The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1884-08-06
CHAPTER XI.

MRS. BAGGETT TRUSTS ONLY IN THE FUNDS
Mr.. Whiltlestalr, when he was left
alone, was disturbed by many troubles
some thoughts. The knowledge that
his housekeeper was out on the road,
and that her drunken, disreputablG
husband was playing the fool for the
benefit Of all the oilers that had
saunterod out from Ariesford TO see
him, added 10 his grief. Why should
not the stupid woman remain indoors,
and allow him, her master, to send for
the police? She had declared that she
would 60 with her husband, ant he
could not violently prevent her. This
was not much when added TO the
weight of his care US TO Mary Lawrie,
but il seemed to be the last ounce des-
tined to break the horses back, as is
the proverbial fate OF all last ounces.
just as he was about TO collect his
thoughts, so as to resolve what to do in
regard TO Mary, Mrs. Baggett APP
peared before him with her bonnet on
her head. "What are you going to do,
you stupid woman?"
81 am a-going with he," she said, in
the midst OF torrent of sobs and tears.
"It's dooty. They says if you does
your dooty all will come right in the
end. 1t may be, but | don't see il no
further than taking him back to Ports
mouth"
"What on earth are you going to
Portsmouth for .Lowp And whyP why
nowP He's not more drunk than he
has been before, nor yet less abom-
Unable. Let the police lock him up for
the night, and send him back to Ports
mouth IN the morning. Why should
you want TO go with him now?"
because you're going to take a
missus," said Mrs. Baggett, still sob
bing.
''lt's more than know, or you know;
or any one knows" and Mr.. Whittle-
staff spoke as though he had nearly
reduced himself to his housekeeper's
position.
"Not marry herr" she exclaimed.
81 can not say. II you will let me
alone 10 manage my own affairs, 1t Will
be BEST
THAT man has been here interfering.
You don't mean to say that you're 60
ing to be put upon by such q savage as
that, as has just come home from South
Africa. diamonds, indeed! I'd dia-
mond him! don't believe, not in a
single diamond. They're all rubbish
and paste. If you're going to give her
up to that fellow you're not the gentle
man take you fol-"
"But II | don't marry you won't have
TO go," he said, unable TO refrain from
so self-evident an argument.
"Me going! What's me goingP
What's me or that drunken old repro
bate out there to the likes Of youp I'd
stay, only IL Il was to see that Mr.. John
Gordon isn't let to put his foot here in
this house; and then I'd go. John Cor
don, indeedl To come up between you
and her, when you had settled your
mind and she had settled hern II she
favors John Gordon I'll tear her best
frock off her back"
"How dare you speak in that way Of
the lady who Is TO be your mistressP"
"She ain'tto be my mistress. / won't
have no mistress. When her time Il
come | shall be in the poor-house al
Portsmouth, because l shan't be able
TO earn penny TO buy gin for him. "
As she said this Mrs. Baggett sobbed
bitterly.
YOU'RE enough to drive man mad.
l don't know what II is you want, OIL
you don't want"
II wishes to see Miss Lawrie do hel
dooty, and become your wife, as lady
should do. You wishes 1t, and she ough
10 wish 1t, too. Drat herl II she is 60
ing back from her word"
"She is not going back from hel
word. Nothing Is more excellent, moth.
ing more true, nothing more trust.
worthy than Miss Lawrie, You shoulC
not allow yourself to speak Of her in
such language"
"It is you, then, as is going hackp'
II do not know. To tell the truth
Mrs Baggett, do not know"
"Then let me tell you, sir. I'm ar
old woman whom you've known al
your life pretty nigh, and you can trust
me. Don't give up TO none OF 'em
You've got her word, and keep her e
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