Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1890-04-25

Ray huntington was recognized by the
worldly his world, in which his wife
had no part-as successful man. He
attended his clubs, and dressed in a man
ner BETTING his station, while his wife
wore shabby calico.
Because l must, my dear; you do not
understand" he explained, when she
gently chided him for some extravagant
outlay. lit is quite necessary that one
in my position should do so. heard it
limited that | was to run for mayor next
year. Think of that, my dear"
And the accomplishing woman did
think Of the proposed honor-thought of
it with added dread-as she toiled in the
kitchen with no help except an ignorant
Swede girl. whose chief recommendation
was her patient love for the little ones.
Once she ventured to suggest an al
lowance for family use, as the busy law
yer often forgot to order the necessary
articles, but she was met with indignant
surprise.
Women know nothing about spend
ing money. Nellie, l am surprised. l
will attend to it. What! Gretchen wants
more money? Wasn't it last week that
| gave YOU two dollars for herr"
Yes, but she has been here four
weeks. We owe her five dollars now"
Nellie began with a crimson face; then
she went on desperately, ''mother wrote
me that she was going to visit us next
month. She has never been here-never
seen our children. Charlie must have
new shoes and clothes; baby needs new
~ Il IL
| have in the world. You would not
want me to feel ashamed to welcome my
own dear mother, Ray?'
''HOw much money do you want!" he
asked frigidly.
Fifty dollars, at least, to make US
comfortable and respectable" she re-
piled with painful hesitation.
'FFifty dollars | am not made of
money" he exclaimed, even while his
faithful conscience reminded him that ne
had paid more than that for a club
dinner the week before, and paid it with
a willing smile. Here, this must do"
and he counted out four tive-dollar bills
into her hand.
With one startled, indignant glance,
the wife's hand shut convulsively over
the money, and she left the room hastily.
'She will make that do" muttered
her husband, uneasily, watching her.
Next time 1 will give her more, and l
really think will call at BlanktOn's and
order one of those new silks"
The silk came, and Nellie smiled bit
terly as she laid it in the corner of her
bureau drawer.
Charlie rejoiced in new clothes and
real ''boys boots;" baby wore soft new
fannels, Gretchen was paid, but there
was nothing left to replenish the mothers
wardrobe.
One evening Ray Huntington returned
to find his we'll ordered house i'll confl-
sion. Baby had cried herself to sleep,
while Charlie was crying softly by the
chamber door, where Gretchen was vain
Iy trying to quiet the fever-stricken
mother.
ooh, papa, will my booful mamma
die? Say, papa, will she die?" walled
Charlie, creeping timidly to his fathers
side
Gretchen looked up wofully as he en-
tered.
II will do it in moment. Rayn' cried
Nellie, with crimson cheeks and strangely
bright eyes. II only stopped to rest for
a moment, my-my head feels so queerly;
but | will get your tea at once"
''Lie still, dearest" he said more
gently than he had spoken for many
months. ''Gretchen, take this note to
Doctor Davis, and cali as you come back
and ask Mrs. Hall if she will run in for a
few moments"
Doctor Davis came, a gray haired man
who had read many of this worlds les
sons Alright.
"Overwork, my dear sir. System
completely run down. l have noticed it.
No help but that raw Swede girl-willing
enough, but not capable, sir. Men don't
know the value of good wives until they
lose them, " said the old man, bluntly.
You don't think-she-my wife
die2' cried the startled
lawyer.
''Perhaps not-hope not. But she is
worked out, and the worst of 1t is she
will carry her worry and trouble with
her through her delirium. What is this
about partnership, Huntington? have
heard you define marriage often enough.
How have you used this partner of yours?
Have you shared the profits honestly? /.
I'd like to have you compare accounts;
YOU will have time enough before your
wife gets up again. I suppose she has a
mother! Send for her at once. Yes, |