National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-11-03


Then returning into the parlor, she said
snow, Aaron, talk 10 me as freely as
you choose. Don't keep anything back.
Whatever the trouble is, let me know it
to the full extent"
"Oh, there's no very great trouble yet.
] am only afraid OF trouble. see IL COM
ing, and wish to"keep out of its way, Bet
sy"
"Tbat's wise and prudent" said his
wife. "Now tell me why you are going to
see Mr.. Lawrence"
Mr.. Little let his eyes fall to the floor,
and sat for some moments in silence.
Then, looking up, he said;
"The truth is, Betsy, ! must have more
getting on without it, Now Mr.. Lawrence
can command, or at least he says he can
command, ten thousand pounds. think
he would like to join me. lie has said a.
much two or three times"
"And you were going to see him on
that business ?"
81 was"
"Don't do it" said Mrs. Little, emphat-
ically.
"Why not !" asked Aaron,
Because he isn't the man for you-not
if he had twenty thousand pounds
Because is no reason" replied Aaron
Little.
"Tbe extravaganza of his wife is" was
answered firmly
"What do You know about her2n
"Only what have seen. I've called on
her two or three times, and have noticed
the style in which her house is furnished.
It is arrayed in palace attire compared
with ours And as for dress, it would take
the interest of little fortune to pay her
milliner's and mantau makers bills. No,
no, Aaron; Mr. Lawrence isn't your man,
depend on it, He'd use up the ten thou
sand pounds in less than two years"
swell, Betsy, that's pretty clear talk, ;"
said Mr.. Little, taking long breath.
I'm rather afraid, after what you say,
that Mr.. Lawrence is not my man. But
what am to do p and his voice fell in
troubled tone. 81 must have more CAPT
tai; or ---' Mr.. Little paused.
'Or what ~ His wife locked at him
steadily, and without any sign of weak
anxiety.
"Or I may become bankrupt
Pm sorry to hear you say that
Aaron,n and Mrs Little's voice trembled
perceptbly.
But I'm glad you've told me. The
new parlor carpet of course, shall not
order"
"Oh, as to that, the amount it will cost
can make no great difference" said Mr..
Little "Thc parlor does look shabby
and | know you've set your heart on new
carpet"
"Indeed. and it will make difference,
then" replied the little woman in her de
cided way. "The last feather breaks the
camers back. Aaron Little shall never
fail because of his wifo's extravagance. |
wouldn't have new carpet now if it were
offered to me at half price"
" You are a brave, true woman, Betsy"
said Aaron, kissing his wife, in the glow
of new born feeling of admiration.
:" | hope that shall ever be true,
brave wife" returned Mrs. Little, "willing
always to help my husband, either in saw
ing or in earning, as the case may be. But
let us talk more about your affairs; let me
see the trouble nearer Must you have |
ten thousand pounds right away ~
was only looking ahead, and seeking to
provide the means for approaching pay
ments. | don't want a partner as far As
the business itself is concerned. | don't |
like partnerships; they are almost always |
accompanied with anEoyances or danger. |
1t was the money was after; not the man."
"The money would come dearly at the
price of the man, If you took Mr.. Lawrence !
for a partner. At least that is my opinion
But am glad TO hear you say, Aaron.
that YOU are in no immediate danger
May not the storm be wcathercd by reef |
ing sail, as the sailors say p
By reducing expenses
"Yes."
Mr.. Little shook his head.
Don't say no too quickly" replied his
wife. Let us 90 over the whole matter
at home and at the store. Suppose one or
two thousand pounds were saved in the
year, what difference would that make ?"
"Oh, if that were possible, which it is
not, it would make vast difference in the
long run, but would hardly meet the diff
cultes that are approaching"
Suppose YOU had five hundred pounds
within the next two months, beyond what |
your business will give you p
THAT sum would make all safe for the
two months. But where is the five hun |
dred pounds to come from, Betsy 7"
Desperate diseases require desperate
remedies, replied the BRAY little woTnan,
in q resolute way. Pm not afraid OF the |
red flag"
"Let us sell off our furniture at auction, I
and put the money in your business. 1t
won't bring less than five hundred pounds, /
and it may bring more. My piano alone
is worth nearly a hundred. We can board |
for year or two, and when you get all |
right again return to housekeeping"
"We won't try that yet, Betsy" said
Mr. Little.
But something must be done. The
disease is threatening, and my first pre-
scription will arrest its violence. | have
something more to propose. 1t comes into
my mind this instant; after breaking up
we will go to mothers. You know she 4
never wanted Us to leave there. 1t won't |
cost us much over half what it does now,
taking rent into the account. We will /
paw sister Annie something TO take the |
care OF little Eddie and Lizzie through the
day. and will go into your warehouse as
chief clerk"
Betsy. you're crazym
Not bit of it, Aaron, but a sensible /
woman. as you will find before you're
wear older, if you'll let me have my way.
don't like that flobson, and never did, as
YOU know. | don't believe he's fair man.
Let ne take his place, and you will make