The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-07-06
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She put the Henrietta away and
began preparing for their early din
ner. Mr.. Benton was usually home
by half past five. The children came
romping in. They had been to the
library after school and were late, but
she had not noticed the time. Edna
saw the letter on the table
"a letter from Cousin Julie!" she
exclaimed as she read the postmark.
"Put it down, Edna"
A letter from Cousin Julie in which
all could not share, was an unheard
of event, for she was family favor
tie. But Edna obeyed poutingly.
Her mother was not ready to discuss
the contents. She wished to know
her own mind first. She put the let
ter away and it was not mentioned
that night. 1t was the first time she,
had ever had secret from her hus-
band, and she felt as guilty as if it
were criminal affair. Next day she
was still undecided, and rather un-
comfortable.
She resolved to see Fred before
speaking of it to her husband, and it
was several days before she could
conveniently go. She did not accom-
plish much during the time. Fred
was only too glad to secure her SER
vices, so he agreed, if Mr.. Benton was
willing, and if she could get woman
for the house, to begin the first of
December.
She preached the subject after din
ner, when the children were washing
the dishes. Mr.. Benton was surpris-
ed.
"Why, Katie, l never dreamed you
had such hard time to get along.
And our little home in hired handsl"
"But, George, 1 will be here at
night, when you are, and Sundays;
the children both go to school all
day."
Of course she had her own way,
she always did. But conditionally
this time. No night work or house
hold duties was to follow. The even
ings were always devoted to reading
and music. That part of the home
life must not be disturbed. In the
roseate light of anticipation sixty dol
lars additional every month seemed
capable of working wonders. She
felt very light-hearted during the
days of preparation.
A middle aged woman was found
who would take charge of the house
work and mending for five dollars
week, the wash to go out as usual.
To accommodate the housekeeper,
Edna was given her mothers room,
and folding bed was bought for the
parents to occupy in the sitting-room.
"We will get good one, as l can
pay for it, said Mrs. Benton proudly.
So she visited an installment house
and paid five dollars down on a
thirty-five dollar bed. The rest was
to be paid in installments of ten dol
lars monthly.
In the rush of change in the house
hold basis there was no time to finish
the Henrietta, so new dress was
bought and hired made. 1t was not
nearly 80 nice as the Henrietta would
have been, dyed black as she had in
tended doing, but she could not af-
ford better one, and it cost fifteen
dollars. Fred advanced two weeks
salary to help her get ready.
She enjoyed the change very much
for the first week, getting up to
prepared breakfast and coming home
to find dinner ready. Cousin Fred's
book store was so far down town that
she had to start at half past seven,
and she did not get home until few
minutes after her husband-generally
a quarter to six; so dinner was at six
now, Mr.. Benton good naturally
reading the evening paper during the
half hour of waiting.
On Sunday the housekeeper made
complaint. Erred do make more
mendin' than l reckoned on" she
said.
On investigation it proved Master
Fred left the house promptly at eight
o'clock, and returned just before his
father was due. His clothes were in
a plight. There was an excellent pair
of trousers in the closet, which had
been torn on the knee when compare
lively new. Mrs. Benton had in
tended to make these over for Fred's
school wear, but there was no time
now, and she did not know where to
find woman who could do it at once,
SO his Sunday suit must be worn
Monday, and she would buy a new
pair during her incoming.