Wit and Humor of America, The Vol 03

<h2>THE TWO LADIES</h2> <h3>BY CAROLYN WELLS</h3> <p>Once on a Time there were Two Ladies at a Shop where Gorgeous and Expensive Silks were temptingly displayed. "Only Six Dollars a Yard, Madam," said the Shopman to One of the Ladies, as he held up the Lustrous Breadths in those Tempting Fan-shaped Folds peculiar to Shopmen.</p> <p>The Lady hesitated, and looked Dubiously at the Silk, for she knew it was Beyond her Means.</p> <p>The Shopman Continued: "Very Cheap at the Price, and I have Only this One Dress Pattern remaining. You will Take it? Yes? Certainly, I will Send it at Once."</p> <p>The Lady went away filled with Deep Regret because she had squandered her Money so Foolishly, and wished she had been Firm in her Refusal to buy the Goods.</p> <p>The Other Lady saw a similar Silk. She felt it Between her Fingers, Measured its Width with her Eye, and then said Impulsively, "Oh, That is just What I Want. I will Take Twenty Yards."</p> <p>No Sooner was the Silk cut off than the Lady felt Sharp Twinges of Remorse, for she knew she must Pay for it with the Money she had Saved Up for a new Dining-Room Carpet.</p> <h3>MORALS:</h3> <p>This Fable teaches that the Woman Who Deliberates Is Lost, and That We Should Think Twice Before We Speak Once.<span class='pagenum'><SPAN name="Page_549" id="Page_549"></SPAN></span></p> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />