Middletown transcript., 1876-02-05
RETRENCHME EN- T.
A STORY FOR THE TINES.

us u not time TOT US u tuluk VI Ie
trenchment my dear ?" said DR.. Living
ston to bis wife, as he reclined 10 the
depth Of luxurious easy chair before 9
glowing CRATE. "Retrenchment is the
watchword now, and a very reasonable
and seasonable one"
Mrs. Livingston looked inquiringly
into her husbands face and there was a
shade Of anxiety in the tone Of her
voice as she inquired: ''Is there any
necessity for it in our case. my dear r
"Not exactly a necessity. l am
happy to say. 1t is rather a measure
Of expediency than necessity. Every
man ought to ask if he cannot lessen
bis expenses at such time as this As
| said, retrenchment is the watchword
now."
at ought to be with many. no
doubt, tut cannot see Why all should
adopt it,. Our expenses have ever born
wise and reasonable proportion to our
income. and you admit that even now
there is no necessity for retrenchment." !"
THAT is true. Still. 1. think, in
these hard times, it is wise to cut off
all unnecessary expenses. There is a
propriety in doing 90. Besides the
claims of charity will be great this
winter There will be an immense
amount Of suffering among the poor.
aud we should cheerfully economize
that we may have more to bestow on
the needy aud suffering.
There is something in that. GER
tsinly.' said Mrs Livingston. who was
never pertinacious in her opposition to
any plan proposed BY her husband
"Bnt where shall we begin p
..Ha.e We not more servants than We
really need? I think we might spare
one or two without serious inconve-
nience."
After q thoughtful silence, Mrs. Liv-
ington said:
II could spare Mary. I really don't
need her very much. though she is such
a good, faithful creature, that l shall
regret to part with her."
If you can spare her without in
convenience. I think you had better
send her away. Can't We find some
other plsce to conomize ~
II might dismiss the girl who has
done plain sewing for US for a month
past. l told her / should want her two
months, and l could find work for her
that time; but I can do without her
service very we'll. and l will dismiss
her on Saturday night, if you think it
best !"
Mr.. Livingston assented Retreuch-
ment in other departments were dis
cussed. and various plans proposed,
some Of which we're adopted, and others
laid on the table for future considera-
tion.
Three weeks later Mr.. Livingston
observed to his wife. with an air of
comfortable self-satisfaction
my dear, am more convinced
every day that We we're right in the plans
we adopted three weeks ago. can
assure you it is hard times for the poor
people. A poor fellow came to me to-
day. He was out Of work, and six
children to support. He told pitiful
story"
II hope you helped him"
Yes; l gave him twenty dollars. a
portion Of what We have already saved
by economy"
The next evening Mr.. Livingston
settled himself in bis easy chair with q
grave and somewhat troubled look. The
expression Of bis countenance was that
Of /. msu whose self eemp}aeeBey had
been seriously disturbed Mrs. Liy-
ingston vas quick to observe this. She
waited some time for her husband to
break the silence. but seeing that he
was not disposed to do it. she eaid:
"You look grave tonight Edward.
Has anything occurred to annoy you ?"
''Not unless you call il ANNOYANCE