A poor mechanic, three weeks after marriage, was addressed by his wife
thus:--
"Harry, don't you think a new silk dress would become my beauty?"
He answered affirmatively, of course, and promised that when his present
job was completed, which would be in about a fortnight, the necessary
stamps would be forthcoming, and that she might then array her loveliness
in the wished-for dress. The affectionate wife kissed him, and thus
rewarded his generosity. Three days afterwards the man met with an
accident, and was brought home on a shutter, and it was evident that for
weeks he would be confined to his bed. On beholding him, his wife gave
vent to repeated outbursts of agony, as an affectionate woman should,
considering the cause. This touched the unfortunate man, and he said,
consolingly,--
"Dry your tears, dear Nettie; I'll be all right again in a few weeks."
"Perhaps you may," she answered; "but all your earnings for a long time
after you resume work will be required to pay your doctor's bill, and you
won't be able to get me _that new silk dress_."--O. SHAW.