The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1871-02-23
THE MORTGAGE.

1t was New Year's eve. Henry Bon
field sat looking into the fire, while his
wife was busy washing up the supper
dishes and putting the room in order.
He was unusually silent, and his wife, as
she glanced toward him now and then,
began to fear that something troubled
him. After she had finished up her
work, she sat down by his side, and as
she laid one hand on his shoulder,
said
''You are looking dull tonight Henry.
Don't you feel we'll I?
IL am little dull" he replied.
''The fact is, Nellie, don't feel comfort
able. as things are. [ hoped by this
time to. have our home nearly paid for;
but instead, I've reduced the debt a
hundred and fifty dollars in the last year.
At this rate. the entire mortgage will
not be paid off for six or seven years -
t'Ls that all p exclaimed Mrs. Bon
field, in CHEEKY tone Of voice. Now,
| call that taking trouble for nothing
What's the great difference whether it
takes three years or six to pay off the
mortgage, so it S paid off at last, and we
have comfortable home all the while?
Maybe it will be better for US to save
and pinch for seven years than for three
Economy will become habit by that
time, and there is no better habit for a
safe passage through the world, as my
father used to say
GAIL very well, Nellie, if life were GER
tain," answered the husband eff [
live, everything may come out right.
But if | should die before the house is
paid for?''
Don't talk of dying" said Mrs. Bon
field, quickly, troubled expression COM
ing into her face
Her husband dropped his eyes to
the floor and sat in thought for a good
while.
Nellie" he said, looking up at
length, there's one way to make things
safe. I've been turning it owe. IN my
mind for several days, but u;dnt
just care to speak of it. l could get
life insur 1ea for one or two thousand
dollars"
He saw his wife's cheeks grow Instant
ly paler-
'Oh! no. she exclaimed, quickly,
81 wouldn't do that. The very thought
sends a cold shiver all over me-
Thousands Of people get their lives
insured said Mr.. Bonfeld.
But Mrs. Bonfeld shook her head.
Il wouldn't have you do it for the
world. It's just looking death in the
face
1t was all in vain that her husband
tried to reason with her.
It's of no use, Henry" she answer
ed. II wouldn't have moment peace
from the day your life was insured. 1t
seems to me kind of flying in the face
of rovldence.-There' something so
cold and calculating in the whole thing
putting up so much money, as it were,
against lifeEvaluing human life at
one, or two, or ten thousand dollars OH
no, Henry, I don't want you to do it.
"I'm sorry you feel so,'' replied her
husband. ut would Set my mind at ease
in regard to the mortgage
Don't trouble yourself about that
said Mrs. Bonfeld, trying to speak
cheerily; ''it will be right in few
years.
But the young man could not feel at
ease. They had two children, and his
wife's health was not very good.-If he
should die what was to become of them ,
This thought was perpetually haunting
him and taking away the pleasure of
life.
When New Years ere came round
Bonheld's circumstances were not much
improved. Only one hundred had been
paid on the mortgage during the whole
year.-There had. been sickness, loss of
time, large doctors bills, and one or two
bad debts. Another baby had come,
with its added care and expense.
Bonfeld was less cheerful than ON the
previous New Year eve. A shadow
seemed to rest over him.
81 wish you could lock at things more
hopefully" said his wife. 'He who
feedeth the ravens has US in-bis keep