economy in
which both were equally interested.
If Horace went without cigars and
~ Inv III how
ing afternoon teas, and hired only one
domestic, who worked by the day. A
certain amount was reserved for char
ity, and as the end of the year ap-
preached and cold weather brought
extra demands, this fund gave out and
there were several cases of destitution
which they could not relieve, but were
compelled to hand over to the char
liable society of the church.
Therefore it was at Alice's own sug-
geStion that the society got up bazar
for the sale OF contributed goods, and
took the proceeds to ameliorate the
conditions of their poor.
This was the beginning of the
trouble. When the sales were over,
they took the things that remained un-
sold and put them up at SO much a
chance. Alice had put her foot down
it was very pretty foot-against
the proceedings. but had been over
persuaded that it was perfectly right,
as the church would sanction it. Still,
she only gave a negative consent, for
she would neither buy nor sell any of
the chances. But when one of her
young friends took n couple Of chances
for hcr-a dressing-Gown and chocolata
se.-she had said. laughingly, that if
she won they might send them to her
| address.
She did not say anything about it to
Horace, who was too much occupied
with the closing business of the year
to attend the bazar, and knew nothing
of this lottery feature.
! She would not have had him know it on
any account. inasmuch as he had been
| fond OF games of chance when she mar
| ried him, and through her good in
/ tluence had entirely reformed. That
dangerous passion for gambling. which
. does SO much harm in the world, had
found an abiding-place with Horace
Eversham, and was becoming one Of
/ the pernicious influences of his life,
WIFI -AliSS ShSSeSd a. Sui " iiASh SAlC
believed to be permanent.
They had been happy and larky as
two children, until Horace came home
bringing n fine goose.
Its for dinner New Years day" he
said, holding up the white-feathered
bird at arms length. isn't it a beauty
fat and plump?'
What will we do with whole
goose?" asked Alice.
Eat it My father used to say that
q goose was an awkward bird, too
much for one, and not enough for two.
Well have a feast If Ellen Jane does
her whole duty in her cooking, won't
we, though?"
Its feathers will make a sofa cush-
ion,' said Alice, who had frugal
mind. I'm beginning to get recon-
ciled to the goose"
''Its noble bird, and its cackling
once saved Rome" remarked Horace,
sententiously. and then they went to-
gether to the kitchen, where the goose
was laid on Ellen James spotless white
table.
When that functionary saw it, she
lifted up both hands: