Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1896-06-01

ofS mine, go to TO them at my QoaUn
as it does in some countries Of the OLD
World, where a man cannot marry a
second time till he has settled por-
ton on his first children
"But that would be a great incon-
venience," replied Mr.. Crawford. "a
man has money in business, and to
take out a third if his wife dies might
sadly embarrass him. Or even the
use of third, set apart for them,
might cripple him."
Better that there may be a little
Inconvenience than wrong done to
the Children said Mrs. Crawford.
"The husband may loose every cent
of what the wife has struggled and
saved all her life to help him ac
cumulate. Marriage is partnership,
and, like other partnerships, must
suffer some change, and inconveni-
ence it may be, if one of the partners
dies. There must, necessarily, be a
new adjustment of interestso
''But the law allows you to make a
will and give away your property,
my dear, just as it does me-"
eyes, what have inherited before
or since my marriage; but have in
herited none, and you have not. We
have made ours together, and you
have often said that you owe as much
to my skill and economy as to your
foresight and ability.''
'sAnd SO do, it is true; but the law
makes no provision about our COM
mon property"
"But make it yourself, then, John,
if the law does. not. Make a will so
that in case of my death, my two
daughters shall have at least third
of all you are worth at that time, or if
you prefer, put a third might feel
that it ought to be half-in my name,
or perhaps the home, and let that go
to our daughters.''
s'But if I put the home in your name
SO that in case of losses something
would be saved from creditors, /
should want it willed back to me at
your death, so that / could still have
a home and do as I liked with it.''
"And then nothing would go to the
children at my death? That is not
fair, John, and I have worked too
hard and long to be wiling"
"Well, Betsey, you can trust me to
the right thing. I will think it over"
and he kissed her as they closed the
not altogether satisfactory converse
ton.
AS was to be expected, Betsey
Crawford broke down from the wear
and tear of life, and died, leaving her
two daughters to the care of fond
and not ungenerous father. The loss
was great one to Mr.. Crawford. She
had been his competent adviser, with
tact and good sense to keep matters
right. She had guided more than he
ever suspected. He mourned her sim
cerely, as did her two devoted daugh-
tiers.
He was lonely, and in time married
again, woman considerably young
err, than himself, member of the
same church, an ambitious and not
over scrupulous woman. When her
son was born she became DESTROYS
that every advantage should be plac-
ed before him that he might attain to
wealth and honor. She convinced Mr.
Crawford in a thousand nameless
ways, that the boy would need most
Of the property for business, to marry
we'll, and to carry down the family
name. The girls would doubtless
marry and be well provided for by
their husbands. She talked with Mr..
Crawford about the uncertainty of
life, and, with tact, urged that other
things besides a spiritual preparation
tor death were necessary. A man
should think of the younger members
If his family who would be left COM
oaratively helpless.
People said the strong willed John
Crawford had become very much un-
Ter the sway of his younger wife;
that he had grown less dominant
more appreciative, and more thought
'ul of her needs and wishes. He idol
zed his son, but he seemed no dearer
han the daughters of Betsey. He was
| more extensive child, for he needed |
Ill sorts of play things, the best
schooling, the best clothes, and
somewhat large amount of spending
It was evident that John
Crawford, jr., would require more
money than his half sisters.
In course of time, Mr.. Crawford,
having served term in Congress,
through good ability and the discreet
lse of money in organizing his forces
Ind having done well for his constit- |
lAnov followed Ratcou To tho 14l,o..