Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-11-02
VOLUME XVI.
pay up the interest on the house y

now much we had spent Tor the children,
and found it to be only fifteen dollars for
the last ten months. | have worked over
some clothes for Charles, land Lucinda jumps
into Mary's dresses as the latter outgrows
them" ...
That's all very well" replied Walter, a
little testify. " l understand my own busi-
ness, and know just what can afford ,and
what | can't. While have the payments
to make on my house | must economize-I
must econ0mize," he repeated, very decided
/ ly.
" And | ould have you economize," re-
turned the wife but do not forget that all
is not economy which many call so.
think that to hire half of John Niless pew
would be great source of feconomy in COM
fort and lasting good 1t would be five
dollars laid out to good advantage-sure
to return heavy interest to us and our
children. And think it might be source
of great saving to put good gate up at
the back" b.
"Stop I" interrupted Walter, with ner-
vous motion Z" You've said enough about
this. know my means" ....
Let me say one word" urged Maria
There was an earnestness in her tone which
caused her husband to stop and listen. "lf
you will give me five dollars a week | will
agree to furnish all the provisions for the
household, and clothe myself and children.
| will do this for one year That will leave
you three hundred and sixty dollars with
which to clothe yourself and make your pay
ment on the house. On the house you have
only to pay hundred dollars, with interest
for two years, which will leave you hun
dred and forty-eight dollars for your clothes
and-Other erpenses."
| Walter was upon the point of denying
this result of the case, but he saw. upon
moments reflection, that, from his wite's
statement, the deduction was correct, so he
denied the statement
| You cannot furnish the food. and clothe
yourself and children for the sum you have
named" he said.
| Thereupon Maria sat down and made
known few facts to him that had 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
expenditure within said limits had not aver
aged five dollars per week. Walter said
"Pooh !" and then he added-"Nonsense !"
and then he left the house.
There must be some mistake" he said
to himself, after he had got away from the
| house and he really believed there was a
mistake.
"Have glass of soda, Bill? Come Tom
have glass 2" ........
Don't care if do" said Tom and Bill.
"Have some, Ned ?"
And Ned said yes So the clerk prepar-
ed four glasses of soda, for which Walter
Gray paid twenty-five cents
Let's have game of seven up for the
OYSTERS" said Bill after the days work was
done.
The game was played, and Walter lost,
so he paid dollar for four oyster supper
suppers which none of them needed, and
which did them more hurt than good
Have a cigar, Walter ?" asked Tom
| Walter said yes; and in return he paid
! for four glasses of ale.
! One evening they met, after work, and
Ned proposed that they should "toss up" to
see who should pay for the chowder.
| Come, John-won't you come in z" he
said addressing John Niles, who stood by.
"No-guess not" was Johns reply.
YOU'D better. It's only for the chowder
for five, if you come in"
al can't"
It's no use to ask him." spoke Walter,
in rather sarcastic tone "He don't spend
his money in that way"
Johns face flushed and his lips trembled;
bnt he restrained the biting words which
were struggling upon his tongue, and turn
ed and left the shop.
He's mean fellow" cried Tom, loud
enough for Niles to hear.
Tight as the bark of tree" added
Walter, in a tone equally loud.
John Niles heard the remarks but he did
not come back.
The four remaining men "tossed up" and
the lot fell upon Walter and Tom Then
they "tossed it off," and it fell upon Wal
ter, who paid four shillings for the chowder
Walter started home about nine o'clock,
and was overtaken by Niles
! "Walter,p said the latter, in kind but
earnest tone, 81 want to speak with you
You have wronged me this evening wish
you to understand me- For the opinions of
Bill Smith and Ned Francis care not but
do not wish you to misapprehend me- We
live too near together, and would not lose
your good opinion"
Well--go ahead" returned Walter, who
sensible of the fact that his companion was
one of the best and kindest neighbors in the
world
"You said | was mean"
"No no-'twas not who said that"
Well-you said that | was tight as the
bark of tree"
Walter could not deny this, SO John pro-
ceeded, 49,
"I refused to join in your little game for
three reasons, either one of which should
have been sufficient to deter me. First
have resolved not to engage in any such
games of hazard. Second did not want
any chowder. And third: could not have
afforded to pay for five extra suppers, if the
lot had fallen upon me-"
Couldn't afford it ?' repeated Walter,
with slight tinge of unbelief in his tone.
No." returned the other al could not.
| used to be on hand for any such game,
and thought 'twould be mean to refuse, but
| have learned better Let me tell you how
first came to see the folly of being afraid
to spend money for nothing. Shall tell
you 2"
Certainly" returned Walter, who al
, ready began to see something. .....
-" Well," pursued Niles, Zone noon, as