The banner-enterprise. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1883-18??, 1884-01-26
The WlFE's SURPRISE.

'
children ought not to remain in this poi
sonous city atmosphere a day longer. They
are too delicate, madam. | regard it as
your imperative duty to send them out
into the country
DR.. Carson shut up his gold eye glasses
as he spoke. with the air q an autocrat
whose slightest wishes are law. Little
Carrie Lynde, Nesting on her sofa, held
tight to her mother hand, and regarded
the doctor with wide.open blue eyes. Mrs.
I4ynde sighed softly.
1 doubt whether Mr.. Lynde can afford
the expense of sending his family into the
country this year, doctor.
Afford 1t, ma am Afford it Why
all the world knows how fast your husband
is making money; and-excuse me Mrs.
l.ynde, but | am plain man-all tenden-
cies to a parsimonlous life ought to be
checked IN the bud
Mrs. Lynde blushed an indignant Grim
son.
DR.. Carson, do not like to hear that
word applied to my husband.
The doctor took his hat.
The powder at eleven, perfect quiet,
and my little patient will do very well.-
And remember what | recommended to
you about the country
After the Doctor had taken his depart
ure, Mrs. Lynde sat thinking on what he
had said.
Charles is poor man, she mused, a
man who is dependent on his practice as o
lawyer for his daily bread. l knew it
when | married him; nor have | ever re-
gretted leaving the luxury Of Beck Grove
for his humber, quieter home. And as
for my Charles being parsimonious, don't
know better?'
The rosy glow was still mantling Mrs.
Iiynde's cheeks at the bare idea, when
CHEEKY voice sounded on her ear.
We'll, how is Garry to.nightT
Charles, is it you? How you startled
me!
He was frank, noble looking man, with
clear, dark eyes, and smile that bright
ened his whole face.
Am | SO very startling2 What does
the doctor say?
He says the children must 90 into the
country this summer with as little delay
as possible.
Mr.. I.ynde slightly contracted his
brOws.
Il am not sure that 1 can afford it,
Alice.
That is what | thought myself, but, oh
Charles, if their health-perhaps their
life-depends upon it, ought We to hest
tate2'
Mr.. Lynde sat down, whistling quietly
under his breath.
NO, ] suppose not but, Alice, it's q
terrible drain on q fellows purse just
now.
Alice Lynde felt a cold chill at her
heart. Was it possible that DR.. Carson's
words had q foundation in truth? Was
her husband becoming prey to the terri
bic dragon Of avarlce2
Mr.. Lynde went on,-
Il suppose must try to find some farm
house or other where they won't charge
the children's weight in gold. Alice, do
you never sigh after the velvet lawns and
shady copses of Beech Grove-the old
stone house, with its cool verandahs, and
the summer arbor by the lakeY
mol said Mrs. Lynde, stoutly.
Never, Alice2
well, sometimes | can't help thinking
how nice it would be for the children. /
wonder if the old man who owns it now
has any children? !?
"A childless widower, l believe. But
all this has little to do with the question
of your summer exile. Of course you'll
need no extra wardrobe 10 20 to farm
house, where there are no fashionable
DANES and demoiselles to criticise your
toilet ?
Garry and Lucy have quite out-grown
their last summers clothes, and Frank
has nOahing ct oil to wear. | suppose |
might get along, although I need new
travelling dress sadly
Try to dispense with it at present;
that's dear little economical puss.
Charles, said Mrs. Lynde, speaking
suddenly from the impulse Of her heart,
is not your business prosperous just at
PRESENT.
'ProsperousP Yes
Then why do you perpetually urge up.
on me the necessity Of economyP
He colered little. She thought he ap.
peared somewhat confused at her abrupt
question.
There are great many outlets for our
money, Alice, Of which you can scarcely
form an adequate idea. Eight o'clock, is