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'S2r • ■
ROBERTSONS CHEAP SERIES.
/
POPULAR READING AT POPULAR PRICES.
TOMS WIFE;
AND HOW HE MANAGED HER.
AMERICAN EDITION, 50c. and $uoo.
If
ROBERTSON'S EDITION, FIFTEEN CENTS
COMPLETE.
l!ll \
TORONTO :
J. E0S8 Robertson, 67 Yonob Strbbt.
1877.
\
w
TOM'S WIFE.
CHAPTER I.
^ HONEYMUON.
At liDgth we were safely married, and as
happy aiid joyous a couple as ever started
down lues patJ w.iy together, amidst the
good wishes ot kind friends. We seemed to
each other to have been created expressly
loni tor Matdda, and Matilda for Tom It
appeare.l to us, alter wehaduiutually pledged
our ove, ihat, since tlie creation of The
, world eteri„-,l ilestiuy had decreed that we
BXlouhl Le uiiited.
Our wediling trip over the mountains and
lakes under the greatest ot nature's eataracis
and home hy our country's most beautiful
nver, was to us like a journey iu fairy land.
We cast beliind us all the cares and duties of
lite, painted everything in tlie most brdliant
coluurs and felt tnat our present great hauui-
ness was to last forever. At iengtn we
reached the city on our return, and, descend-
ing as It were Irom tlie clouds, touciied once i
more our niotlier earth. I
Like uiany anotfter man who had lived as a
bachelor all bis life and was but lately '
married, 1 had several pet theories with
regard to the mtiiagemeut of a house-
Hold and the proper manner to get alonj/
with a wite. 1 held it as an estabjfshed fact
that most young wives lacked a ce.tam sen^e
ot responsibility and accountability, so I
resolved t,, set things rigbt on that score
Witli my uite on the stare?
"Matilda, dear," said I one evening, "we
can t be butte.Hies ad our lives, you know
floating from dower to (lower. Tne ants and
bees don t make so much show, but they are
very much more useful. " J- ^
•• Why Tom ! You must have been reading
some hunday-school book. But what do vou
want me to do, darling ?"
" First, Matilda, that von niav un(ie""tan('
the necessity ot shaping our- ati.irs "by certain'
rules and uithin certain restrictions, 1 wish
to lay before you the state of my business
leave everythinsr to you. I didn't ask you
how much you were worth when I consented
to be your wife, and " "oouieu
wom'ln-!^^'' ^"' """^ ^''" "^ * '°''"ied
"I don't care if I am. You said you
would allow me so mnch a month, and I am
going to economize and get alouJ on that"
and Matilda held up he% diamSrei il
men ring to the light to admi.e its spSe
"Irue, my dear, I certainly intend to
allow ydu this monthly amount.^o <lo with
as you please, so long as I can afford it. and
also increase it when I am able, but ihinis
might change, and I might have to stop Se
allowance altogether— how then •'" ^
Matdda gazed at me wonderingly for
awhile and then said : "Well I thmk ti at
would be very unkind indeed." 1 paused *
moment, thoughtfully st.oking nfy mua*
tache
"How would it do, Matilda," said I
you to make believe you were a bu'
•f.r
affairs
••Pshaw, Tom? I hate business. I
ooulun t understand it, and am willing to
woman, keep a bo^k forlu y^u^cLKaS!
savings"""^ "''° ^ ^^"^ account for your
Z^^J'^- I'dbetlcanbeatyolfa^mg
"On! .you bet," cried I, throwing mv
arms around her slender form, an.l drfwinj
her down on a cha. r besi.le me. ' 'Just you
sit here till I open your cash account^
tJI^''^^°^?^^*^ '" """"'"g a ""Je blank
book, and making the necessary opening en-
tnes, I found myself overwhelmed wh h aU
sorts of questions as to why I did this and
why I did that. Matihla's life had hereto
fore been a long h.d.day, and the keeping of
accounts was something of which she La.l
never ureamed.
Things progressed pleasantly and the
ipple. My wife was on the alert to idease
me and meet in every way my bachelor' ideas
as to the arrangejueuts of the furniture and
ornaments of our apartment. I noticed for
TOM'S WIPE.
awhile that she worked steadily each eve-
niag over her account book with much knit-
ting ot her fair brow. After a time, how-
ever, I remarked that her work in this way
seemed to cease. At the end of the month
I said :
"Now then, Matilda, it is time for you to
balance your cash, and the difference of the
credits from the debits should be the money
you have in your pocket. "
She promptly set to work, while I slyly
watched her over the book I was reading.
After gieat labour, with much figuring and
ooiintint^ of funds, things seemed to be very
uns+tiafactory.
