The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-11-24

lencc. Then, looking up, he said
THE truth is, Betsy, l must have
more capital in my business. There
will be no getting on without, for at
least he says he can command, ten
thousand pounds. l think he would
like to join mo. He has said as much
two or three times.'
"And you were going to sec him on
that business ?"
81 was"
"Don't do it," said Mrs. Little, cm-
phatically.
"Why notw asked Aaron.
"Because he isn't the man for you
not if he had twenty thousand pounds"
"Because is no reason," "rcplied Aaron
Little.
"The extravaganza Of his wife," it
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.
ticed the style in which her house is
furnished. 1t is arrayed in palace at
II ire compared with ours. And as for
dress it would take the interest of a
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 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 1 to do?" and his
voice fell in a troubled tone. 81 must
have more capital; Or" Mr.. Little
paused.
| "Or what ." His wife looked at hi m
teadily, and without any sign of her
anxiety.
cor l may become bankrupt"
"I'm sorry to hear you say that,
Aaron" and Mrs. Little's voice trem-
bled perceptibly.
"But I'm glad you've told me. The
new parlor carpet, of course, l shall not
order.n
ooh, as to that, the amount it will
cost can make no great difference" said
Mr.. Little. "The parlor does look
shabby; and know you've set your
heart on a new carpet"
"Indeed, and it will make a differ
erence then,' replied the little woman
in her decided way. 1.-THE last feather
breaks the camel's back. Aaron Little
shall never fail because of his wifes eX
travagance. l wouldn't have new
carpet if it were offered to me at hal
price"
"You are brave, true woman, Bet
sy,' said Aaron, kissing his wife, in tn
glow of new born feeling of admira
ton.
81 hope that 1 shall ever be tru
brave wife," returned Mrs. Little
"wilIing always to help my husband
either in saving or in earning, rs tn
case may be. But let us talk more
about your affairs; let me see the trou
bic nearer. Must YOU have ten thOus
and pounds right away?'
Il
l was only looking ahead, and seekin
, to provide the means for approaching
payments. don't want partner ;
G far as the business itself Is concerned
| don't like partnerships; they are a
I most always accompanied with annoy
ance5 or danger. It was the money
was after ; not the man"
. "The money would come dearly {
= the price of the man, if you took MI
Lawrence for a partner. 1t least that
my opinion. But am glad to hear yo
say, Aaron, that you are in no imm
diate danger. May not the storm |
. weathered by rceing sail, rs the sailor
+ say?'
" "By reducing expenses"
eyes"
Mr.. Little shook his head
! "Don't say no too quickly" reptile
his wife. "Let US 90 over the whol
.e matter at home and at the store. Su
3 pose one or two thousand pounds we
saved in the year, what difference wou
), lnbl make -
y "Oh, If that were possible, which
is not, it would make vast diiieren
$. in the long run, but would hardly me
the difficulties that are approaching.
Suppose you had five hundr,
pounds within the next two montl
'd beyond what your business will civ
you?"
N "That sum would make all safe
the next two months. But where
the five hundred pounds to come fro
It Betsy?"
desperate diseases require despers
We remedies" replied the brave little "
lg man, in resolute way. I'm l
I'd afraid of the red flag"
n, "Let us sell Off our furniture at a.
y. tion, and put the money in your bu
ed ness. 1t won't bring less than five hu
as dred pounds, and it may bring mo
My piano alone is worth nearly hl
1T dred. We can board for a year or t,
and when you get all right again retl
~ to housekeeping"
of won't try that yet Betsy" said
II, Little.
Id "But something must be done. I
ng disease is threatening, and my first /
is scription will arrest its violence,
m have something more to propose.
Iys comes into my mind this instant a
is breaking up we will go to mothe
You know she never wanted us to lie
there. 1t won't cost us much over |
ION what it does now, taking rent into
iv. account. We will pay sister Al
is something to take care Of little EC
,n- and Lizzie through the day, and i
Mt 90 into your warehouse as chief cler
sit betsy, you're crazy!'
ore mot Il bit of it, Aaron, but sens
woman, as you will find before you'
aw year older, If you'll let me have
nto way. l don't like that Hobson,
lat. never did AS you know. don't
lor, lieve he's fair man. Let me take
place, and you will make clear Il