The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-08-10

ana stood before him. 1t was very short
and slender little woman, with kably
pretty face. She wore no hoops and her
dress cleared her ankles. The sleeves
were close, and the skirt had perhaps
three breadths in it. The dress Itself was
OF very plain brown merino, and she wore
neither br och nor bow, only white linen
collar. Peter looked approval Several
Of the ladies exchanged chances, and faint
giggle was heard; and as though by com
mon consent, the two were left te,e "a ete in
a corner
Pleasant day" said Peter to commence
the conversation. Pheasant day, but
cold.
''Ah, yes; but l dislike cold weather .
''pon't agree with you, ma amp
! ''Oh, that's not it. I am never ILL but
cold weather is SO expensive. Lights early
and Goals dear, proceeded the lady Mon
ey slips through ones fingers; and l never
waste things"
My case exactly, said Buskirk. at 5
astonishing how things cost. Now. there is
butter-say pound a fortnight
'.Oh, | never eat butter-it costs too
much said the lady
"Ah and sugar and tea and Coffee
III you indulge III such luxuries what
can you expect" said Mrs. Barlow.
They are artificial wants altogether, SO
they are said llr. Buskirk But then
/ habit is second nature
''Extravagant habits ruin many said
Mrs Barlow. son l shudder when |
look at those hounces. Such waste OF
/ material
1--WE often thought So" said Peter
'.AnQ YOU don I wear them -
u, said Mrs Barlow. Il have my SEN
ses, sir I've no wish to die in worknouse
I've had this dress ten years
"lndeed." said Peter. ''And l suppose
some ladies buy one every ten MONTHS
livery ten days said Mrs Barlow
sob, blush for my sex, Mr. BusAlrk, do
indeed y
Peter was charmed. He began to think
Mrs. Brown right. The cost OF such a wife
would be mere trife, and what an eve
she would keep to the expenses of house
hold.
Ere the evening was over he had decided
that it would be cheaper to marry than 10
remain single, were Mrs Barlow his help
mate
Shed not only be saving herself. but
she would check me in my little cxtraya-
!
bic to me. She wears one dress ten years.
The tates must have sent her to earth for
my especial benefit
So, after due consideration, Peter re-
solved to court the economical widow, and
that lady being conveniently domicled at
Mrs. Browns he found every opportunity
II was very Inexpensive courtship. He
gave her not a present. She expected none
lie took her nowhere save to church where
neither ofthem 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: Il am afraid to say yes,
Mr.. Buskirk. like you but you are SO
terribly extravagant. You drink tea and
coffee, and eat butter, and | should fear
coming to want, should indeed''
Il. Why, I'm the most economical soul
/ living" said Peter.
"Extravagant people always think that
said the lady. NO, I'm afraid to say yes.
unless, indeed, you were to make your
property over TO me, SO that | could be sure
you would not ruin yourself. OF course
that would be impossible, and it would be
such a care that really l could scarcely
desire H. even for gentlemen | so much
respect
And the economical relic blushed and
hesitated.
1t was Peter S turn to pause and consid-
err lie went away to do so. and returning
suddenly to his house. found his serving
maid selling dripping to man. lie dis
missed her al once, aud rushed back to the
widow Barlows.
My money would be safer in your
hands than mine he said with moan
Marry me AMI keep me from being ruin
ed -
What the widows answer was be judged
from the fact that three weeks from that
day they were united, the clergyman re
ceiyivg ) shilling. from Peter; ami the bride
wearing her brown merno, in the poke
of which she carefully deposited the deeds
which made the property exclusively her
own.
..Now for happiness said Peter. NO
more thieving servants-no more. waste
and lovely wife into the bargain. He. he :.
he Peter Busk:rk Is the man for luck
And ne took his bride home 10 dine on
cold meat and radishes. being absolutely
ashamed even - speak OF his accustomed
mutton chop before so economical a lady
The next morning he hurried of to bust
ness.
Never waste time. love, said the new
i married dame. Besides. I've agreai
dea. 10 attend to- so-good- bye."
..tood bye responded Peter. Nv nat a
treasure you are. my dear. The washing /
suppose. Ny mother always washed OF
Monday"
And away he went. couten; with him
self and all the world
At : be returned. Horror Of horrors
there were ladders asainst MS house an
men upon them. Had there been q IRE
He rushed up. GREATNESS.
WHAT is the matter. Who are these
men" ne painted Fire thieves OF
mus; % dreaming.
Don; MAKE noise, love. said voice
from the parier window. They're only
the house painters"
'-House-pa:alers
..Ies, dear Don't you know the Dutch
proyerb A coat Of paint pay. itse.t
Peter breaihei asasa
But the awful expense he said
dear, dear, you saoa-d hare consulted