Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-06-16
THE WRONG END.

rlaS6.
And certainly few of her sex in the same
position had fairer prospects for heartfelt,
substantial happiness than she.
Her husband-that was to be-had a
small but fourishing business, the avails
of which in skillful, economical hands
would not only provide for a family very
nicely, but leave a small margin.
Aunt Sarah, a nice old lady, was visit
ing the family at the time that the prepa-
raCions usual on such occasions were going
actively forward.
One pleasant morning in May Maud
was in the ~latter's chamber, talking over
her plans and prospects.
And a very pretty picture she made sit
ting on a low ottoman at Aunt Sarah's
knee, the soft, bright color coming and
going in the dimpled cheek and the large,
brown eyes radiant with glad anticipa-
lions of all that the future had in store
for her.
"You see, auntie, we have concluded to
60 directly to housekeeping. Walter thinks
that to be the most sensible plan, and SO
do I. You know he has the house on
Temple street that his father left him and
l the $500 that grandpa left me and which
will furnish it nicely. Five hundred dol
lars Is a great deal of money, auntie, and
will go a long way"
The old lady looked down smilingly in
to the eager eyes that were lifted to her
face.
SIT is more than twice what I had, my
dear. But whether 1t will go a long way
will depend a good deal on how 1t is ex-
pended"
"Oh, 1 shall expend it very judicious-
ly, as you will see," responded Maud,
with a nod Of her wise little head. II
mean that it shall be just the coolest, the
happiest, little home in the world.
~ am going out this morning to make
the necessary purchases" she added, ris-
ing to her feet, land l am SO sorry that
your rheumatism is worse, for l had count
ed a great deal on your aid and advice in
selecting them." .
II am sorry, too, Maud, for l should
have been glad to 60 with you. AS 1T Is,
l have only one piece Of advice to give
you: Don't make any purchases today,
but jot down what you intend to buy,
together with what each article will cost,
making your purchases tomorrow"
Maud laughed gayly as she stopped to
kiss the old lady's cheek.
II know why you ask me to do that,
auntie. 1 promise, though there Is not q
bit Of danger, as you will see."
Warbling a happy song that sprang
from the fullness of her own happy heart,
Maud ran away to get her things.
She was as good as her word. Entering
her aunt's room four hours later, she look
ed a little flushed and tired from her long
walk, but in as high spirits as ever. and
holding in her hand a long roll Of paper.
"I'm back at last she said, sinking
down into q seat. ''There were SO many
things to examine that it took me Longer
than l expected. And l haven't finished
now. There is the kitchen furniture to b.
selected"
$50 you selected the parlor furnitur'
frstp''
"Yes; I went first to Stetson's to lool
at carpets and curtains, and from there t.
Bertrand's for the upholstery. I thel
took the chambers and sitting room.
"And, oh, the beautiful things that
saw, aunt! 1t was really hard to make
selection, though Of course I had to choos
those that were plain and inexpensive.
Aunt Sarah smiled as she ran her ey
over the long list that her niece handles
her.
"Now, my dear, suppose you sit dow
and add all these figures up"
And, pencil in hand, Maud sat down
her task, her countenance undergoing
remarkable transformation az she prt
ceeded.
She added the figures over twice an
then raised her eyes in silent perplexity t
those that were fixed inquiringly upo
her.
well, how much have you left to ful
nish the Kitchen"
"Ten dollars and twenty-five CENTS"
The old lady smiled at the rueful loo
that accompanied these words.
II did not think you would have 6
much. 1t will not 60 a long way towar
getting the articles go indispensable I
housekeeping"
IT should think not. Dear, dear, VIII
would suppose that they would amount I
that? I'm sure I've put nothing dow
that is not absolutely indispensable"
And Maud again ran her eyes over tt
list with a disconsolate air.
Aunt Sarah smiled.
II think I saw some articles there th'
you could contrive to live without. But
you think not you can take what is le
and buy a couple Of plates, two knives an
forks and a saucepan or SO. 1t Is no col
sequence about the kitchen so long as yo
have an elegant parlor."
"Now, you are laughing at me, aunt.
really thought I had enough to furnish
+ house very nicely"
) "And go you have, my dear, quite nice
enough for two young persons just con
menchng life. The trouble Is you bega
at the wrong end"
' "What do you meanP"
"Simply this: That in furnishing yoV
> house you should have begun at the kitcht
instead Of the parlor-selected the mu
: HAYES, the things necessary to your Col
fort and convenience before venturing
the ornamental"
A new light seemed to dawn on Maud
Y mind, but she still looked far from sat
: fled.
"If I do 90, I don't believe that shall
able to furnish my parlor at ALL"
"Supposing you should not-at LEAF
! until your means are largers"
J Maud opened her eyes widely.
"What, and have no place In which
receive my friendsf"
"You will have : comfortable, pleasa
y little sitting room, which you consid
quite good enough for your husbands
sure hours and your own. Any frien
worthy Of the nam will come to see 70
not your furniture; otherwise they b
e best stay away"
Maud was . sensible little body and
" solved to follow Aunt Sarah's couns
st nor did abe ever have to regret it.
d. In the oourse Of . few years she had l
parlor as nicely furnished as she COL
wish.
,e And she enjoyed II al the better Il
! she did not sacrifice to attain 1t the n
comforts Of life by beginning at the wro
~ end. -Exchange.
Of
n He Kept IL.