Year: 1860


know about business and money matters;
and the tricks Of the trade No, no
there's no hope there


And Aaron Little sat musing with q
perplexed countenance. He held news
paper in his hand, and his eyes had just
been lingering over paragraph in which
the writer suggested to business men in
trouble the propriety Of consulting their
wives


Talk to them freely about your affairs
it said. Let them understand exactly your
condition. Tell them of your difficulties
of your embarrassments, and Of your plans
for extricating yourself from the entangle-
ments in which you are involved My word
for it, you will get help in nine cases out of
ten. Women have quick perceptions. They
reach conclusions by nearer way than rea-
soning, and get at the solution Of difficult
question long before your slow moving
thoughts bring you near enough for accu-
rate observation. Tell your wives, then,
men in trouble, all about your affairs !
Keep nothing back ! The better they un-
derstand the matter the clearer will be their
perceptions H


All a very fine theory said Aaron Lit
tie, tossing the newspaper from him and
leaning back in his chair, but it won't do
in my case. Tell Betsy Yes, I'd like
to see myself doing it, A man must be
hard pushed indeed when he goes home to
consult his wife on business affairs


And so Aaron Little dismissed the sub
ject. He was in considerable doubt and
perpexity of mind. Things had not gone
we'll with him for year past. Dull bust
ness and bad debts had left his affairs in
rather an unpromiSing condition. He could
not see his way clear for the future TAX
ing trade as it had been for the past six
months, he could not imagine how with the
resources at his command, his maturing pay
ments we're TO be made. ..E .. -r.gfsr


1 must get more capital he said to him
self That is plain And with more capi.
tai, must come in a partner. l don't like
partnerships. 1t is so diGicult for two meu
to work together harmoniously. Then you
may get entangled with rogue. It's ris-
ky business. But see no other way TO
get out Of this trouble. My own capital
is too light for the business I'm doing; and
as measure Of safety more must be brought
in. Lawrence is anxious to join me and
says that he can command ten thousand
dollars. don't like him in all respects !;
he's little too fond of pleasure But 1
want his money more than his aid in the
business. He might remain silent part
ner if he choose. I'll call and see him this
very night and have little talk on the
subject If he can bring in ten thousand
dollars think that will settle the matter


With this conclusion in his mind Aaron
Little returned home, after closing his store
for the day.


Tea being over, he made preparations for
going ont, with the intention of calling up
on Mr.. Lawrence. As he reached his great
coat, a voice seemed to say


Tell your wife--talk to her about 'it.'


But he rejected the thought instantly and
commenced drawing on his coat.


Where are you going Aaron P asked
Mrs Little, coming forth from the dining
room.


Out for a little while be replied, I'll be
back in half an hour or So


'Ont where 2


Tell her, Aaron tell her all about il,
said the voice speaking in bis mind.


Nonsense She don't understand any.
thing about business. She can't help me, ;
he answered firmly


Tell your wife y The words we're in
his mind, and would keep repeating them.
selves. I.


Can't you say where you're going,
Aaron ? why do you make mystery of it ? )


% it's only on matter of business
Pm going to see Mr.. Lawrence


Edward Lawrence p


Yes


Tell your wife The words seemed al.
most as if uttered aloud in bis ears.


What are you going TO see him about p


Tell her.


Mr.. Little stood irresolute what good
will telling her do ?


What's the matter Aaron ? You've
been dull for some time past. Nothing
wrong with you hope And bis wife
laid her hand upon his arm and leaned tow
ards him in kind way.


Nothing very wrong he answered in an
evasive manner Business has been dull
this season.


Has it 2 I'm sorry. Why didn't you
tell me p .... |r#


What good would that have done p =


1T might have done great deal of good
When o mans business is dull, his wife
should look to the household expenses
but if she knows nothing about it, she NAV
go on in a way that is really extravagant
under the circumstances | think mer
ought always to tell their wives when any
thing is wrong


You do p ..F.-.rr 4re


Certainly do. What better reason dC
You want than the one have given ? l
she knows that the income is reduced as I
prudent wife, she will endeavor to reduc,
the expenses. Hsd't you better take of
your coat and sit down and talk with me
little before you go to see Mr., Lawrence


Mr.. Little permitted bis wife to draw OF
his coat, which she took into the passage
and replaced on the hat rack. Then re
turning into the parlor, she said


Now Aaron talk to me as freely as 20,
choose. Don keep anything back. What
ever the trouble may be, let me know it t
the full extent


'Oh there's 10 very great trouble. / Sc
it coming and wish to keep out Of its way


That's wise and prudent, said bis wife
Now tell me who you are going TO see MI