A Youug Husbaud's Delicate Errand.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 192, 19 February 1887, Page 2

A Youug Husbaud's Delicate Errand.

The attendants in dry-goods stores are often amused by customers who are ashamed to name the articles they have come to purchase. A chatty brunette, a saleswoman in one of the most popular stores in the metropolis, describes a quaint scene which will be quite interesting to young wives : " Hardly a day passes but that a man comes into our store on some ridiculous domestic mission, flattering himself that he is a good fellow for taking the matter out of his wife's han 1, and not realising that there is a very little difference between a good fellow and a fool. The dividing line is very slight The other day I was startled by hearing a masculine voice at my ear as I was leaning over some accounts, which I was vainly trying to balance. This is the conversation that ensued between us: "Have you any outfits?" whispered he. "'Of course. What kind?" " 'Outfits. You know what I mean— b-baby'u outfits.' '* I looked at the young man. He had the red face I begin to know so well Of course he immediately stammered out : ' I— l want them f-for m-my sister's little bboy.' Then I knew tHat this poor little follow was married. Married men always want baby's clothes for their sisters' little boys. It's icevitable. Tney seem to be ashamed to be suspected of having babied | of their own. ! " ' Shall I begin with the bootees ?' I asked " ' What are they ?' •• 'Oh, boots or shoes. A bootee is a little boot. Perhaps, however, your wife— }. mean your sister— cau make them herself.' "•Why, n-no. I -I don't think I— l've ever seen'- 1 mean ever heard of her d-doing so.' " 'Well, then,' said I, * these are excellent. How many needlework dresses shall I put in?' " * Will twelve do, do you think ?' he asked, doubtfully. * Perhaps two dozen will be better. I— l don't know anything about it, I'm sure !' There were tears in his voice. " • Twelve is a large number,' said I, affably, ' and as they coßt sdol. each, it seems to me that 60dol. would be an unnecessary expenditure. Suppose we put in four dresses.' " That popr yo.ung fellow was the greenesf; specimen I have ever dealt with. He positively wanted, to buy the baby pocket-hand r kerchiefs, and I had to impress upon hie mind with considerable care that infants do not wear collars. He had plenty of money, but I felt it was my duty as a woman td prevent him from spending it all upon a baby, who would never appreciate it. I think ho was grateful for the efforts I made, in his behalf. He smiled upon me very benignly, and when he had paid his bill — ;. $54.45— b0 volunteered the information that; the child was his owd, and that he was going to surprise his wife,"