"Oh, dear. I never saw such a hateful
thing."
"Why ! What's the matter now ?" asked I.
"I don't know what's the matter — accord-
ing to these figures I ought to have twenty
dollars and forty cents in my pocket-hook,
and I only have eleven dollars and twenty-
oue cents. "
" That's bad !"
" I believe somebody has stolen some of
my money."
" Or else you have failed to put down all
you've spent."
" Oh no I haven't ! I put down the last
thing only two weeks ago, and I remember
everything since."
" That's doubtful ! Let me see your
book."
I don't want you to
It isn't right. I don't
"No, no, Tom!
know what I spend.
look in your book. "
" Why, my <lear !
You can if you want
to, there it is," said I, a little surprised.
" Well, I don't want to ; you are so quiet
about your affairs so I'll just keep quiet
about mine,"
" Quiet about my affairs !" I exclaimed
in still greater astonishment. " I offered to
explain everything to you and yo'i said you
conldn'i; understand."
" Oh I could understand easily enough if
I had the chance."
I bit my lip and was silent for a while.
"I consider this, Matilda," said I at
length, "a want of confidence on your
.part."
"I don't Tom. I just want to say, I
haven't been used to being overlooked so,
and if I've got to give an account of every
oent I spend, you needn't give me any
money at all, I'll just go out and earn some
myself."
luciined to get angrv at first, 1 finally
changed my mind, and burst out laughing.
After some little effort I succeeded m
smoothing the ruffled feathers, and passed
a merry evening, letting the accounts lay
over for awhile.
CHAPTER II.
BAFFLED.
Arriving home one evening I was met by
Matilda, arrayed with the utmoat care in
her bridal costume. Her golden hair ar-
ranged in the most artistic manner, her
blight blue eyes sparkling with suppressed
excitement and fun, as the colour came and
went in her cheeks, her well-rounded arm
just showing with her tiny hands encased in
white gloves. As she walked before me in
lier usual easy graceful manner, for she
danced to perfection and all her motions
were modulated accordingly, I still stood
gazing at the vision, in open-mouthed
astonishment. It seemed to me as if I had
never seen a more striking example of a
glorious perfection in youthful womanhood.
" What's on the carpet to-night? inquired
I, coming to myself.
"Nothing, Tom," cried she, with a merry
laugh. "I only thought I'd surprise you.'
" Well you have done it, I must confess.
I'm not going down to supper with you,
young lady, in my every -day w^orking
clothes. "
" Oh ! You're going to be the bee and I
the butterfly, you know," replied she archly.
"Coine along.
The gaiety and happiness of Matilda
seemed to be complete that evening, and I
was proud of my young wife. 1 was glad to
see her happy, and I was happy myself.
A few evenings after this I was detained
at the store several hours, and hurrying
home expected to be met in the hull as
usual; but entered with my night-key with-
out seeing any one. Proceeding up stairs
I opened the door of our apartment. The
gas was turned low and at first I could see
no one within. Finally,h()wever, I mad", out
a figure, whether male or female I could not
tell, ciouchiner over the tire in our open
grate. Being very much mystified and not
knowing whether I was in the right room or
not, I approached cautiously.
" Is that you, Tom ?" said a very lu-
^ubrious voice proceeding from the strange
hgure.
Turning up the light I then saw for the
first time it was my wife. She was clothed
in an old wrapper, her hair hanging down
her back, an old flannel petticoat tied
on her head and a stocking round her
throat. I ohould have burst out laugh-
ing had I not been so much astonished and
alarmed.
" Why, Matilda 1 " exclaimed I, "what has
happened ?"
" Don't you see," said she, giving a cough,
"I'm sick. I am going into a consumption."
" Ah ! I see you have caught a cold. "
i
i
BOARDING.
^-
\V
S'^
i
.,^y '""ther had initiatefl me in many of
thehonx-ly mysteries of medicine, and I had
doctored myself with good suicess for many
years. Now if there wa*. anything in which
I may l)e said to have had a imrdonable
weakness, it was the desire to try on others
what I had found to be beneHcial to myself.
A hasty examination showed my wife was
choked with a cold, her throat sore, eyes in-
flamed, head aching and so forth. I immedi-
ately proceeded to take her case in hand.
"You must bathe yonrfeet in warm miist-
ard water, have your chest and throat rubbed
with iiiiiment, and a bat of cotton put on.
1 11 fix a gargle for you at once and you must
take a dose of castor oil."
Matilda gave a groan, but without waiting
» moment I rnshetl down in the basement.
