Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1884-03-26
BEYOND HIS INCOME.

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give pounds of grapes" said old
Mrs. NIildmay in astonishment. "Are
you quite sure that you understood
your mistress order, Hester? White
grapes are sixty cents a pound, and
surely for so small a dinner-party as
this
"There's no mistake, maam," " said
Hester, pertly Servants will soon
learn the spirit of their superiors, and
Hester knew that young Mrs Mildmay
was not particularly partial to her hus'
bands stepmother. 81 took the order
myself, and it amt likely that | should
be mistook.'
"lIester is quite right said Mrs
Rufus Mildmay, who came in at that
moment,a handsome brunette, in a pink
cashmere morning-dreSs trimmed with
bands, a Ia mHjtoiye, Of black velvet
rather contrast to the neat, calico
gown which her mother-in-laW was ac-
customed to wear about her morning
avocations at home. "And | do wish,
mamma, you wouldn't interfere"
The old ladys serene brow flushed
"My DEAR she demonstrated, 81 do
not wish to NEEDLE with your concerns;
but really fear that Rufus income
"Rufus' income is his own, to spend
as he pleases," interrupted the young
lady. Sand you seem to forget, MANN"
that people don't live nowadays as they
did when you were girl
Mrs. Mildmay said nothing more
1t was not the first time, nor yet the
second, that she had been given to I'M
derstand, by Mrs. Rufus, that her in
terposition in household affairs was un-
welcome
The stepson, whom she loved with as
fond devotion as if he had been her
own child, had married beautiful city
girl, and settled in New York.
so far, all was well, although Mrs,
Mildmay had secretly hoped that he
would love sweet Alice Acton, the
clergyman's daughter at Pole Hill, and
settle down on the old farm, as his
father before him had done.
Yet if Rufus was happy, Yes, there
was the question. And sometimes
Mrs. NIildmay feared that he was not,
III spite of his smiles and his assumed
cheerfulness.
1t had been his fonde5t hope that his
mother might be one of his household
after his marriage. Mrs. Mildmay had
hoped 50, too; but after this, her first
visit she felt that the dream was in
vain.
"Oil and water will not mix" she
said to herself, with sigh. "And |
belong to past generation
As she left the store-closet, where
Rosamond and her cook were hollIng
counsel as to proposed djnner-party,
she went slowly and spiritlessly up t.
the breakfast-room, where Rufus was
reading the morning paper before the
fire.
"Rufus," she said, a little abruptly,
Il think l had better go back to the
Henlocks this week."
"Mother," he demonstrated.
81 don't think that Rosamond wants
me here"
Rufus Mildmay reddened.
81 hope, mother" he said, "she has
not said anything to
at is not natural that she should
need my presence, said the old lady,
gently. 81 might have known it; now
J am certain of it. Home is the best
place for me. But remember one thing,
dear Rufus. Donot outspend your in
come. Rosamonl is young and
thoughtless. You yourself are mex
perienced-"
ooh, it's all right. mother" said the
young man, carelessly "But ! did
hope that you could be happy here"
Mrs. Mildmay shook her head
81 shall see you sometimes" said she.
"If ever you are in trouble, Rufus
you or Rosamond, either-you will
know where to come"
So the old lady went away from the
pretty bijou of a house in Parahoie
Place, with its bay windows, its Turco,
man portiereS and the boxes of flowers
in all the easements.
"Rosamond," said theyoung husband,
as he studied over the list of weekly
bills short time subsequently, Il be-
!iove my mother was right. We are
outrunning our income
"Pshaw~ said RosamOnd, who was
sewing frill of point luce on to the
neck of q rOse-courcd satin reception
dress; "what has put that ridiculous
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