The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-04-10

money!" he exclaimed, even while his
faithful conscience reminded him that he
had paid more than that for club
dinner the week before, and paid it with
q willing smile, "Here, this must do,n
and he counted out four Ave.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 l will give her more, and !
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 il in the corner of her
bureau drawer.
Charlie rejoiced in new clothes and
real "boys' bootsI" baby wore soft new
Aannels, Gretchen was paid, but there
was nothing left to replenish the mothers
wardrobe.
One evening Ray Huntington returned
to find his well ordered house in confl-
sion. Baby had cried herself to sleep,
while Charlie was crying softly by the
chamber door, where Gretchen was vain
ly trying to quiet the fever-stricken
mother.
"Oh, papa, will my Booful mamma
diet Say, papa, will she def" walled
Charlie, creeping timidly to his fathers
side.
Gretchen looked up wofully as he en-
tered.
~ will do it in moment. Rayw cried
Nellie, with crimson cheeks and strangely
bright eyes. 81 only stopped to rest for
a moment, my-my head feels so queerly;
but I 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
few moments"
Doctor Davis came, gray haired man
who had read many Of this worlds les
sons Alright.
"Overwork, my dear sir. System
completely run down. 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
Nellie-will diea" 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, Huntingdon have
heard you define marriage often enough.
How have you used this partner of yoursa
Have you shared the profits honestly3
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, l said loving care. Good
night, sir"
In the weary time of anxious waiting,
Huntington learned new meaning of
his favorite creed. In her delirium Mel
lie told him many things which she
would never have mentioned in her ra-
tional moments.
At last there came day when the lit
tie cottage was as silent as death; when
the dread angel lowered on the threshold,
then passed mercifully by; when hu-
man flower bloomed but to perish, and
tiny life went out with its first glimpse of
earth.
eyes, she will live" said good Doctor
Davis, suspiciously wiping his glasses.
"You have learned your lesson easier
than many men do, Huntington, 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 com
mon sense, l SUPPOSED Well, then, allow
her her share of the profits. Never let
her be ashamed of her husbands manners.
am blunt old man, but mean well.
I have seen much of this one sided part
nership 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 l had the
courage to give you something to think
about. Keep up the loving care, Hunt
ington, and your wife will be around in
a month"
That month was one of pleasure and
sorrow to the repentant husband, but he
had resolved upon new course of ac-
ton, 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 a new
life for US. Henceforth my partner is
an equal with myself. The household is
your branch of the business. will see
that you have sufficient funds to cover
all expenses in creditable way. My
wife shall never again feel ashamed be-
cause of my stinginess."
81 never was that" Nellie protested,
Loyalty.
"Perhaps you were not sensible of it,
but the feeling was there just the same, {"
replied her husband firmly. at shall
never happen again. Tomorrow the firm
of Huntington and Wife begins anew, land
on different basis. will cherish my
family hereafter"
And happy years have proved the truth
of his vow.
u