The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-02-14
How to Earn O Homo.
A STORY FOR THE HARD TINES.

The other evening camc homo with an
extra ten dollar bill in my pocket-moncy
that had earned by out doors work. The
fact il, I'm clerk in downtown store, at n
salary Of six hundred dollars per annum, and
baby to support out oft.
suppose this income will sound amazing
ly small to your two or three thousand dollar
oflice.holders, but nevertheless We contrive
to live comfortably upon It. We live on one
floor Of an unprctending house, for which we
pay ono hundred and fifty dollars per annurn.
and Kitty, my wife, docs all her own work !;
so that wo lay up a neat sum every year.
I've got balance Of two or three hundred
dollars at the savings-bank, the hoard OF
several years, and 1t is astonishing how rich
| feel! Why, Rothschild himself isn't cir
substance to me
well, I came home with my extra bill,
and showed 1t triumphantly to Kitty, who,
Of course, was delighted with my industry
and thrift.
Now, my love- said I, Just add this to
our account at the bank, to draw interest to
the end Of the year.
Forthwith commenced casting interest
and calculating in my brain. Kitty was 81.
lent, and rocked the cradle musingly with
her feet.
I've been thinking, Harry said she,
after moments pause, shat since you've
got this extra money, we might afford to buy
new rug. This is getting dreadful shabby,
my dear, you mus. sec.'
looked dolefully at the rug (; II was worn
and shabby enough; that was fact.
Il can get beautiful new velvet pattern
for seven dollars, resumed my wife.
.velyet-scven dollars groaned I.
We'll, then, common tuitcd rug like this
would only cost three said my cautious bet
tcr.half, who, seeing she couldn't carry her
first ambitious point, wisely withdrew her
guns.
That's more sensible, said l well, well
SEQ about it,
And there's another thing want con-
tinucd my wife, putting her hand coaxingly
on my shoulder and it's not at oil extrava.
CANT either
what is it?' said I, softcning rapidly.
Il saw such lovely silk pattern on Canal
street this morning, and can get It for six
dollars-only six dollsrs, Harry! 1t is the
cheapest thing I ever saw
But haven't you got very pretty green
silk dress?'
That old thing! Why, Harry, I've worn
Il ever since we've been married.
rs 1t soiled or raggcd2'
mo, of course but who wants to wear
the same green dress forever? Every one
knows 1t is the only silk dress have
We'll, what then3'
That's just u mans question: pouted
Kitty, and suppose you have you have not
observed how old.fashioncd my bonnet is get.
ting .
why, l thought 1t looked very neat and
tasteful, since you put on that black velvet
winter trimming
.Of course, you men have no taste in such
matters!
We were silent for moment. I'm afraid
we both ielt a little cross and out Of huInor
with each other. In fact, on my journey
home, had entertained serious thoughts Of
exchanging my old silver watch for more
modern time-piece Of gold, and had mentally
appropriated the ten dollars to further that
purpose. Savingsbinks reflections had come
later. As we s,t before the fire, each wrap
ped in thought, our neighbor, Mr.. Willmot.
knocked at the door. Ho was employed in
the same store rs myself, and his wife was an
old family friend.
Il want you to congratulate me- ho said.
taking scat. Il have purchased that little
cottage on Bloomingdalo road to-day.
What! that beautiful little wooden cot
tage. with piazza and lawn, and fruitgarden
behind p exclaimed Kitty, almost enviously.
is II possiblor cried. A little cottage
home Of my own, just like that l had often
admired on the Bloomingdalo road. had al.
ways boon the crowning ambition Of my lie,
distant and almost hopeless point, but no
less earnestly desired. .oa
why, wiluot, said I. how did this hap
pen7 You've only been in business eight or
ten years longer than I, at q salary but .
triao larger than mine, yet I could - soon
buy tho mint - purchase . cottage like
that l' 'n''.'r 1H 'i--
'woll,' said my neishbOr. 'wo have boon