The girl had gone to bed, there was no hot
water to be had, and vinegar and mustard I
could find none. I rushed up three pairs of
Stairs to the servant's room, and induced her
to dress, after much Krumbling, and come
• ^i"' 1. ^^^*"' '* proved there was no mustard
m the house, so I was obliged to put on my
overcoat and sally nut for some. As the stores
were mostly closed, I had quite a search, but
found some at last, l^eturning at double-
quick, I proceeded to manufacture the gargle
and get the pail of mustard-water ready.
After an hour'? delay, and somewhatexhaust-
ed with my violent exercise, I reached our
apartment once more to find my wife in bed
"Now then, Matilda, "said I, panting, and
carrying the pail of hot water, " here we are-
get right up and I'll soon tix you."
"No, no, Tom, I can't do it," replied she
from under the clothes.
•| Can't do it ! Can't do what !"
" VVhy, I never soak my feet in hot water,
and I can t bear the thought of castor oil."
"Oh, nonsense! Here, let me give vou
Bome ipecac and squills right off for ^ our
cough. ' said I, taking up the bottle which
contained the mixture.
•' I can't take it, Tom, I can't take it."
Can't take it ! AVhy not ?"
" You are not used to medicines, you mnv
give me too much. " J J
"Good gracious, Matilda ! don't be a fool.
Do you think you are going to be poisoned
With ipecac and squills ?"
" Well. I don't like medicine of any kind,
because I ve never been sick," and she burst
into a flood of tears.
I was very much puzzled, and kuew not
what to do. I wtis confident I cnnld brppk
up the cold by morning, but indistinctly 1 felt
that I was a brute for desiring to resoit to
the necessary remedies to do it.
"Oh, my poor head!" moaned she. couch-
U»g violently. "
* ' Well, Matilda ! what sense or consistency
is there in your complaining, if you won't
allow me to do anything to help you ?" ven-
tured I.
"Tom, if you don't love me any more, I
may a-< well die and be out of the way."
This was a settler. Thinking she might
be more ill than I supposed, I resolved with-
out further delay to go at once for the doctor.
1 he only physician I was at all acquainted
with lived in a distant part of the city, atross
town, ill a location difficult to reach bystreet
cars. I put on my overcoat once more, how-
t-ver, and trudged valiantly out in the street
just ns it commenced to rain heavily. It was
past midnight when I reacheil the doctor's
and although I had the shelter of his covered
gig, on our return, my exposure on the way
had so thoroughly drenched me. I was laid
up the next day, and for some days after.
My recovery was greeted with this pleasant
document :
Mr. Hasty to Doctor Parker. Dr.,
For medical attendance, self and wife, |50 00.
As the treatment he pursued for my wife's
cold was viitually the same 1 had proposed
myself, and as- but on the whole I thought
It better to keep my reflections to myself.
Words cannot do them justice.
CHAPTER III.
BOAEDINO.
Like a great many young coupl"-*, now-a-
days, when first married, we had "hided
to board for awhile. My wife hau t id she
was tired of keeping house and waited to *
rest. As she had lived with her mother all
her life, what she had done to exhaust her-
self so completely I could not conceive.
However, I readily yielded to her wishes.
It was exceedingly pleasant for a man like
myself, who had been relying for years upon
hi.s own resources and shutting him.self up
away from all others, to come home at night
after combatting all day with intellects as
keen as his own, and being on a continued
mental strain— to come home, I say, and be
received with a kiss and a smile, to be loving-
waited upon, accompanied down to dinner
listening to the little recital of the day's
doings, and feeling that there was one tendt^r
loving heart in the world that relied absolute-
on him for very life.
After dinner, too, how dehghtful to reoair
to the parlour, and lounging on the sofa lazily
wateh iiiy wife's graceful and girlish form
seated at the piano ns her nimble fingers flew
over the keys froii one tune to another in
lively succession ! Alas ! all this seems to be
ages ago, and I have almost forgotten that
Matilda ever could play upon the piano.
Thus did our evenings glide along in sweet
TOM'S Wipe.
monotony ; they usually ended in our going
up-Ht(nr.-, I taking a hook, while Matil<la
aeated herself ih a low chair heMa me and
plied her no.dle, witli whioh she was veiv
expert. The numberleHS little pretty gini"-
Cracky the millinery, cnibroiderv. aixl so on.
that Hhe UHed tr) think out and nut through,
""«" called forth ni- rinnisy admiration.
" To ."said she niii.'tJy one evenini,', after
wo had sat in silence for ahovo an hour /
rea.Img. she sewing, " are you going to read
all night?
" ^"t quite, I hope. I intend to do some
tal^I itleepiiig yet l.etore morning."
"Is it very interesting what you are
readnig ?
