Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-05-17
A BIT OF REAL LIFE.

The capitalist was sitting in his IL
brary after dinner, having retired to
that comfortable apartment to enjoy
the cigar with which he would not pro-
fame the drawing-room atmosphere. To
him presently came his wife, pleas
ant, matronly woman, not far from his
own age. and handsomely dressed. as
became the wife of millionaire. There
was nothing extraordinary about this
couple. They were simply rich Amer
leans; quiet, unpretentious people, who
lived handsomely, went to church on
Sunday, and endeavored to bring up
their children in common sense way.
They were on excellent terms with
each other. being of domestic tastes.
In short they were, with the sole ex-
ception of being somewhat richer than
the average. very creditable specimens
of the great majority of well-to do
Americans who do not get into the
newspapers.
The capitalist laid down his paper as
the lady entered. Really, to judge
from his eyes, one would have said he
was rather glad to see her. As for her,
she evidently had something on her
mind" and her husband, for the time
being, was of secondary Importance.
Sitting down, she shaded her eyes
from the fire.
John" she said, II am troubled
about Margaret, the nurse"
$50 am l." said John. "Was think
ing about her to-day"
'ls there anything that can be done
10 In hnr ltfo v,1a, tnr
promises to be after she is marriedp"
"Well-yes, l think there is" and
then he proceeded to detail plan
which so thoroughly coincided with his
wife's views that she actually-45 as
she was-went over to him and kissed
him.
That's good boy" she said.
"Margaret's suitor must soon be here
for his usual evening visit. I'll give
orders to have him brought up, and
you can talk to him."
After giving the necessary directions
she went back to the sitting-room.
Presently heavy tread was heard in
the passageway. and big, sturdy man
was ushered into the library by an ex-
ceptionally neat and trusty looking
maid.
The capitalist rose and shook hands
with his somewhat abashed visitor.
Thank you, Margaret, he said to
the woman. "Pll ring presently. l
want to talk little business with Mr..
Brown. You may shut the door SO
that we shall not be interrupted.
Margaret blushingly retired, wonder
ing greatly in her honest heart what
the "business' might be, and resolving
that she would make Tom tell her d.
rectly after the interview was over.
well, Brown" began the capitalist,
after giving the visitor chair. on which
he sat as if it were the most uncom-
Portable piece of furniture in existence,
''Well, Brown, you know Margaret has
been with me now going on fifteen
years, and though we are very sorry to
part with her, we are glad she is going
to marry man who will make her a
good husband. l don't doubt you are
that kind of man, but being a good
husband isn't everything. You want
to get on in the world and make good
home for you both to pass a comfort
able old age in. Now, you're brick
layer, believe. don't suppose you
get more than 90 day, and that only
in busy times. Margaret says you
have rented rooms in tenement house
in Avenue B.
That's all right, and l don't doubt
you will be very happy there for a
while, but five years hence perhaps
there will be three or four children,
and you will still be earning &3 a day
part of the time and nothing at all the
rest You will in all human probabih-
ty be poor laboring man all your days.
Her life and your life will be spent in a
crowded tenement; your children will
at best have but poor chance to rise
in the world, and they will have no
end OF chances to fall-no matter
whether they are boys or girls.
Now, propose to give you show
to do better-tO become q leading man
in the town, to have a good home OF
your own, instead Of paying rent in a
tenement; to have fresh air to breathe
and opportunities, il you are industrious
and enterprising, to make fortune.
will give you and Margaret $1,000 if
the capitalist paused, and Brown
looked up amazed; he had never
thought Of owning SO much money at
once, and the idea dazzlcd him-..if
you will 60 out west to a place know
OF and build yourself house and get a
quarter-section Of land.
There is plenty of work for good
mechanics there, at higher wages than
you can get here, and you will see a
hundred ways in which you can save
and make investments which will be
sure to yield you good return.
''Just think of it. Here, a crowded,
unhealthful tenement: There, house
of your own under the blue sky. Here,
no chance to do better. There, almost
certainty, with your habits and char
acter, Of laying by comfortable for
tune. Margaret will be the wife Of one
OF the best men in town, instead OF
perhaps taking in washing to help along
when you are out OF work here.
What do you say, Brown--will you
do it?"
Browns eyes had lighted up. and he
had Strengthened his shoulders instinct
lively as the capitalist had briefly set
forth the possible contrast in these two
lines of life. But when the question
was put direct he hesitated. shuffied
his feet uneasily. and at length man
aged to say:
"Well, it's kind o. suddin' like. I'd
like to talk it over with Margaret before
giving an answer. It's very good OF
you all the same"
That's all right, Brown Talk it
over ss much as you like until the wed.
ding day, and then let me know your
decision. The $1,000 shall be ready
for you the day you start for the west. "
The wedding dav came and Mar0ar-