The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-02-15

madam can see. Where do you see
anything so stylish in this countryY
ut is too dear" said Bessie, decided
Iy, looking at it, however, with longing
eyes.
At length a hat for half that sum
was selected by Kate, but Bessie again
expostulated by declaring that she had
only ten dollars in her purse.
"Take the other five out Of your
money drawer at home"
"But Charley"
"Oh, that for Charleyw swapping
her fingers. "You are not a slave, l
hope. Have little spirit, dor'
And again Bessie yielded, only to
discover that she absolutely required
several other articles that go to make
up a 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 choic-
est articles, with a readiness not a lit
tie astonishing to Bessie, who had
seen her haggle half an hour for
dime, and had to 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
uncomfortabIy 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
pretentious air; and Bessie heard two
plainly dressed ladies, who had just
alighted from an elegant carriage,
whisper, one to the other:
"What pity that she spoils so sweet
face by such vulgar dressn'
"They are jealous" said Mrs. Belcher,
consoling her.
"They are right" said Bessie TO her.
self. Il look ridiculous; am justly
punished"
What a miserable life 1t wasl How
unspeakably happy had she been ere
the demon OF dress took possession of
her! How she longed for the old times
when she was haunted by no vision of
a remorseless money drawer, which,
sooner or later. must betray her folloy
to the husband whom she so passion
ately lovedl
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 a 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 hail 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 a
time, and the next instant his face ap-
peared at the door.
Charley stopped aghast, gazing at his
wife from head to foot for the space
Of half minute, his eyes dilating. his
features working convulsiyely. Then
he 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, hoarsely:
"Wretched womanl is this the price
you pay for the qualification of your
yanity-your husbands happiness and
honor for these paltry things? My
note will be protested. and / dishon-
ored. by your treachery. Behold your
work. he added, pressing q revolver
to his temples.
A clock ON the mantel chimed the
hour of 8.
Bessie spfang up, with sob, rubbed
her eyes, and stared wildly around her,
to find Charley standing smiling beside
her chair.
Charley! Charley! thank Heaven!
oh, thank Heaven, it was only
dreamw
Charley wondered little at the un-
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 1 have
received was needed. and will last me
a lifetime. New York Weekly.
Thinks with Rainbow Tints.
Statisticians find that something like