The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-07-28

wives for slaves and drudges, and force
their families to live stingily, dining out
themselves, occasionally, with a friend
or at a restaurant. Give Mr.. Taylor an
other potato, Charles"
And Charles, who had punched and
poked his wife's little feet until she had
been compelled to hide them under her
chair, pushed the dish of potatoes to
Tom, who nervously crammed in the
plain fare as if the dinner had been, as
it usually was, a feast for an epicure.
"Mr. Taylor, what is your opinion Of
the man | have described p
"Rather contemplate sort of fell
low Mrs. Cary"
"That is it, sir-.just the word for it !
And now, after the meal is concluded, !
wash my hands Of retrenchment.
Should my husband ever become untor
tunate, ever need that my time should
be wholly devoted to the drudgery Of
homework, twill live in a cottage, wear
calico dresses, and cook my husbands
dinners, cheerfully. But, so long as his
means permit him to live in an aristo-
cratic establishment of this description,
the whole style shall be kept up. 1t is
quite time for people to take upon
themselves the duties of servants when
they are compelled to do so. Mr.. Cary,
how do you like your dinner?'
Charles, whose good, common sense
and keen appreciation of the ludicrous
were well developed, could not, to save
his life, keep from roaring.
But Tom, poor Tom, trying hard to
be unconscious, scarcely lifted his ewes
from his plate.
81 had no idea, Mrs. Cary, that re-
trenchment meant so slim a dinner as
this, or that my wife would have to
cook it y responded Charles, still
laughing.
Possible not but my orders were
one course instead OF three, and dessert
to match. Cook was afraid to remain,
after had informed her Of our arrange
ments. So you can we'll perceive that,
if it is necessary to live in a four-story,
brown-stone mansion to keep up your
reputation as business man, it is
equally important that the INSIDE of the
manor should correspond. And now, if
you are fully satisfied in regard TO this
experiment. | will dress for the even
ing"
Charles fumbledin his pocket, brought
out five OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES greenbacks,
and, with bow and smile worthy the
"admirable Crichton," presented them
to the little woman whose tact and good
sense had been of so much benefit.
Buy all you want for yourself. dear.
And don't ever say Rehenchment to
me again as long as you live Can't we
have some oysters by and by, Clara ?
There is a spot in my stomach this din
ner hasn't touched. Tom, old fellow
you must excuse me and next time we
will have things different"
Mrs. Cary threw off her bitterness
and sarcasm with her wrapper, and a
half hour after found her again the be-
witchingly intelligent hostess, enter.
tanning her visitors, and dazzling her
husband with a new light he conscien-
tiously believed to have been born of
triumph.
Tom Taylor didn't remain long after
dinner; and his visits now are of very
rare occurrence.
That night, when visitors were all
gone, and Mr.. and Mrs. Cary prepared
to retire, Charles looked unutterable
things.
What a fool | was y said he.
should have known this morning that
you were preparing me hash not very
delectable. Rather hard upon poor
Tom, though.
Mrs Cary's silvery laugh rang out
clear and distinct. And it is only ne
cessary for her to whisper Retrench-
ment" very softly INTO her husbands
ear, whenever she feels little more
pocket;money indispensable, and her
most extravagant wishes are gratified.