Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-10-08
SAVING THE RENT.
BY ANNA SHIELDS.

''There is no actual deception about
it." Mr.. Dyar. said, very positively.
eve have as much right to call the
house ours as If we rented it. A rent
ed house does not belong to tenant,
but who ever heard OF inviting a
friend to visit at his landlords housea
Fancy saying: Come and see me at
Mr.. Smiths house, that remit
"But your uncle is not like an ordls
nary acquaintance, Laura"
"Uncle Laurence worships money, F"
was the reply. HE will be far more
likely to remember me, or the child
rem in his will, if he thinks you are q
smart, prosperous business man, than
ii he saw you tugging to make both
ends meet. Don't you say one word
about the house."
And, as usual, Laura Dyar had her
own way against the better judgment
of her husband. For two years he had
been paying the penalty Of yielding
to her wishes ia occupying their press
ent residence, and to give way once
more seemed but a trifing concession.
When Laura Williston had mars
ried Walter Dyar, there had been
much warm discussion as to her hi
ness for a poor mans wife, for her
father had been wealthy, and Walter
had but a moderate salary as book
keeper in q mercantile house. But,
when a year later, Mr.. Williston died,
bankrupt, Laura's friends shrugged
their shoulders, and concluded she
had "done very well for herself"
And Laura was herself surprised to
find how contentedly she settled down
in her tiny house, how soon she learn>
ed all housewifely accomplishments,
and how little she regretted the loss
Of former luxuries. For five years her
life had been quietly happy, love
sweetening the simple meals, and
Walters admiration making her plain
dresses acceptable. Tive children, a
goIden-haired girl. and sturdy, dark
eyed boy came to add to her happiness,
and Laura had been entirely satisfied
with her home and surroundings,
until Walters uncle, the rich Mr.
Cameron, decided to go to Europe.
Mr.. Cameron had been greatly at.
tracted by Laura's pretty face, and
her cheerful, home~like ways had
deepened his admiration, while further
acqu aintance developed most sincere
affection between the old gentleman
and the young wife. And it occurred
to him that it would be what he called
"a pleasant arrangement all round
If his nephew and wife should occupy
his large, luxurious house during his
own travels abroad.
eve shall be gone three years at
least" he said, land it would save
Fanny and the girls no end of bother
if they can leave the furniture and
fxings as they are.
gTheyare not likely to be.nalf..as much
injured by wear and tear under
Laura's housekeeping as they would
be to be packed and stored. All my
pictures, too, will fare far better to
stay where they are than to be moved,
and / would not dare leave them in
an unoccupied house. You will soon
save your rent, and will lay in a
cellar full of coal. You can manage
as you please about the servants, and
if you do not care to be at the expense
of carriages, I will send the horses to
the farm"
Laura was delighted at the proposal.
All the quiet content Of the past five
years slipped away before the prospect
of once more presiding over a large
establishment; and already her cook
ing feats and orderly housekeeping In
tiny house seemed mean to her.
But Walter, with more foresight.
looked to the time when Mr.. Gamer
on's return from abroad would compel
them to resume tae life that had be-
come habitual to him. Without any
of the ambition to become suddenly
rich. that Is the curse of most young
American merchants, he was man OF
good business ability, steady brain,
and strictly moral life, and he knew
that he was laying firm foundation
for worldly prosperity by economy
and prudence, and horror of debt.
He pointed out to Laura the folly
of entering on 8 life of luxurious APPS
pointments for a few years. only to
make the return to such a home as
he could afford seem mean and sOr
did But Laura had the stronger
will, and was supported by Mr.. and
Mrs. Cameron, All Walters objec
tons were set aside, talked down and
pooh-hoohed, until he yielded, most
reluctantly; and Laura found herself
once more treading upon velvet car
pets, her image reflected in1aa long
mirrors, and servants to do her bid
ding.
It was all delight at first. A large
airy room was set aside for nursery
and one OF the house maids appointed
nurse. When Walter demonstrated a.
the expense of four servants. instead
of one who had composed their house
hold staff before, he was obliged te
admit that they were necessary, if tht
house was to be properly cared for
and was reminded that he was sa Wing
his rent.
Very soon Laura discovered tina