Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-05-20
CHAPTkn -.

'oneS han peen thus far very nearly the same
ana perhaps they might have continued the
same thro life, but for the different characters OF
their wives.
Mrs Bradley had been brought to live with
IN her means A careful mother who realized
the responsibility of her position. and rightly
incuicafed the principles of sound economy, AZ d
trained her up to prudence and thrift Aud all
these prac ical qualities she had brought with
her INTO her domestic relations. when she en-
harked IN new sphere of life.
Mrs Farmer, on tie other hand, though her
parents were no better off in the world, had
brought her up to be a lady-to wear fine
dresses, and to play the piano in the tarIor-
Her knowledge of household duties was very
narrow and superficial. ana her husband 3 thou
sand dollars year would hardly support them.
ihey were obliged in order to dress her as her
habits and wishes required, to scrimp' in many
OF the real comforts of lie. The provision bill
was kept at the lowest possible figure. Mrs.
Farmer thought beefsteaks We're unhealthy in
She morning, and John found it necessary to be
OF her opinion. Six dollars year for ice would
buy new bonnet, hence ice was the cause of
great many complaints that prevailed in sum-
mer.
The comforts of living were sacrificed to the
love OF dress. Beefsteak at twenty cents
pound was unhealthy; new bonnets at ten dol
lars piece were necessaries of life Mutton
chops at fifteen cents pound caused the dvs
pepsia; but silk dresses at dollar and half
yard, were not only healthy, but indispensable
TO the Happiness of the lady.
All the salary was spent-was intended to be
spent-and the only question was, whether it
should be put IN on tie body The habit of
extrageganoe was there, and all the thrift and
economy which Mrs. Farmer knew, was to
save money for new dresses
She and Mrs. Bradley were on Intimate terms
with each other, and, as may be supposed the
subject of dress was frequently discussed
A few days after the conversation of Mrs
Bradley with her mother. her neighbor was ma
king 4 call Mrs. Farmer could talk of moth
ing but dress. It was the study of her life
what she lived for--what she most hoped for in
the future. As usual the conversation immedi-
ately degenerated into dress-it was all Mrs
Farmer knew.
How do You like my new silk ?" asked she
after several adroit passes, in order to introduce
this matter.
1t is very pretty indeed You come out in
new dress almost every Sunday, Ellen" re-
piled Mrs. Bradley
"I wish l could"
=" wonder how many nice dresses YOU have
IL your wardrobe ?"
have only one that is fl to wear replied
Mrs. Farmer, indifferertly.
Only one p
Ihat Is mt to wear anywhere"
You have at leas: three silks
All old fashioned-1nadc last fall-and all
out of date. ] tried to make John give me a
new oerage, but be would not"
am sure if had your dresses l should
think ! We're princes
Pshaw If my husband don't give me anoth-
er next week, shant go to church but once
month"
IF had your dresses, Ellen, l should not
think of another for year, at least"
Why don't you dress better Sarah ?"
can't afford to do So
Pooh ~
Ny mother thinks dress well enough"
Hhy you have worn the same dress to meet
d
And probably shall wear it every Sunday
for the next year"
wouldn't if l were you"
al can't afford new dress every month.
was speaking the other day about having one
more dress, but mother said 80 much against it
that gave up the idea
Tiled to your mothers apron-string vet 2"
sneered Mrs Farmer
." am too thankful TO get nv mothers advice
TO reject it,"
But get the raw silk, dol 1t will become
you so well and then shall have a little
respite from that everlasting fawn color"
No. have made up my mind not to have
il ~
Put the money into your stomach instead
and get the dyspepsia into the bargain r' said
Mrs. Farmer, as she took her leave.
CHAPTER III.
The long run" tells the story; SO let us step
forward a few years, and look into the counting
room Of our clerks
James and John are still there, and occupying
the same relative positions Their salaries have
been gradually raised, and for three years they
have been the recipient of the handsome sum
of fourteen hundred year.
The fret of January is at hand. Harris &
Co, are about to dissolve, and the senior who
has made a princely fortune-and queer old
fellow at that's about to form new co-part-
nership.
Boys" said old Mr. Harris, you have been
with me a long while; suppose you want to
go ahead ana become nerchants?'
Farmer wtlked significantly at his associates
But" continued the patriarchal merchant,
to get ahead in business, requires certain qua
lties of mind and body. One must be indus
trious, economical, and wide awake as well as
shrewd. Driving fast horses, eating champagne
suppers, and sucking t-juleps, do not furnish
the necessary schooling fer a merchant. won't
preach. however. In word; the first of Jan
uary is close upon US. Those of you who can
put two thousand dollars into the concern shall