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

smooth forehead. fixed in
sently on the Goals, and an unusual
uush on the rounded cheek that had
the bloom Of ripe peach; for. though
two years q wife, Bessie was but nine
teen.
The fre glowed and cracked in the
crate. the kettle hummed, and the
most matronly of cats purred duet
as Bessie sat ON low stool waiting
her husbands return to diner. her
thoughts running something like the
following: II wish l could have that
dress; Charley is downright stingy. so
Kate thinks-only two dollars a yard.
snd really worth four such q bar
gainl and that lovely lavender color.
W. becoming to mel why does Char
iey say he can't afford It? Kate Bel
rher's husband gave her one without
word. do wish she wouldn't aggra-
vate me so by showing me her nice
things, just as If she didn't know that
4 might have had Tom Belcher ten
times over. and had a nice, large house
and velvet carpets as well as she; and
my Charley-oh, no! all the velvet car
pets in the world couldn't make Tom
Belcher bearable. | don't believe he is
20 much richer than Charley. and why
can't have a dress. too? 1 will have
nnep'
But at this point Bessie's musings
suddenly ended by the entrance of her
husband. and she sprang up quickly
10 welcome him and receive the Gus
iomary embrace.
The little lady had taken unusual
pains with her dinner to-day; pru-
oeiIs woman she fed her lion first
and teased him afierYGr1-preservinG,
however, q serious deneanor CEG!
Charley arose from the table. when,
with both hands on MS broad shOul-
6ss, she said, ccaNingly:
Charley, dear, l do waat Lat silk
at Marsh's."
Dress. puss?" said Charley. pulling
one of the clustering ringlets. shading
Ter white brow. Il nave already told
you thai 1 canno. afford it, Wnas ar
Cbstinate thing you are. Eoa, ycu
know times are hard"
II hen It c-ill be Il piece Of rea. econ
BlIy 10 purchase .1e sCG." said Bessie.
determined upon carrying Ter point
1t would wear, and look handsome
Tor a dozen years 20 co-rN. 1t IS only
two dollars yard. and Kate says il >
really worth four
"Ahv aspirated Charley, $50 Mrs.
Kate Belcher has been paying US
smother visit. has she:"
Yes" said Bessie. with a light
laugh, otherwise | should never have
known how cheap Marsh Is selling his
goods Tom gave her the money yes
terday to buy SILK dress pattern for
herself" she added. glancins up at
Rim from under her long lashes.
A shadow of pain Uttered over
Charley's face, and he took turn or
two across the room before he spoke
again.
Granting all you can say, my dear
DO You think you can really afford to
wear the dressf
Bessle's. face wore a puzzled look
but she said nothing
The fact is, he continued. "the pur-
ehase of the silk would necessltate
another run upon our little bank. in
order to make the other articles of
Sour wardrobe correspond. In short
little wife" he added, lightly, II fear
9c would prove as expensive as did
Mrs. Lakes new carpet. which, when
put down by that lady in her parlor
turned the hitherto good enough sofa.
chairs and windcH curtains directly
ont Of the room the wall pa
per"
There. I knew you would say
something hoIrid," said Bessie. with a
little deprecatory laugh.
you know. Bessie. how gladly I
would give you the money il | could,
Dut my note at the bank must be paid
in few weeks. But can linger no
longer" he added preparing to depart
Bessie rose. and held up her face TO
be kissed, perversely turning II till
Charley's lips only touched the pink
tip OF her ear, instead of the scarlet
lips that were smiling saucily up at
ltm.
Charley Grey was an intelligent
young mechanic, who, at the age of
three and twenty had saved from his
hard-won wages the sum of $1,000, the
money having been expended In the
purchase of the pretty cottage where
the young couple now resided
Some two hours later Bessie. in her
pretty afternoon attire. seated herself
upon her low rocker with her sewing,
her thoughts busy. as her needle flew
In and out in laying plans for the fu-
ture. At length, somewhat wearied
with her monotonous labor Bessie
dropped her sewing upon her lap, lean
ing back In her easy chair to enjoy a
little quiet rest.
The fire danced and quiyered In the
shining coils of her hair, the rain pat
tered outside like the tread OF little
feet. the cat rose and rubbed against
her mistress dress. but Bessie did not
heed her. There was the rustic of a
silken robe, and Bessie started up to
and Kate Belcher standing in the open
doorway regarding her.
"c0me. Bessie" said Kate, ''get your
pat and jacket and well 80 down to
4arah's and get your dress"
Il have decided not to take the SILK"
eaid Bessie. 'Charley thinks he can
uot an1ord It"