Turning the Tables.

Otago Witness, Issue 1581, 4 March 1882, Page 28

Turning the Tables.

•I see Stitchem & Co., are selling overcoats at a very low figure,' said Mr Breezy, looking up froia his paper, and smiling at his wife across the table; 'getting overcoatish weather, isn't it, dear?' 'I thought you bought an overcoat the middle of last winter. What has become of that one ? I'm sure it was as good as new the last time I saw it,' said Mrs Breezy, helping herself to the bread.

'Ob, no, dear," said Mr Breezy, 'you have made a mistake. I bought that overcoat winter before last, and dan't you remember, you sent it to your sister's children. You said they could cut it down, or something of that sort. 1 ' Ah, yes,' said Mrs Breezy, 'so I did, but I'm sorry for it now, because I really think you could have made it do this winter, and now you'll have to go and buy a new one. That will be the end of my having a fur-lined cloak, I suppose. I might as well give that cloak up forever. You are so extravagant in clothes, Mr Breezy, that ib really leaves nothing for your poor wife and children. I don't see why you- are always obliged to 1 drees in the latest fashion while I turn and return my dresses until they are not fit to be seen. There's that suit you've got on. Now, that most have cost you' double the amount I pay for a dress, and you will want to throw it aside before you have worn it one month "

' Why, dear,' said Mr Breezy, ' Ive worn this suit Blnce April, and ' 'April 1' said Mrs Breezy, contemptuously; 'April ! And how long do you suppose I have worn this dress, Mr Breezy ? Two years, Mr Breezy, and I know you'd say it looked equal to' new if I asked you to replace it. Mr Breezy, how do you suppose we are going to bring up the children and give them an education, if you keep up such extravagant habits ? Mr Breezy, I really hope you are not going to throw that suit away this fall. It should last you all next summer, at least. There isn't a threadbare spot on it, and all the button holes are in good condition. No, Mr Breezy, when you take it off I shall pack it away in camphor, so that it will be ready for you in the spring.' •But, dear,' said Mr Breezy, 'you haven't taken a good look at this coat. It's all faded out, and the sleeves are worn, and I've really been aßhamed to wear it as long as I " ' Mr Breezy, that's a very respectable coat, and a great deal more presentable than most of my dresses,' said Mrs Bfeezy with decision. ' I shall put it away, and you will waar it next summer. I believe you have a very good winter suit, M? Breezy? '•Well, dear, it may do,' r said Mr Breezy, •but it's not r exactly in style; You know I bought it the 1 beginning of last' winter, and theyare catting" that kind of goods entirely ' i 'Mr Breezy',' do you' mean to tell me that yon would 1 he wicked enough to throw a coat aside because it was' not cut round corners, instead of square, or because the sleeves were too 'large or too Bmall?' asked Mrs Breexy, pushing her dtiair back and folding her arms. • But, dear,' said Mr Breezy, ' you know I'm obliged to mingle With the world, and dress goes a great way, my-*-^' ' There, Mr Breezy, stop) where you are/ said' Mrs Breezy. ' Dress don't go a 'great way. Would (you lend a man a cent on the strength of his clothes ? Have you ever made a cent more in a new suit than you have in an old one ? If you are honest and respectable, Mr Breezy, people will discover It without your putting a sign on your baok declaring the fact/

1 But, dear, it's a sign of prosperity,' Baid Mr Bfeezy. 1 More often a sign of an unpaid tailors' bill, Mr Breezy. Not but what you always pay your debts, but you won't long if you keep contracting Buoh ruinous notions. No, Mr Breezy, your winter suit will do very well, You will wear it Mr Breezy. I puppose you must get an overcoat, but there is no reason why you should spend a fortune for it. I saw some very good coats on Fulton street the other day marked eleven dollars. I'm going by there this afternoon, and I'll drop in and get their card for you,' and Mrs Breezy borrowed the paper and was soon engrossed in the fashion column. — Brooklyn Eagle.