Middletown transcript., 1870-04-30

herself with good wardrobe at much less
expense than some not so well versed in
the science of managing could have done
After considerable calculation she came
to the conclusion that out of her allowance
she should be able to make daily deposit
equal to that of her husband Of this,
however, she thought it best, on the
whole, not to inform Charles-enjoying in
anticipation, the prospect of being able, at
some time to surprise him with the unex-
pected amount of her savings.
At the close Of every month the tin box
was emptied, and the contents were trans
ferred to savings bank of more preten-
sions, where interest would be allowed.
When the sums deposited here became
large enough Mrs. Lynford, who had con-
siderable business capacity, withdrew
them and invested them in bank and other
stocks, which would yield a larger per
cent. Of her mode of management her
husband remained in complete ignorance
Nor did he ever express any desire to be
made acquainted with his wife's manage
ment. He was an easy, careless fellow,
spending as he went, enjoying the present
and not feeling any particular concern
about the future.
At the end of eight years, during which
he had been unusually favored by pros
perity in business and uninterrupted
health, his books showed that he had not
exceeded his income, but on the contrary
he had saved absolutely nothing. Twen-
ty-five cents alone stood to his credit.
"Running pretty close, isn't it Carrie"
he said, laughngly. II take credit to
myself for keeping on the right side of the
line. But then, I suppose you have saved
up an immense sum"
'How much do you Think" asked his
wife
80, perhaps hundred dollars" said
Charles Lynford, carelessly; "though it
would take good many dimes to do that.
His wife smiled, but did not volunteer
to enlighten him as to the correctness of
his conjecture.
So things went on, till at length came
the panic of 1857-a panic so recent that
it will be remembered by many readers of
this sketch. 1t will be remembered how
universally trade and business of every
kind were depressed at that period A
mong others, the trade which occupied
Charles Lynford suffered.
One evening he came home looking
quite serious-ah expression which seldom
came over his cheerful face
Caroline, who had watched the signs of
the times, was not unprepared to see this
She had expected that her husbands bus
iness would be affected.
"What is the matter, Charles?" she
asked cheerfully.
1.-The matter is that we shall have to
economize greatly.
"Anything unfavorable turned up in
business matters Z"
Il should think there had I shall
have but half days work for some time
to come, and am afraid that even this
will fail before long You havn't an idea
Carrie, how dull business Of every kind
has become. :"
Il think have" said his wife, quietly.
81 have read the papers carefully, and
have been looking out for something of
this kind"
''Do you think we can reduce our ex-
penses one-half?" asked her husband,
doubtfuly.
Il Think we shall be able to do So
Both of us are well supplied with clothing,
and we shall not peed any more for a
year, at least. That will cut off consider
able expenses then there are a great
many superfuties you are accustomed to
buy-little things you are kind enough to
bring home to me frequently, which can
do very well without. Then we can live
more planly-have less pies and cakes
and have no doubt it will be an improve
ment so far as our health is concerned.
"What a calculator you are, Carrie !"
said her husband, feeling considerably cas-
ier in mind, Il really think, after all
you have said, that it won't be so hard to
live on half our usual income-for the
present at least. But-and bis counten-
ance again changed-.'suppose my work
should entirely fail, suppose you couldn't
reduce our expenses to nothing at all,
could your
"That certainly surpasses my power"
said his wife, smiling; "but even in that
case there is no ground for encouragement.
You have not forgotten our savings bank,
have you?
"Why, no: | didn't think of that, "
said her husband Il suppose that would
keep off starvation for few weeks"
His wife smiled.
"And in those few weeks" she added
'business might revive"
Ito be sure" said her husband
"Well, I guess it'll be all right; I'll not
trouble myself about it any longer"
|
The apprehensions to which Mr. Lyn-
ford had given expression proved to be
only too well founded. In less than a
month from the date of the conversation
recorded. the limited supply of work
which he had been able to secure, entire
ly failed and he found himself without
work of any kind-thrown back on his
own resources.
Although he had anticipated this. il
seemed unexpected when it actually came
upon him, and again he returned home in
fit of discouragement He briefly ex-