Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-01-11
THE WIFE'S SURPRISE.

"The fact is, my dear Mrs. Lynde. your
children ought not to remain in this poi
sonous city atmosphere day longer. They
are too delicate, madam. 1 regard it az
your imperative duty to send them out
into the country"
DR.. Carson shut up his gold eyeglasses
as he spoke, with the air of an autocrat
whose slightest wishes are law. Little
Carrie Lynde. nesting on her sofa, held
tight to her mother hand, aud regarded
the doctor with wde-open blue eyes. Mrs.
Lynde sighed softly.
81 doubt whether Mr.. Lynde can afford
the expense of sending bis family int tie
country this year, DOCTOR"
afford it, ma'am! Afford it Why
all the world knows how fast your hus-
band is making money and-.excuse me
Mrs. Lynde, but am plain man-all
tendencies to parsimonious life ought to
be checked in the bud.''
Mrs. Lynde blushed an indignant GRIM
son.
sDr. Carson, I do not like to hear that
word applied to my husband"
The doctor took his hat.
1.-The powder at eleven, perfect qulet,
and my little patient will do very WE'LL
And remember what I recommended to
you about the country"
After the Doctor had taken his depar-
ture, Mrs. Lynde sat thinking on what he
had said.
tCharles is poor man." she unused, "a
man who IS dependent on his practice as a
lawyer for his daily bread. knew it when
I married him nor have ever regretted
leaving the luxury of Beech Grove for his
humber. quieter home. And as for my
Charles being parsimonious, don t I know
better p
The rosy glow was still mantling Mrs.
Lynde's cheeks at the bare idea, when a
CHEEKY voice sounded on her ear.
"Well, how is Carry tonight ?"
"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 l 50 very startling F.? What does
the doctor say?
HE says the children must 60 into the
country this summer with as little delay
as possible"
Mr.. Lynde slightly contracted his
brows.
II 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.
tate ?"
Mr.. Lynde sat down, whistling quietly
under his breath.
mo, suppose not; but, Alice. it's a
terrible drain on a fellows purse just
now"
Alice Lynde felt a cold chill at hel
heart. Was it possible that DR.. Carson &
words had foundation in truth? Was
her husband becoming prey to the terri
BILE dragon of avarice
M. Lynde went on
81. suppose must try to fiEd some farm
house or other where they won't charge
the children's weight in gold. Alice. dc
you never sigh after the velvet lawns and
shady copses of Beech Grove-the old stone
house, with its cool verapdahs, and the
summer arbor by the lake ?''
'sNo!' said Mrs. Lynde, stoutly.
Never, Alice?"
swell. sometimes can t help thinking
how nice 1t would be for the children.
wonder if the old man who owns it now
has any chlldren?"
"a chldIess widower, I believe. But
all this has little to do with the question
of your summer exile. Of course you'll
need no extra wardrobe to 90 to farm
house, where there are no fashionable
danes and demoiselles to criticlse your
toilet ?"
"Carry and Lucy have quite out-growr
their last summers clothes. and Franz
has nothing at all to wear. 1 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
sis not your business prosperous just al
PRESENT."
prosperous? Yes"
"Then why do you perpetually> urge
upon me the necessity of economy"
He colored little. She thought he ap
peared somewhat confused at her abruL
question.
There are great many outlets for ou
money, Alice, Of which you can scarcel.
form an adequate idea. Eight O'Clock, i
it? Then must be off. Good night, m,
. love. I'll try to be at home befor'
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