Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-03-11
The Mortgage.

1t was New cars eve. Henry Bon
field sat looking into the fire, while. his
wfo was busy washing up the supper
dishes and putting the room in order. lie
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 came
aud 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 p
81 am little dull" he replied. "Thc
fact is, Jenny, don't feel comfortable, as
things are. hoped, by this time, to have
had our home nearly paid for; but in
steal, I've only reduced the debt $3.50 in
the last year. At this rate, the entire
mortgage will not lie paid off for six or
seven years"
lis that all " exclaimed Mrs. Bonfcld,
in a cherry tone Of voice. "Now, | call
that taking trouble for nothing. What
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
letter for US to save and pinch for seven
years than for three. Economy will be-
come habit by that time, and there is no
better habit for safe passage through
the world, as my father used to say.
"All very well, Jenny. if life were GER
tain answered the husband "If 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 iuto her face
Her husband dropped his eyes to the
floor and sat in thought for good while
Jenny" he said, looking up at length,
there's one way to make things safe
I've been turning it over in my mind for
several days, but didn't just care to speak
of it. could get life insurance for one
or two thousand dollars"
lie saw his wiie's cheeks grow instantly
pale.
"Oh! no." she exclaimed quickly, "I
wouldn't do that. The very thought sends
Il cold shiver over me-
"Thousands of people get their lives
insured" said Mr.. Bonlield
But Mrs. Bonield shook her head. 81
wouldn't have you do it for the world
It's just like 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 answered.
i shouldn't have a moments peace from
the day your life was insured. 1t seems
to me kind Of flying in the face of Prov
idence. There's something so cold and
calculating in the whole thing-putting
up SO much money, as it were, against a
lite-valuing human life at one, or two,
or ten thousand dollars Oh no, Henry,
don't want you to do it."
I'm sorry you feel so," replied her
husband. Z" 1t would set my mind at ease
in regard to the mortgage"
Don't trouble yourself about that"
said Mrs. Bonfeld, trying to speak chceri-
ly; 1t will be right in few years"
But the young man could not feel at
case. They had two children, aud his
wife's health was not very good. If he
should die, what would become of them |?
This thought was perpetually haunting
him, and taking away tho pleasure of life
When New Years eve came round
again, Bon6eld's circumstance were not
much improved. Only one hundred dol.
lars had been paid on the mortgages dur.
ing the whole year. There had been sick
ness, loss Of time, large doctors bills, and
one or two bad debts. Another baby had
come, with the added care and expense.
Bon6eld was less cheerful than on the
previous New Years eve. A shadow
seemed to rest over him.
81 wish you could look at things more
hopefully" said his wife. "He who
feedeth the ravens, has us in His keeping
as WELL Why should We lose the bless,
ings given us to-day, in fear of some evil
tomorrow? We have our pleasant home
and our darling children-good gifts and
precious Let us be happy in them"
Good gifts and precious thoy were to