The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1878-03-12
MISCELLANY.
Going Into Partnership.

the means from her husband to supply
her necessities, at last informed him that
she should resume her profession of tea
ching, so as to be independent rs she was
before she was married
"You're not in earnest, my dear p
said Mr. N.
"Of course I'm in earnest Why not ?
Do You suppose | intend to go on in this
way, begging and praying for every cent
| spend? I've been independent once,
and can be so again"
mo; but look here!" Mr. Noting
ham had risen, and was pacing up and
down rather uneasily. my wife can't
go to teaching. What is it that you
want?"
What can earn - proudly retorted
Mrs. Nottingham.
But put it into Words
"N ell, then, look here said Mrs.
Nottingham; ~ have always done my
own work and sewing Considered as q
cook, demand fifteen dollars a month :;
as seamstress. five dollars, as house
keeper, twenty dollars; as your wife and
the lawful mother of your children, at
least twenty dollars more. And then
shall not consider myself properly com
pensated.'
"Whew W Let me see--it's nearly q
hundred dollars a month ~
81 consider my services worth that, at
least" said Mrs nottingham, with dig
nifty, "but if you would rather hire a
housekeepcr, | will prosecute my origin,
al idea OF opening select school"
Mr.. Nottingham walked up and down
the room, once more, rumpling his hair
with his fingers.
"Ill consult Uncle Wetherbee," said
he.
every well,' said Mrs Nottingham.
8" am quite willing to abide by his de
cision"
Uncle Wetberby, a bronze.visaged ex
sailor, who was comfortably smoking his
meerschanm, up stairs, was summoned at
once. He came down-rather slowly on
account Of a wounded leg-and listened
to the special pleading on either side
with the utmost gravity.
Dye want to know my opinion 7"
said Uncle Wetherbee, when both had
finished
Certainly said Mr.. Nottingham
"Of course" said his wife
"Then look here" said Uncle Weth.
erbee. " Matrimonv's copartnership
of joys and SORROWS. and it ought to be
of money as well. My advice is, Neph,
ew Nicholas, that you divide even with
your wife
+" Divide even /" blanklv reneatnd NJ"
"Or, better still,' went on Uncle
Wetherbee, " take one. third of the mon
ey yourself, lay aside one third for house
hold expenses, and give the other third
to Phebe."
Yes, but uncle
You asked my advice interrupted
I've nothing more to say" and Off he
stumped up stairs again.
Mr.. Nottingham looked at his wife
His wife looked back at him.
/" said Phebe
"Ill try it," said Mr., Nottingham
" 1t seems wild idea, but Uncle W ether.
bee is remarkably sensible man. Yes,
I'll try"
And for the next three years Mr. Not
tingham remained in partnership with
his wife on these unusual financial condi-
tons.
" Though for the life of me, can't
see what You do with all your money,
said he to his wife
d" The very idea that has often sugges-
ted itself to II IN regard to yours" re-
torted Mrs Nottingham, laughing.
q had intended to buy a house for
you, if it had not been for this unexpect-
ted appropriation Of funds" said Mr.
Nottingham.
81 can wait, dear said his wife, Sc
renely. "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 Falkirks is on the market at forced
sale. Such bargain! Only three thou
sand dollars !!
"Why don't you buy it, then 2" said
Uncle Wetherbee, scooping fresh tobac-
co our Of his jar.
Because I've only been able to lay
up two thousand dollars out of that deu
ccdly small allowance of NINE" said Mr.
Nottingham. Ever since divided with
Phebe, according to your suggestion"
/" Yes" nodded Uncle Wetherbee, FAC
cording to my suggestion"
"Fve been comparatively poor
man." sighed Mr., Nottingham. "I'vc
been thinking l ought to reconsider that
affair."
Uncle Wetherbee stared intently at his
wooden leg, and said nothing.
But" added Mr. Nottingham, "about
the Falkirk place It's a little gem of
house, and I've always wanted a house
of my own. This rent-paying business
don't altogether suit me. And | could
give mortgage for the balance, if you
would allow nae to use your name for
security"
"Oh, certainly" said Uncle Wether-
bee. - Use it as much as you like"
And Mr., Nottingham went off rejoi-
ing
But Wigs and Sangster, the agents in
charge of the FalNirk place, were eXuit-
ant when he arrived
Two Thousand dollars and a mort
gage for the balance, are all very well,
said Mr.. Sangster, " but they had anoth
err offer, that morning of cash down