Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-02-11

Peter was charmed. He began to tn inl
Mrs. Brown right. The cost of such
wife would be a mere trife, and what al
eye she would keep to the expenses of
household:
Ere this evening was over he decided
that it would be cheaper to marry than tx
remain single. were Mrs. Barlow his help
mate.
''She'd not only be saving herself, bu
she would check me in my little extrava
gancies,'' said he. ''She would be inyalu
able to me. She wears one dress ten years
The fates must have sent her to earth fol
my special benefit"
So, after due consideration, Peter re-
solved to court the economical widow, an6
that lady being conveniently domiciled al
Mrs. Browns, he found every opportunity
1t was very inexpensive courtship
He gave her not present. She expected
none. He took her nowhere, save to church
where neither of them ever saw the plate
and both were happy.
AT last he proposed. She blushed and
hesitated, and begged time to consider
At last she said, 81 am afraid to say yes
Mr.. Buskirk. I like you; but you are SC
terribly extravagant. You drink tea and
coffee, and eat butter, and really should
fear coming to want, should, indeed"
II! Why, Pm the most economical SOU
living" said Peter.
''Extravagant people always think that
said the lady. mo, I'm afraid to say yes,
unless, indeed, you were to make your pro-
perty over to me, so that could be sure
you would not ruin yourself. Of course,
that is impossible. and it would be such a
care that really could scarcely desire it,
even for a gentleman so much respect u
And the economical relict blushed and
heSitated.
1t was Peters turn to pause and consider
He went away to do so, and returning sud-
denly to his house, found his serving maid
selling dripping to a man. He dismissed
her at once, and rushed back to the Widow
Barlow's.
'My money would be safer in your hands
than mine" he said with a moan. "Marry
| me, and keep me from being ruined y
What the widows answer was may be
judged from the fact that three weeks from
that day they were united, the clergyman
receiving five shillings from Peter, and the
bride wearing her brown merino, in the
pocket of which she carefully deposited the
deeds which made the property exclusively
her own.
''Now for happiness" said Peter. s'No
more thieving servants-no more waste
and lovely wife into the bargain. He |!
he! he Peter Buskirk is the man for
luck j"
And he took his bride home to dine on
cold meat and radishes, being absolutely
ashamed even to speak of his accustom ed
mutton chop before so economical lady.
The next morning he hurried off to bust
ness.
''Never lose time, love-" said the newly
married dame. "Besides, I've a great deal
to attend to; so, good. bye"
"Good-bye," responded Peter. eWhat a
treasure you are, my dear. The washing,
I suppose. My mother always washed on
Monday"
And away he went content with himself
and all the world
At six, he returned. Horror of horrors !
There were ladders against his house, and
men upon them. Had there been fire?
He rushed up breathless.
"What is the matter? Who are these
men?" he painted. "Fire thieves! Oh |!
1 must be dreaming!"
''Don't make noise, love-" said a voice
from the parlor window. "They're only
the house-painters ~
s'House-painters ~
eyes, dear. Don't you know the Dutch
proverb, "A coat of paint pays itself?'"
Peter breathed again.
"But the awful expense ~ he said.
'sDear, dear, you should have consulted
me-"
He stumbled into the house, and over
the form of man kneeling in the hall.
"Who are you?''
| In reply the person produced card on
which was printed, "Gilt & Binder, Up
holsterers.''
"And what are you doing?" gasped
| Peter.
Measuring the hall for a new oil-cloth,
! SIR" said the man.
Peter staggered in.
A woman was making up carpet in the
front parlor; another was arranging cur
tains.
| He rushed up stairs.
| There sat another woman also at work.
Again he gasped the question, "Who are
your"
"Mrs. Buskirk's regular seamstress,
please, SIR said the woman.
s'And where is Mrs. Buskirk?n
s'Here, love-" said voice.
And there entered from the adjoining
room a lady dressed in silk and in expen-
pensive crinoline, with bracelets, brooch
earrings, and little lace cap worth small
| fortune.
"The furniture is ordered, and the paint
ers are here, and I've engaged all the ser
wants, Mr.. Buskirk,'' said the lady. '.and
the cook wants to know whether you like
beef under or well done. In such things
you shall have your choice always. There
was no time to make pudding to-day, so
we must have ices. Strawberries, too, are
only two shillings basket.''
"Mrs. Buskirk, have you gone crazy?''
cried Peter, ''or ami dreaming?"
"Im wide awake, at all events" cried
the lady,. ''l've starved long enough, and
worn that brown merino until hate it,
I always was fond of dress
"Fond of dress!" repeated Peter; land