Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-12-19

HIS uiihu, anu Nuutu Keep repeating
themselves.
Cant you say where YOU are going,
AaronP Why do YOU make Il mystery oi
it?n
"Oh, it's only matter at business,
I'm going to see Mr.. Lawrence"
Edward Lawrence ?"
Yes"
Tell your wife The words seemed
almost as if uttered aloud in his ears.
What are you going to see him
about ?"
Tell herm
MIR. Little stood irrc,olulr What
good would telling her lo?
What's The matter. Aaron? You've
been dull lor some time past Nolhins :
going wrong with YOU hope? And his
wife laid her hand upon his arm, aud
leaned towards him in kind way.
Nothing very wrong he answered
an evasive mauncl Business hs' hren
dul this season"
Has il? I'm sorry. Why didn't you
tell MP"
What good would that have douc?'
1T might have done "a great deal oI
good When mans business j. dull
his wife should look 10 the household
expenses hut il She knows nolhing about
il, she IN p, go on in Nay thu i really
rNtr;n aeaut under the circumstances
think that men ought always to tell lheiI
wives when anything is going wrong"
You du?"
Ger ainIy do. What better Ica,or
can YOU want than the one | have given
Ii She knows that the income is reduced
n II prudent wife, she will cndearor tu
reduce the expenses. Hadn't You better
take oif Your coat. aud MI down aud talk
with me little. before lou ." Ia see Mr.
L1wyeucc ?"
MIR Little permitted his wife 10 draw
of his overcoal which she took into the
passage and replaced ON the hat rack
Then returning into the parlor, >he
said.
Now, Aaron. talk To me ~ freely a.
YOU choose. Don't keep anything back
Whatever the trouble Is, let me know il
to the full extent"
"Oh, there's no very great trouble yet.
am only afraid of trouble. see it
coming and wish TO keep out of It's way.
Betsy"
That'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 come moments in silence.
Then. looking up. said
The truth is. Betsy. must have more
capital in my business. There will 5e
no getting on without it, Now Mr..
Lawrence can command, or at least he
says he can command, ten thousand
pounds think he would lIkc 10 join
me- He has said as much two OF three
times
And YOU were going to sec him on
that business ?"
II was"
Don't do it," said Mrs Little, en-
phaticalIy.
Why not p asked Aaron.
because no isn't the man tor YOU
not it he had twenty thousand pounds.
Because is no reasons replied Aaron
Little
The extravaganza of his wife is" WAS
answered firmly.
What do YOU know about her ?"
"Only what have seen. I've called
ON her two or three times, and have no.
tced the style in which her house is iur
nished. II is arrayed in palace attire
compared with ours. And as for dress,
il would take the interest OF little for
tune to pay her millner's and mantau
makers bills. No. no, Aaron; MI.
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, y
said Mr.. Little. taking long breath. I'm
rather afraid, alter what you say, that
Mr.. Lawrence is not my man. But what
am to do? ?" and his voice fell in a
troubled tone. IL must have more cap.
ital; Or" Mr.. Little paused.
"Or what" His wife looked at him
steadily. and without any sign OF weak
anxiety.
"Or may become bankrupt"
I'm sorry to hear you say that, Aar
on" and Mrs, Iitte's voice trembed
perceptibly.
"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 nc great difference" said Mr..
Little. The parlor does look shabby /;
and know you've set your heart on n
new carpet.
Indeed, and it will make a great diff
ference. then" replied the little woman
in decided way. The last feather
breaks the camers back Aaron Little
shall never fail because of his wiie'S ex-
tlavagsnce. wouldn't have new car
pet now if il were offered ME ut half
price -
"You are brave. true woman, Betsy"
said Aaron, kissing his wife, In the glow
j 4 l. G. ., o I