“Well, dear,” he said, “I have paid the rent and given up the rooms, though I had to pay another month’s rent in lieu of a month’s warning; and I have settled every other outstanding bill except the milkman’s. I could not find man or bill if I tried, I suppose.” “No; there is no bill. We buy tickets, and pay cash, and we have seven tickets left.” “Then the man can have the benefit, for we go away to-day.” “From the city?” “No; from the flat. We will go to a hotel to-night, and go to Washington to-morrow, en route for West Virginia. Can you pack up in that time?” “I can pack up in an hour,” replied Palma. As she spoke the hall boy knocked and entered the room, showing in a man with a bundle. “Ah! that is all right, thank you—that will do,” said Stuart as the man set down the box and went away. “It is my new business suit for winter wear in the mountain farmhouse. What do you think of it, Palma?” he inquired, cutting the twine and unpacking the box and shaking out a suit of brown beaver cloth, consisting of double-breasted coat, vest and pantaloons. “Oh! I think it is excellent. Such a rich, deep color, and such soft, thick, warm material,” said the young wife appreciatingly. “Yes, so it is—all that,” added Mrs. Pole, who was setting the tea urn on the table. “But, la! what a blessing it is that women’s clothes grows on ’em, like feathers do on to a bird, so they never has no trouble nor expense to buy any.” Stuart dropped his suit on the floor and looked at his wife in dismay, noticed her faded, shabby cashmere dress, and became contrite for his thoughtlessness. Mrs. Pole said: “Lunch is ready, ma’am,” and hurried out of the room. “Don’t mind Poley, Cleve, dear. She is full of queer sayings, you know,” said Palma conciliatingly. “Come now, and sit down to luncheon. Here are some of her nice muffins.” And she took her seat at the table and began to pour out the tea. “I have been an idiot, and a very selfish idiot at that! providing myself with a first-rate suit of clothes, and even displaying them to your admiration, without once remembering that you also would require raiment. I am obliged to the woman for bringing me to my senses,” said Stuart as he took his seat opposite his wife and helped himself to a muffin. “Nonsense, Cleve! I have got a tongue in my head, and if I had wanted anything would have asked you for it without hesitation,” replied Palma. “I fear you would not have recognized any want, my dear; and I fear it is true that some men are so thoughtless that they act as if women’s clothes grew on them like the petals of a flower, and cost neither money nor effort to renew. But I see now. Yes, dear rose of my life, I see your petals are fading.” No more was said until after luncheon, when Cleve put a fifty-dollar note in Palma’s hand and said: “Go out and get what is necessary for your comfort, my dear; and take some lady friend with you, for I fear you have very little experience in shopping.”