Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1885-10-02
SAVING THE RENT.
BY ANNA SHIELDS.


ed house does not belong to tenant,
but who ever heard OF inviting a
friend TO visit at his landlords house {
Fancy saying: Come and see me at
Mr.. Smiths house, that | rent?
"But your uncle is not like an ordlS
nary acquaintance, Laura.
"Uncle Laurence worships money, "
was the reply. "He will be far more
likely TO remember me, or the child
rem ia his will, if he thinks you are
smart, prosperous business man, than
if he saw you Juggling 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
boon paying the penalty OF yielding
TO her wishes ia occupying their press
ent residence, and to give way once
more seemed but a trIflIng concession.
When Laura Williston had mars
ried Walter Dyar, there had been
much warm discussion as to her Mt
ness for a poor mans wife, for her
father had been wealthy, and Walter
had but a moderate salary as books
keeper in mercantile house. But,
when year later, Mr.. Williston died,
bankrupt, Laura's friends shrugged
their shoulders, and concluded she
had dome very well for herself"
And Laura was herself surprised to
find how c0ntentedly she settled down
in her tiny house, how soon she learns
ed all housewifely accomplishments,
and how little she regretted the loss
Of former luxurics. For five years her
life had been quietly happy, love
sweetening the simple meais, and
Walters admiration making her plain
dresses acceptable. Two children, n
golden 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
deepcned his admiration, while further
acquaintance developed a most sincere
affection between the old gentleman
and the young wife. And 1T occurred
to him that it would be what he called
~ 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, ''and it would save
Fanny and the girls no end of bother
il they can leave the furniture and
lixings as they are.
sITheyare 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
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, | will send the horses to
the farm"
Laura was delighted mt the proposal
All the CuIet content of tho past five
years slipped away before the prospect
of once more presiding over large
establishment; and already her cook
ing feats and orderly housekeeping in
a 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 the life that had be-
come habituaI 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 life of luxurious aps
poiutments for 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 until he yielded, most
reluctantly; and Laura found herself
once more treading upon velvet car
pets, her image reflected in IA long
mirrors, and servants to do her bid
ding.
1t 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 at
the expense of four servants, instead
of one who had composed their house.
hold staff before, he was obliged to
admit that they were necessary, il the
house was to be properly cared for,
and was reminded that he was saving
his rent.
Very soon Laura discovered that
her simple dresses were entirely out of
place in her superb rooms, and some
of her packedeup tinery of her maiden
days were taken out, altered, and
worn. That the alterations cost more
than whole costume of her quieter
attire had done was not considered.
She had the dresses, and therefore il
was as cheap to trail their silken
wear muslin or alpaca.
But the old dresses wore out, and
even Laura was aghaSt as she replaced
them. She did not realize her eX>
travagance until the bills came in
and Walters grave face was deep
reproach.
Then the children must dress To suit
their new surroundings; and another
item of expense was added. 1t was
soon very evident that the rent OF the
small house was by no means enough
10 meet the dressmaker's and dry
goods bills, and Walters nest egg in
bank grew smaller with far more RAJ
pidity than it had increased before.
Society had its claims ignored while |
Laura lived in that ''poky Little house,
and could not entertain" Friends, |
who bad supposed she would not &C
cept" their Invitations, sent in ,uany to |
Mr.. Cameron's and Laura found herr
self in whirl of gayety, while Wal |
ter fretted ever his neglected children,
his added expenses, and, in spite of its
magnifcerce, his really cherries
home.
But his love for Laura made him
weak where she was concerned He
could deny himself; could resolutely
wear his old clothes when he felt new
ones could not be afforded; could let
his own comfort give way to economy;
but he could not bear to see tears in
Laura's eyes or cloud upon her pretty
face. she could win him over against
his better judgment to any of her own