Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-07-04

cOmlOrIaDle ana respectdOle, she re-
piled with painful hesitation.
Fifty dollars l am not made of
money ~ he exclaimed, even while his
faithful conscience reminded him that
he 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
five 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 will give her more, and
| really think will call at Bankton's
and order one of those new silks"
The silk came, and Nellie smiled
bitterly as she laid it in the corner of
her bureau drawer.
Charlie rejoiced in new clothes
and real boys boots" baby wore
soft new fiannels, Gretchen was paid,
but there was nothing left to replen-
ish the mothers wardrobe.
One evening Ray Huntington re
turned to find his well ordered house
in confusion. Baby had cried her
self to sleep, while Charlie was cry
ing softly by the chamber door, where
Gretchen was vainly trying to quiet
the fever-stricken mother.
"Oh, papa, will my boo'ful mamma
die?' Say, papa. will she die?' walled
Charlie, creeping timidly to his faith
er's side.
Gretchen looked up wofully as ne
entered.
Il will do it in a minute, Ray"
cried Nellie, with crimson cheeks and
strangely bright eyes. Il only stopped
| to rest for moment, ny--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 call as you come
back and ask Mrs Hall if she will
run in for few moments.
Doctor Davis came, a gray-haired
man who had read many of this
worlds lessons Alright.
"Overwork, my dear sir. System
completely run down. have noticed
it. No help but that Swede girl-will-
ing enough, but not capable, sir.
Men don't know the value Of wives
until they lose them said the old
man, bluntly.
You don't think-she--m my wife
Nellie-will die?" cried the startled
lawyer.
Perhaps not-hope not. But she
is worked out, and the worst of it Is
she will carry her worry and trouble
with her through her delirium. What
is this about partnership, Hunting
ton? have heard you define mar
riage 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. | suppose she
has mother? Send for her at once.
Yes, yes, I'll be round in the morning,
but more depends upon loving care
than upon me, mind, said loving
care. Goodnight, sir.
In the weary time of anxious wait
ing, Huntington learned new mean
of his favorite creed. In her delirium
Nellie told him many things which
she would never have mentioned In
her rational moments.
At last there came a day when the
little cottage was as silent as death;
when the dread angel hovered on the
threshold, then passed mercifully by;
when a human flower bloomed but
to perish, and tiny life went out
with its first glimpse of earth.
Yes, she will live said good Doc
tor Davis, suspiciously wiping his
glasses. You have learned your les
son easier than many men do, Hunt
ington, for you will have your wife
again. If YOU love her, cherish her,
man-make her happy. She is your
partner in life. She has common
sense, suppose? Well, then, allow
her her share of the profits. Never
let her be ashamed Of her husband ;
manners. | am blunt old man, but
| mean well | have seen much of
this one sided partnership business
among married people. Your wife
has as much right to her share of
your income as you have. | hope
you're not offended, but I'm glad |
! had the courage 10 give you some
thing to think about. Keep up the
loving care, Huntington, and your
wife will be around in a month"
That month was one of pleasure
and sorrow to the regentant husband
but he bad resolved upon a new
course of action, and as they sat at
the table on New Years Eve, he said
tenderly:
1T was kind of the mother to leave
us to begin the new year together,
Nellie; it shall be the beginning Of
new life for us. Hencefortb my part
ner' is all equal with myself. The
household Is your branch OF the bust
ness. | will see that you have suffi-
cient funds 10 cover all expenses in a
creditable way. Ny wife shall never
again feel ashamed because OF my
stinginess."
Il never was that, Nellie protested,