Nebraska advertiser., 1878-01-24
GOING INTO PARTNERSHIP.

Mrs. Nottingham, being unable to
get the means from her husband to
supply her necessities, at last inform
ed him that she should resume her
profession ofteaching, so as to be as
independent as she was before she
was married.
you're not in earnest, my dear?"
said Mr.. n.
"Of course I'm In earnest. Why
not? Do you suppose intend to go
this way, begging and praying for
every farthiDg L spend? I've been
independent once, and 1 can be so
again."
mo; but look hereI ~ Mr.. Not
tingham had risen, and was pacing
up and down rather GDeasily. my
wife can't go to teaching! WHAT'S 1t
that you want2"
"What 1 can earn ~ proudly re-
torted Mrs Nottingham.
"But put it into words"
"Well, then, look here" said Mrs.
own work and sewing. Considered
as cook, demand three pounds
month as sesmstress, one pound; as
house-keeper, four pounds; as your
wife, and the lawful mother of
your children, at least ten
pounds mere. And then shall not
consider myself properly compensa-
ted"
"Whew-w-wi Let me see-it's
nearly 800 month"
"I consider my services as worth
that, at least" said Mrs. Nottingham,
with dignity; "but if you would
rather hire housekeeper, / will pros
ecute my original idea OF opening a
select school,"
Mr.. Nottingham walked up and
down the room once more, rumpling
his hair into porcupine-fashion with
his 1ngers.
"I'll consult Uncle Wetherbee," 4" he
said.
"Very well "said Mrs. Nottingham.
81 am quite willing to abide by his
decision"
Uncle Wetherbee, bronze-visaged
ex-sailor, who was comfortably smok-
ing his meersebaum- up stairs, was
summoned at once. He came down
rather slowly, on account of his
wooden leg-and listened to the spec
ial pleading on either side with the
utmost gravity.
"D'ye want 20 know my opinion ?'
said Uncle Wetherbee, when they
both had finished.
Certainly" said Mr.. Nottingham.
"Of course" said his wife.
"Then look here, said Uucle Weth-
erbee. Matrimony's partnership
of joys and sorrows, and it ought to
be of money as well. Ny advice is,
Nephew Nicholas, that you divide
even with your wife"
"Divide-evenW ~ blankIy repeated
Mr.. Nottingham.
'Or, better STILL" went on Uncle
Wetherbee, take one-third of the
money yourself, lay aside one-third
for household purposes, and give the
other third to Phoebe"
"Yes, but, uncle"
"You asked my advice, !" said Uncle
Wetherbes. "There it is. And I've
nothing more to say"
And off he stumped up stairs again.
Mr.. Nottingham looked at his wife.
His wife looked back again at him.
"Well ?" said Phoebe.
81 will try 1t 3" said Mr.. Noting
ham. at seenIs wild idea, but Un-
ole Wetherbee is a remarkably sensible
man. Yes, I'll try it"
And for the next three years Mr..
Nottingham remained in partnership
with his wife on these unusual finan-
cial conditions.
Though, for the life of me, can't
see what you do with ali your money"
said he to his wife.
1.-The very idea that has often sug-
gested itself to me In regard to yours"
retorted Mrs. Nottingham, laughing.
al had intended to buy house for
you, IF it hadn't been for this unex-
pected appropriation of my funds"
said Mr.. Nottingham.
~ can wait, dear" said his wife,
serenely. "All in good time"
But one afternoon Mr.. Nottingham
came home early from business and
rushed up to Uncle Wetherbee's
room.
my dear UNCLE" said he, "that
house of Falkirk's is in the market at
forced sale. Such a bargain Only
six hundred :"
why don't you buy it, then p"
said Mr.. Wetherbee, scooping fresh
tobacco out of his jar.
Because I've only been able to lay
up four hundred out of that deucedly
small allowance of mine," said Mr..
Nottingham. "Ever since l divided
with Phoebe, according to your sug-
gestion-"
YES" nodded Uncle Wetherbee. |
according to my suggestion"
i've been a comparatively poor
man." sighed Mr.. Nottingham. lone
can't lay up anything on such pit
tance as that"
Perhaps your wife thinks so too"
chuckled Uncle Wetherbee.