The Democratic advocate., 1908-09-11
The Partnership


Independent as she was before she
married.
You're not in earnest, my dear?'
said Mr.. Nottingham.
"Of course I'm in earnest Why
not? Do you suppose / intend to go
on this way, begging and praying for
every farthing | spend? I've been
independent once, and can be SO
again"
No; but look here!'' Mr. Noting
ham risen, and was pacing up and
down rather uneasily My wife can't
go to teaching! What is it you want?''
What l can earn." proudly replied
Mrs. Nottingham.
But put IT into words
We'll, then look here said Mrs.
Nottingham, Il have always done my
own work and sewing. Considered
as a cook | demand three pounds
a month; as SeamStreSS, one pound !;
as your wife and the lawful mother OF
your children, at least ten pounds
more. And then l shall not consider
myself adequately compensated.
"Whew-ww! Let me see-it's near
ly twenty pounds MONTH"
Il consider my services as worth
that, at least" said Mrs. Nottingham,
with dignity; but il you would rather
hire housekeeper, | will prosecute
my original idea of opening a select
school"
Mr. nottingham walked up and down
the room once more, rumpling his
hair into porcupine fashion with his
fingers.
Il will consult Uncle Wetherbee, y
he said.
Very WE'LL said Mrs. Nottingham.
I'm quite willing to abide by his
decision"
Uncle Wetherbee, a bronze visaged
eX-sailor, who was comfortably smok-
ing his meerschaum up stairs, was
summoned at once. He came down.
rather slowly, on account OF a wood
en- leg-and listened to the pleading on
either side with the utmost gravity.
Dye want to know my opinion?
said Uncle Wetherbee, when they both
had finished.
Certainly said Mr. Nottingham.
,'Of course" said his wife.
Then look here said Uncle
Wetherbeg. "Matrimony's a co-part-
nership of joys and sorrows. and it
ought to be of money as well. My ad-
vice is, nephew Nicholas, that you di-
vide even with your wife,
"Divide-even!" blankly repeated
Mr.. Nottingham.
COR, better STILL went on Uncle
Wetherbee, take third of the
money yourself, lay aside one-third
for household purposes, and then give
the other third to Phoebe
Yes, but uncle"
you asked my advice" said Uncle
/ &c nd
nothing more to say"
Mr.. Nottingham looked at his wife !;
his wife looked back again at him.
WELL" said Phoebe.
81 will try it, said Mr.. Nottingham.
"It seems like wild idea, but Uncle
Wetherbee is remarkably sensible
man. Yes, I'll try it."
For the next three years Mr.. Not
tingham remained in partnership with
his wife on these unusual financial
conditions.
Though for the life of me, can't
see what you do with all your money,
said he to his wife.
"The very idea that has often sug-
gested itself to me in regard to your
money" retorted Mrs. Nottingham
laughingly.
II had intended to buy a house for
you, if it had not been for the unex-
pected appropriation of my funds
said Mr.. Nottingham.
81 can wait, DEAR" said his wife
serenely. "All in good time
But one afternoon Mr.. Nottingham
came home early from business, and
rushed up to Uncle Wetherbee's room
"My dear uncle" said he, " that
house of Filkirk's is in the market al
forced SALE Such a bargain! Only
six hundred" ..s .--.
why don't you buy it, then?" said
Mr.. Wetherbee, scooping fresh tobac'
co out of his jar.
Because I've only been able to lay
up four hundred of that deucedlJ
small allowance OF mine,' said Mr.
Nottingham. Ever since l divided
with Phoebe, according to your sug.
geStion-"
"Yes, nodded Uncle Wetherbee, "ac-
cording to my SUGGESTION
1--WE been comparatively poor
man." sighed Mr.. Nottingham. Zone
can't lay up anything on such small
pittance as that"
perhaps your wife thinks so, too,
chuckled Uncle Wetherbee.
) "Oh, that's altogether differen
, matter" said Mr.. Nottingham. '1've
been thinking to reconsider thai
affair."
Uncle Wetherbee stared intently a
his wooden leg, and said nothing.
But" added Mr.. Nottingham
the Filkirk place? It's little gen
of a house, and I've always wanted {
house of my own. This rent-payins
business don't altogether suit me;
and | could give a mortgage for the
two hundred pounds if you would al.
low me to use your name as security.
"Oh, certainly-certainly!" said
Uncle Wetherbee. use it as much
as you like
And Mr. Nottingham went off re-
joicing.
But Wiggs & Sangster, the agents
; in charge of the Fflkirk place, were
: exultant when he arrived.
-Four hundred pounds and a mort
gage for the balance is very well,
said Mr. Sangster; but they had an
other offer this morning of cash down
and they had considered it their duty
! to Mr. Filkirk to close with it. Very
sorry-but perhaps they might suit
Mr.. Nottingham with some other piece
. of property?''
Mr.. Nottingham went home sadly
dispirited.
whats the use of trying to save
money!" said he. I'm going to give
mn after thisi"