" VV'ell, yes. I mn.st confoas it is. Sncrrit"s
has always lu-en a very interesting ])henoine
noil to me, aii<l I am now re-reading what J
nave gone over years auo."
'•I thought yoij niiist likeit.you haven't said
a won! lor an hour," answered she, pointing
to our bronze clock which was just atrikin"
ten " You us-ed io like to talk to me, but
1 have heard that all husbands socm
cbani>'e. "
" XVell now, Matilda ! Haven't we been
spending the whole evening t('gf:ther? And
libteii
ing;
haven't you been playing and 1
Now, don't be unreasonal.le."'
. " Well, vou keep so still and you don't let
me share what you are doing. If y.,u wouhl
read aloud it would be some company."
''All right, my dtar, I'm sure I don't
object to that if it would please you."
, 1 pruled myself on my reading aloud, and
I saw at once that here was a chance to give
my wife some instruction in a pleasant way.
Her reading had been slight, and to me ex-
^edingly unsatisfactory. I was reading
JtolUii., and immediately turned back a few
pages and com-ipiw-ud his very interesting
account of Sociatea. I read along in my
best manner for a few minutes, and as my
wife was very quiet, congratulated myself
upon entertaining and instructing her at the
same time.
"Tom," she broke out after a while, " it's
the queerest thing, when you read aloud I
can't tell whether vou are readinc poetry or
prose." ' nf y
" Why, how's that ? " asked I, a little
nettled.
" I don't know. You seem to rumble and
roll out your words in such an odd way. "
I proceeded, trying to rumble a little less.
Getting interested myself as I reached the
vfj-t aiit.! ueath of Socrates, i almost forgot
who it was I was reading to, and breakmg
away from the book, proceeded "in a half
■peech, half soliloquy.
" It is the most astonishing feature in the
history of Athens, producing as she did so
many great men, warriors, poets, Htatesmen,
and philosophem, that almost without ex-
ception she conipell.'d th.m to end their days
indislKmour and ding-a;.', sei'ming to take
an insane deliifht in degrading thopo very
men who constituted her chief ghiry. "
"Let's SCO, Tom, you went to Athens,
didn't you? Oh! no - 1 forgut, it was
Paris. "
Disregarding this little interruption, and
i-arrie<l .iway by the rush of thought, I pro-
ceeded :
"There was the hero of Maratlion,
Milliades, him they banished ; there was
their great Themistocles, wljom they forced
to die broken-hearted on a foreign sh'oie, and
here now we have that prince ot jihilosophers,
Socrates, who seemed aliove all others of the
ancients to have a direct light from on High,
him they put to death— and for what, for-
sooth ! because he taught virtue to tiie young
men of Atfietis."
.My wife was gazing intently in my face as
I i»iurerf forth these words in my earnest-
ness. I had never seen her so much in-
terested. 1 was proceeding :
"Stop a moment, Tom," exc'aimed she
su hlenly, " you have winked so hard while
tHlkiiig there is an eyelash on your cheek, and
you can make a wisii. "
" Well, I do irlnh that my good and pretty
wife couhl take more iiiteiest in what in-
terests me. "
" But why should we care how those old
fellows, with outlandish names, died a
thousand years ago ? Tiiey would be <lead by
this time anyways, no matter what they did
— M'ouMn't they?"
" After . 'ill, "thought I, " perhaps my wife
is as sound a philosopher as any of them."
CHAPTER IV.
CH?X'KMATED.
My old bachelor l)rother dropped in to see
me at the house one evening, for the first
time since my marriage, and was cordially
greeted by both ot us.
" By George! Tom," said he, "you ought
to be a happy feUow, fixed as you are now."
"Well, and so I am, no man more so,"
replied I, looking admiringly at my wife.
"Indeed, Matilda, he is entitled to you
anyway ; I never saw a man work harder, or
more perseveringly."
" Ah ! how was that? " asked she.
' ' Why, only a few years ago a more staid
old Laclrtilor never existed; devoted to his
business and his books, he never swerved
right or left for any amusement whatever."
" Well, I hope I didn't make him neglect
his business, did I ? "
" You enon multiplied his avocations. He
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CHECKMATED,
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He
■trnok out for danoinij-school ni once, and
at thirty eutered upon the mysteries of the
waltz.
"Now, now, brother, that's a shame,"
■aid I. '
'•Never mind, Tom, I shan't tell how
night after night you used to practice steps
in youp solitiry chanihor, iind iuJiteail of
contniuini- to store your mind with kiiowl-
edj^e took to liml>oring up your ji)ints. "
"He never told me that," cried Matilda,
lauj^hiii','.
