The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-06-26

|
At the end of eight years, during
which time he had been unusually fa-
vored by prosperity in business and
uninterrupted in health, his books
showed that he had not exceeded his
income, but on the other hand had
saved absolutely nothing. Twenty-Five
cents alone stood to his credit.
"RunnIng pretty close, isn't it Car
rle?" he said laughingly. I'll take credit
to myself for keeping on the right side
OF the line. But then, l suppose yol,
| have saved an immense sum-"
GLOW much do you thinkY' asked
his wife.
80, perhaps $780," "said he, carclcssly;
"though it would take II good many
dimes to do that"
His wife smiled, but did not volun-
teer to enlighten him as to the correct
| ness Of his conjecture.
So things went on, till at length
came the panic of 1S75-a panic so re-
cent that it will be remembered by
| many readers of this sketch. 1t will be
remembered how unvcr sally trade and
business of every kind were depressed
at that period. Among others the trade
which occupied Charles Lynford suf-
| fered.
One evening he came home looking
quite Serlous-an expression which sell
dom came over his cheerful face.
Caroline, who had watched the signs
OF the times, was not unprepared to
see this. She had expected that her
husbands bus mess would be affected.
"What is the matter, Charles? she
asked, cheerfully.
''Thc matter is, that We shall have to
economize greatly"
"Anything mfavorable turned up in
business matters?''
81 should think there had. | shall
have but half Il days work for some
time to come, and ram afraid that even
this will fail Dcforcl long. You haven't
an idea how dull business Of every kind
has become"
81 think l lavc," said his wife, qui-
city, 81 have read the papers carefully
and have been looking out for something
of this kind"
'DO you think we can reduce our en-
pcnseS onc-half?' asked her husband,
dOuDtfully.
81 think we shall be able to do SO.
Both Of us are well supplied with cloth
ing, and we shall not need any more for
Il year at least. That will cut off con-
siderable expense. Then there a great
many superiluities you arc accustomed
to buy-little things youare kind enough
to bring home to me frequently, which
T. can do very we'll without. Then we
can plainly have less picaaand cakes; and
[ have no doubt it will be an improves
ment so far as health is concerned"
"What a calculator you are, Carried"
said her husband, feeling considerably
easier In mind. "I really think, after
all you have said, that it won't be so
hard to live on half our usual income
for the present at least. But"-and
his countcnance again changed-"sup
pose my work should entirely fail, /
suppose you couldn't reduce our ex-
penscs to nothing at all, could you?"
'That certainly surpasscs my power"
said his wife, smiling; ''but even in
that case there is no ground for discour-
agemcnt. You have not forgotten our
savings bank, have you?"
"Why no; ! didn't think Of that, :"
| said her husband. "I suppose that
would keep off starvation for few
weeks"
His wife smiled.
"And in those few weeks" she added
| ''business might revive"
| "To be sure" said her husband.
| "Well guess that it'll be all right; l'll
not trouble myself about it any Ion
gcr.'
The apprehcnsions to which Mr..
Lynford had-givcn expression proved
| to be only too well folnncd. In less
than month from the date Of the con-
versation just recorded, the limited sup
ply of work which he had been able to
secure entirely failed, and he found
himself without work of any kind
thrown back on his own resources.
Although he had expected this, it
seemed unexpected when it came upon
him, and again he turned in fit of
discouragcmcnt. lie briefly explained
to his wife the new calamity which had
come upon them.
"And the worst of it is" he added
"thcre is no hope of better times till
spring.'
"Do you think business will revive
then?" asked his wife.
"It must by that time; there are five
or six months between. don't know
how we arc to live during that time. :"
81 do" said his wife quietly.
"4ouP' exclaimed her husband in
surprise.
Eyes, your income has never been
moro than 5000 or S700 year, and |
have no doubt we can live six months
on $780,
"Yes,. certainly; but where is that
money to come from? / don't want to
run in debt, and if l did should not
know where to borrow"
"Fortunately there is no need of it, -
said Mrs. Lynford. "You seem to
forget our little savings bank"
"And is it possible it can amount to
$250?" exclaimed Charles in surprise.
eyes, and 5000 more" said his
| wife.
''ImpossiblcP'
"Wait minute and 1 will prove
it,"
! Caroline Withdrew Il moment, and
then rcappcarcd with several certificates
of bank and railraod shares, amounting
to $500, and bank book in which a
balance was deposited to her credit.
care you quite sure you haven't re-
coivcd a legacy?" demanded Charles in
amazement. ''Surcly a dime IL day has
not produced thisp"
"No; but two dimes day have, with
| u 1ift t1n no ,1onoc;f ,I