Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1889-05-29
MARY KENT'S PLAN.
How Independent Housekeeping
Proved Success.

"Well, then, I've been paying the
quarterly bills, and they're much heav-
Ter than expected"
"You always say that"
ut is always true"
"Let me see them, please"
The weary man gave her the papers
with an air OF hopeless resignation
which, to his sanguine wife, seemed
amusingly disproportioned to the
cause. That she failed to repress a
smile was unfortunate.
ut may seem funny to you, Mary;
you don't care for my interest, OF
course"
The smile died suddenly, and the
lips were tightly closed to restrain an
angry retort, as her husband con-
tinued:
Every year we've boon living about
five hundred dollars ahead OF our in
come. This excess comes out OF our
small principal-and l suppose you
can foresee the sure result"
IF were man, would do some
thing to stop the leak; would never
sit down and mourn over little
money" No sooner said than regret
ted; for the wife knew her husband
we'll; good to his hearts core, and
usually most kind; but money-make or
never.
II don't see where all this sugar can
have gone to! Listen: March 9TH, 9Th,
18th, 20th, thirty-tive pounds in less
than three weeks. Three in the family;
no tea or coffee drinkers except my
self; there was little company and no
extra dishes. We could not have used
it."
There are four OF US with the SER
want"
II begin to thiuk that fourth mem
Der is a very costly one ! do wish
you would give up going to the kitchen
TO ask what is wanted; if Bridget had
to come to me each time to ask for sup
plies it would be saving to your
pocket"
"She tells me every morning as |
am starting for the village, and sup
posed by your order; If yow would be
in the kitchen morew
Somehow | can't be when she is
there. She is capable. she does her
work we'll, and she makes me feel an
intruder. II is her kitchen, not
Miner
Then ! see no way but to go on to
the end" John went out, and Ruth.
running in from play, found her usually
cheerful mother in tears.
What is the matter, mamma, dar-
lingP"
Never mind, dearie; nothing to
trouble you"
Money talk know! hate it! II
always makes you cry, and papa angry,
and every thing horrid."
flush, Ruth! Don't add any more
water to this overflow. Mother can
not bear to see tears in your young
eyes," and she mentally settled n rcso-
luton that none should ever again see
them in hers. for such cause.
The Kents had small income. in.
natural lack of push" the husband
was never able to increase. He had
early married Mary Hubbard, an in
dependent, brave little school-mistress
who had freely earned and freely spent
in the days before her marriage; and,
without much thought about the
matter when her wedding fnery was
worn out, she had simply told hel
husband that her wardrobe needed re.
plenishing.
When a few dollars were given her
with strict injunctions as to their care
full using, she had learned u bitter
lesson.
John had not meant to be unxind
He knew nothing OF the cost o.
womcn's clothing. and-in his nor
mally "pinched" condition - hat
fancied himself really generous. lie fell
his wife's value, was proud of her quicl
wit and skillful fingers; the Who'll,
house bore witness to her culture ant
refinement. Ser paintings graced hi
walls, her m,.sic gladdened his even
ings, her knowledge was daily an,
most faithfully being impaired TO thei
little child.
Mary never requested money for he
personal needs again; after tina
memorable occasion shc waited long
but none was offered her. So ono da,
she quietly announced that she wa
"going TO have class in painting
Nonsense! Why should you d,
thatp"
II think IL would be-nice." Neces
sary would have been nearer the truth
III think IL would be ridiculous. BE
sides, what would people thinlxp |
you take care OF your home il 1
enough
II like TO DO helpful. What 'peopl
think makes no difference TO mo. IL
am doing right"
very we'll; as you choose"
This had been long ago, in those frs
early months OF welded life which, 4
truly loving hearts, are harder to bea
than any which come later.
The "class" was organized. and ha'
been kept up with more or less prof
ever since.
"Ruthie, please ask papa to come In
want to talk with him."