The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-03-31

TOO long, ana Sne determlneU O leC IL OuC
Walter" she said, little tremulously,
but stillresolutely, ''you have two pounds a
week"
eyes" .s.."
"And how much of that does it take to
feed us?" t# .,mr1. .'.
81 don't know, I'm sure. I Only know
that it takes it all to feed and clothe us, and
pay up the interest on the house."
81 havn't had new dress since last au-
tumn; and l was reckoning up yesterday
how much we had spent for the children,
and I found it to be only three pounds for
the last ten months. I have worked ever
some of cousin Johns clothes for Charles,
and Lucinda jumps into Mary's dresses as
the latter outgrows them"
"rhat's all very WELL" replied Walter,
little testify 81 understand my own bu-
siness, and know just what can afford,
and what can't. While have the pay
mcnts to make on my house, must econo-
mise-I must economise!" he repeated very
decidedly.
"And will have you economist" return
ed the wife; ''but do not forget that all is not
economy which many call so. / think that
to hire half Of John Niles pew would be a
great source of economy, in comfort and last
ing good. Itwould be guinea laid out to a
good advantage-sure to return heavy in
terest to us and our children. And think
it might be source of great saving, to put a
good gate up at the back .... .-.. ..t
''Stop!" interrupted Walter, with nerv-
Gus motion. you've said enough about
this. know my means"
"Let me say one word," urged Maria
There was earnestness in her tone which
caused her husband to stop and listen. "If
you will give me guinea week, will
agree to furnish all the provisions for the
household, anil clothe myself and children.
will do this for one year. That will leave
you seventy pounds with which to clothe
yourself and make your payment on the
house. On the house you have only to pay
twenty pounds, with interest for two years,
which will leave you twenty-nine pounds for
your clothes anl-other expenses" T.
Walter was upon the point Of denying this
result the case, but he saw, upoa moments
reflection, that from his wifes's statement,
the deduction was correct, SO he denied the
statement. ..
"You can rot furnish the food, and clothe
yourself and children, for the sum you have
named" he said ..... .....
Thereupon, Maria sat down and male
known few facts to him that hal been hid
den within the mysteries Of her own house.
keeping. She was not long in proving to
him that, during the past year, the items of
within said limits had not av-
eraged a Guinea per week. Walter said
"Pooh!' and then he added: "Nonsense"
and left the house.
"There must be some mistake" he said to
himself, after he Irtd got away from .fe
house; and he really believed there was some
mistake.
"Have glass of soda, Bile Come Tom
have glass?' .".... ...
81 don't care if I'do," said Tom. m.ani Bill.
"Have some, Ncd?"
And Ned said Eyes" SO the clerk prepared
four glasses of soda, for which Walter Gray
paid tRe shillings
LETS have game Of seven mp for the
OYSTERS" said Bill, after the days work was
done
The game was played, and Walter lost, so
he paid five shllings for four oyster suppers
-suppers which none OF them needed, and
which did them more hurt than good.
"Have cigar, Walter" asked Tom.
Walter said Eyes," and in return paid for
four glasses ofale.
One evening they met, after work, and
Ned proposed that they toss up to see who
pays for the grog. ........... ....... ..
"Coine, John, won't you come in?' he
said, addressing John Niles, who stood by.
"No--think not" was Johns reply.
You'd better. Itsonly for the greg-for
five, if you come in"
81 can't" . ..........
Its of no use to ask him." spoke Walter,
in rather sarcastic tone. HE don't spend
his moneo in that way.'
Johns face flushed, and his lips trembled,
but he restrained the biting words which
were struggling upon his tongue, and turned
and left the shop.
"He's mean fellow" cried Tom, loud
enough for Niles to hear.
flight as the bark of tree, added Wal
ter, in tone equally loud.
John Niles heard the remarks, but he did
not come back.
The four remaining men 'tossei up and
the lot fell upon Walter and Tom. Then
they tossed off, and it fell upon Walter,
who paid four shillings for the grog.
Walter started for home about nine o'cl'k
and on the way he was overtaken by Niles.
Walter" said the latter, in kind but
earnest tone. 81 want to speak with you.
Won hov .x~o o,,..~:~- ~,l