Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1871-12-28
M1LLERsBURG HOLMES COUNTY, o. THURSDAY, Dec 2s 1871

lpenses. Hadn't You better take of
your coat; and sit down and talk
with me a little, before you go to
see Mr.. Lawrence!'
Mr.. Little permitted his wife to
draw off his overcoat, which she
took into the passage and replaced
on the hat-rack. Then returning
into the parlor, she said:
Now, Aaron, talk to 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 great trouble yet
l am only afraid of trouble. 1 see il
coming, and wish to keep out Of its
way, Betsy
That's wise and prudent said
his wife. Now tell me why you are
going too see Mr.. Lawrence
Mr.. Little let his eyes fall on the
floor, and sat for some moments in
silence. Then looking up, he said
The truth is, Betsy, here will
be no getting along without it. Now
Lawrence can command, or says he
can command ten thousand pounds.
1 think he would like to join me. He
has said as much two or three times.
Are you going to see him on that
| business?
Il was.'
Don't do it, said Mrs. Little, en-
phatically.
why notP asked Aaron.
Because he isn't the man for you
not if he had twenty thousand
pounds
Because is no reason replied
Aaron Little.
The extravaganza of his wife is
was answered firmly.
what do you know about her?'
'Only what 1 have seen. have
called on her two or three times,
and have noticed the style in which
her house is furnished. 1t is ar
rayed in palace attire compared with
ours. And as for dress, it would
take the interest Of little fortune
to pay her milliner's and mantua-
makers bills. No, no, Aaron, Mr..
Lawrence isn't your man, depend on
it. He'd use up the ten thousand
pounds in less than two years."
well, 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 l to doP
and his voice fell into a troubled
tone. Il must have more capital, or
- Mr.. Little paused.
Cor whatP His wife looked at
him steadily, and without any signs
Of weak anxiety.
Cor mayibecome bankrupt
Tm sorry to hear you say that,
Aaron and Mrs. Little's voice
trembled perceptibly. But I'm glad
you have told me. The new parlor
carpet, of course, l shall not order"
'Oh, as to that, the amount it will
cost can make no great difference
said Mr.. Little. The parlor does
look shabby; and l know you've set
your heart on new carpet
Indeed, and it will make differ
ence then,' replied the little woman
in her decided way. The last feath-
er breaks the camers back. Aaron
Little shall never fail because of his
wife's extravaganza. L would't have
a carpet now if it were offered to
me at half price
You are brave, true woman,
Betsy said Aaron, kissing his wife,
In the glow of a new born feeling Of
admiration.
Il hope that l shall ever be a true,
brave wife, returned Mrs. Little,
willing always to help my husband,
either in saving or in earning, as the
case may be. But let us talk more
about our affairs; let me see the
trouble nearer. Must you have ten
thousand pounds right away?
'Oh, no, no; it is not so bad as
that. 1 was only looking ahead, and
seeking to provide the means for
approaching payments. / don't
want partner so far as the busi-
ness itself is concerned. l don't like
partnerships, they are almost al
ways accompanied with annoyances
or danger. 1t was the money was
after; not the man.
The money would come dearly at
the price of the man, if you Mr..
Lawrence for a partner. At least
that is opinion. But l am glad to
hear you say, Aaron, that you are in
no immediate danger. May not the
storm be weathered by reefng sail,
as the sailors sayT
by reducing expenses?'
Yes
Mr.. Little shook his head.
Don't say no too quickly replied
the wife. Let us go 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 maker
'Oh, if that were possible, which
it is not, it would make a vast differ
erence in the long run, but would
hardly meet the difficulties that are
approaching
Suppose you had five hundred
pounds within the next two months,
beyond what your business will give
you
That sum would make me safe
for the two months. But where is
the five hundred pounds to come
from, Betsyp
desperate diseases require des-
perate remedies replied the brave
little woman in a resolute way. I'm
not afraid of the red flag
What do you mean by the red
flag
Let us sell off our furniture at
auction, 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 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