Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1858-06-01
CHAPTER III.

Three years from the time Of Edward 5
introduction to the reader had passed
away, and his finances were in no better
condition. BY great deal of retrench-
ment IN his own expenses he had contriv-
ed to keep out of debt Instead of dining
at Parker's at an expense of five or SIX
dollars a week, he made quarter of that
sum suffice. His tailor bill had been re-
duced one half, and all other bills in like
proportion. Better than all, he had been
cured of grumbling at Maria, for if he
complained of anything she was sure to
ask him for fifty dollar bill on the same
day. In fact he was afraid of her.
Maria. in her demands for money, had
been even more remorseless during the
last year than ever before, and had actu-
ally taken eight hundred dollars of his
two thousand. And there was not much
show for it in the house or upon her per
son. If he limited at an explanation, she
always turned him off SO sweetly and ad-
roItly that he could hot resist.
Maria, we must turn over a new
leaf" he remarked.
With all my heart" said she.
Hear | am without a dollars IN the
world-and never shall have while things
90 on in this way. | have given YOU
eight hundred dollars this last year"
Have you, indeed What is eight
hundred dollars 2" chuckled she.
There is Raymond's house opposite
for sale. 1t is a beautiful place, and can
be bought for four thousand dollars by
paying fifteen hundred down. / was Just
thinking that if l had saved my money
might have been able to buy that place"
No use to cry for split milk, Edward" :"
replied Maria.
Il know that; but we needn': spill
any more milk. | have been very eco
nomical the last year," and he proceed
ed TO detail the retrenchments he had
made.
:" You have done very well, Edward"
Yes, my dear, better than you have.
Who would have thought | should ever
preach economy to you % laughed he.
What was the use for me TO be pru-
dent, while you scattered your money like
chaff'?" asked the wife, with infinite good
humor.
No use, l confess"
:" will turn over a new leaf if you
will. You used to find fault with me be-
cause would not buy strawberries at SIX
y cents a box"
u haven't lately"
" No, you haven't"
. And | never viii again. Now,
Maria, was thinking if we could save
up four or five hundred year for three
or four years, we might buy house"
Very true and we will begin now,
if you like
with all my heart
=" You shall allow me fixed sum for
my personal expenses"
g Say two hundred dollars"
+" Half that will do
q But you can't come down all at once
from eight hundred to one hundred p
"Yes | can replied the pretty little
woman, the mischief cleaning in her ra-
diant eyes.
Then we can buy house in three
years"
" Suppose you buy Raymonds nows"
" Bat | cannot. | haven'ea dollar IN
the world after my bills are paid"
. Then | will let you have fifteen hun
dred dollars to pay down"
You: You are face'ious, Maria
What are you laughing at? -
Maria, for some reason or other, had
burst into violent fit Of laughter.
You shall have the money, Edward.
But YOU must not tell any ore what an ex-
travagant wife you have, as you did DR..
Smith.
What do you mean, Maria? For
give me for that"
Il will, my dear" replied she; and
going to her drawer she produced two
bank books, and placed them in her hus-
bands hand.
One Of them indicated that she had a
thousand dollars IN one Savings Bank,
and the other six hundred in another
bank OF course Edward was astonished
1t was his duty 10 be astonished.
Your extravagant wife has saved SIX
teen hundred dollars Of your money, IN