The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1905-02-08


At length lat for hnif that sum
was selected by Kate, but Bessie again
expostulated by declaring that she had
only ten dollars in her purse.
"rake the other i've out of your
money drawer at home
"But Charley"
ooh, that for Charleyr' swapping
her fingers. "you are not a slave, !
hope. Have little spirit, do,''
And again Bessie yielded, only to
discover that she absolutely required
several other articles that 20 to make
up lady's toilet. which, when duly
purchased and paid for, left the money
drawer empty.
Mrs Belcher accompanied her on all
these shopping excursions, buying for
her. and invariably selecting the choie.
est articles, with a readiness not lit
tie astonishing to Bessie. who had
seen her haggle half an hour for a
dime, and had 10 learn how much
easier It is to buy when the money
comes out of your neighbor's pocket.
Poor Bessiel her little heart was very
sore Of late. Her new clothing had
brought her small pleasure, for. apart
from the agonies of terror when Char
ley approached his desk, wherein was
the money drawer, she was exceedingly
uncomfortably when arrayed in her
purchases. She could not breathe, ex-
cept with difficulty, in the very tight
waist; the long, full train proved very
cumbersome; her hat-she could scarce
keep it on her head neither could she
drape the lace mantle over her arms
TO her satisfaction.
People stared and smiled at the little
fussy, overdressed woman with such Il
prctentious air: and Bessie heard two
plainly dressed ladies', who had just
alighted from an elegant carriage,
whisper, one to the other:
what a pity that she spolls so sweet
a face by such a vulgar dressw
"They are Jealous" said Mrs. Belcher,
consollng her.
'They are right" said Bessie to her.
self. II look ridiculous; l am justly
punished"
What miserable life II was, How
unspeakably happy had she been ere
the demon of dress took possession OF
herl How she longed for the old times
when she was haunted by no vision OF
remorseless money drawer, which,
sooner or later, must betray her folloy
to the husband whom she 80 passion
ately loved!
Nor was this all. Mrs. Belcher, now
esteeming Bessie presentable, had in
sisted that she should accompany her
on a visit to the house OF friend. I'm
der Kate's supervision she was soon ar
rayed and ready for the street; but as
she was buttoning on her number six
lavender kids, she heard her husbands
footsteps in the hall below.
In this supreme moment, Bessie stood
still, her face white as death, unable to
move or speak. she looked with an
appealing glance about the room, but
Kate had disappeared. She heard
Charley bound UP the stairs, two at
time, and the next Instant his face ap-
peared at the door.
Charley stopped aShast, gazing at his
wife from head to foot for the space
of half minute, his eyes dllatlng. his
features working convulsively. Then
lie stalked across the room to his desk,
wherein was the drawer In which he
kept his money. 1t was empty. With
bloodshOt eyes he turned and faced his
trembling wife, saying, hoarse!y:
"Wretched woman. is this the price
you pay for the gratificat don OF your
yGai5y-yCrr husbands happiness and
honor for these pe!try things: My
note will be protested. and / Jishon.
cred, Is vour treaehery. Behold your
work!' lie aiGeG, pressing . reyciyee
to his temples.
A cicci O. the mantel cL.nod the
hour of o.
Bessie sprang N. with a sob, rubbed
her eyes. and stared wildly around her,
to ind Charley standing smiling beside
her chair.
"Charleyl Charley! thank Heaven:
oh, thank Heaven, it was only
dreamr
Charley wondered little at the nm
usual warmth with which she flung
her arms about his neck. till. seated on
his knee, she told him her dream. add
ing:
And, Charley, will never tease you
again for anything. The lesson have
received was needed, and viii last me
. lifetime. New York Weekly.