The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-04-14
Select Storp,
BEYOND HIS INCOME.

"Five pounds of grapes = said old Mrs
Mildmay, in astonishment. care you quit
sure that you understood your mistress
order, Hester? White grapes are sixt.
cents pound, and surely for so small
dinner-party as this
"Theres no mistake, ma am, said Hes
ter, pertly. Servants will soon learn tn,
spirit of their superiors, and Hester knew
that young Mrs Mildmay was not particu
larly partial to her husbands stepmother
II took the order myself, and it ain t likely
that should be mistook.'
"Hester is quite right, said Mrs Ruff.
Mildmay, who came in at that moment, q
handsome brunette, in pink cashmere
morning-dress, trimmed with bands, Ia
militdire, of black velvet-rather a con.
trast to the neat, calico gown which her
mother-in-law was accustomed 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, II do not
wish to meddle with your concerns; but l
really fear that Rufus income
"Rufus' income is his own, to spend as
he pleases," interrupted the young lady
"And you seem to forget, mamma, 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 understand, by
Mrs Rufus, that her interposition in house
hold affairs was unwelcome.
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 Mild
may had secretly hoped that he would love
sweet Alice Acton, the clergyman's daugh-
ter 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.
Mildmay feared that he was not, in spite
of his smiles and his assumed cheerfulness
1t had been his fondest hope that his
mother might be one of his household after
his marriage. Mrs. Mildmay had hoped
so, too; but after this, her first visit, she
felt that the dream was in vain.
soil and water will not mix" she said
to herself, with sigh "And / belong to
a past generation"
As she left the store-closet, where Rosa
mopd and her cook were holding counsel
as to proposed dinner-party, she went
slowly and spiritlessly up to the breakfast
room, where Rufus was reading the morn
ing paper before the fire.
"Rufus, she said, little abruptly, II
think ! had better go back TO the Hem
locks this week."
SMOTHER" he demonstrated.
81 don't think that Rosamond wants me
here"
Rufus Mildmay Redeemed
II 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 am certain
of it. Home is the best place for me.
But remember one thing, dear Rufus. Do.
not optspend your income. Rosamond is
young aud thoughtless, You yourself are
inexperienced-'
"0h, it's all right, mother" said the
young man, carelessly. "But l did hope
that you could be happy here!'
Mrs. Mildmay shook her head.
II shall see you sometimes said she.
off 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 house in Parabole Place,
with its bay windows, its Turcoman por-
there's and the boxes of flowers in all the
easements.
"Rosamond," said the young husband,
as he studied over the list of weekly bills
short time subsequently, 81 believe my
mother was right, We are outrunning our
income"
"PshawI' p said Rosamond, who was
sewing a frill of point lace on to the neck
Of rose-colored satin reception dress;
"what has put that ridiculous idea into
your head, Rufus ?"
"Facts and figures" answered Rufus.
81 ust look here, Rosle.
"But don't want to look !" said Rosa
mond, impatiently turning her head away,
''and | won't-so there OF course one
can't live without money, especially if one
goes into society,"
Rufus whistled under his breath.
"But, Rosamond," said he, ''if mans
income is hundred dollars month, and
he spends two hundred, how are the ac-
counts to balance at the years end p
"I don't know anything about balances
and accounts" said Rosamond, with
sweet, sportive laugh. aHow do you like
this dress, Rufus? ?" holding UP the gleam-
ing folds of the pink satin. IL shall wear
it on Thursday evening"
s.Do you think, Rosie said the young
man, gently, ''that it is wise for US to go
50 much into society on our slender in
Gomez"
"That arrow came from your mothers
culver, Rufus r. said Rosamond, with
another laugh. "She was always preach
ing about your income,
aAnd, after all, ;" said Rufus, "what do
we care for the fashionable people to whose
houses We go, aud whom We invite to our
parties? They wouldn't one of them re-
gret if we were to 60 to the Rocky Noun
tains tomorrow.
II would as soon die at once as live
without society said Rosamond. "Do
leave off lecturing me, Rufus Society is
all that makes life worth having for me. +"
And, with deep sigh, Rufus held his
peace,