''^Vell,"said I, "I heliove I found learnini'
to danue about ;w dilKciilt as anythinif I ever
undertook. But it was neoessaiy ; I 'found I
couMn't hold on to Matildt without it."
"Nonsense! don't you believe him. brother
Joe I '
".And tliere'a driving, now, too," contin-
ued I. "I never knew anything about a
iiorse, and certainly never dreainedof own-
ing one. But down in the country there.
Id lay out an evening to spend with Matil-
da, thinking to have it all my own way, i
when along woulil come some chan with a i
horse and buggy, and oft' would go Matilda, '
pleading a i)revious engagement, and all I
could do was to smile politely and trudge
home. You see, investing five hundred <lnl-
iarsiH a turn-out was not a fancy: it was a
necessity. "
'•Indeed !" said my brother.
"Yes, sir, my boy. You can make up
your mind you will Knd it mighty difti'-ult
to get a wife, now-a-days, if you are not ablu
to (lance, and can't sport a horse and wau-
gon. ' °
"Well, then, as I don't and can't do either
one, L think my case is utterly hopeless. "
'Don't^ you believe him at all. Brother ,
Joe. He s always trying to make the wo-
men out ridiculous."
"I shall not believe him, Matilda; I know
the ladies better. "
After some little more playful conversa-
tion, I bantered Joe for a game of chess,
and we soon had board and men before
us. He had taught me chess many years
before, and we had pegged away at one
another pretty constantly. Of course, on the
Btai't, he was vastly my superior, but I had
overhauled him pretty well by the time of
which I write. From giving me at first the
ortds of a queen, he had changed to two I
rooks, then receded to one rook, then a '
knijrht. only, after that a pawn and two
mo\-e8, and. tinaJlv. we met fonf. +« f,^*- -^^
©yen ground. 1 played a more briliiant
game than he, but was frequently rash and
unsoifnd, whereas his coolness and caution
never failed to take advantage of my slightest
mislake. Prom numberless severe defeats, I
w J taught after awhile that " all ia not
igold
that glitters," and to get a suppose.! com-
rnanding position in chess, as well as in the
worhl, one oan pay altogether too much
I was glad to cross swords with him once
more not having played a game in four
months ; so wo were soon hard at it. It
required all my skill and care to hol.l my own
against my wily antagonist, but I wm deter-
mined on being cautious, and played with
unusual deliberation. At length, after hav-
ing longht with great obstinacy, wo had each
s<rorf.,l Olio, and were deeply engaged on the
jlor-isive i^anio. I had gradjally forced him
luiok, and was pressing him very hanl. when
1 surprised him by announcing mate in two
moves My brother surveyed the boanl and
shook his luad. Just then we were startled
j ijy the clock on the mantel striking twelve
and we both involuntarily started and hastily
arose. Joe said, with a smile :
"I don't see the m.ite just yet, unless I
throw the game away ; but as you can get my
f|ueen, and must beat mc anyhow, I may m
well resign. (Jood-night."
Having seen him to the door, I hastily re-
turned to the table to satisfy myself that I
coiiM iiave mated in two moves. I had the
w)nte piPces, and the position, wnich I noted
ilovya before [ retire.l, was as f(dlows :
lo my surprise and discomHture, I found I
could not force a mate in two moves.
Whether the interruption had driven the
process out of my head, or whether I had
l>een mistaken, I do not really know to this
flay, tor I have pored over the problem many
tirne.s never being quite convinced that the
""ng could not be done.
VVaking up aa if from a dream, so intense
had been my mental concentration. I
noticed for the first time that my wife
was not in the room where we had been
playing. I was not at all aware when
she had left, but, supposing she would return
shortly, I put away the men and took a seat
It being late, and Matilda not immediate-
y appearing, I started up to find her, not a
little surprised to know where she could be.
ihe lights were out everywhere, and in go-
ing down stairs, I made a miss step, and
nearly tumbled down the whole flight.
Keaching the parlour, I groped painfully
around, struck my shins against the sharp
edge of a chair, and v/as finally aston-
ished to come across Matilda, seated alone,
m the darkness, on the sofa. Supposing
" yVell I" said she, "what is it 7"
" Goodness, my dear !" exclaimed I, "why
are you down here ?"
I lik^ ^'^^^^® ^ *™ ** liberty to come here if
8
TOM'S WIFE.
•^
"Certainly ! But shall we go to bed ?"
" You can if you wish. I intead to ait up
■while."
" v^ hv, what'i up now?"
Matilda said nottiiiiu to this, but turned
her back upon me, and closed her eyes. I
was somttwhat staggered at this conduct,
aud a little hurt, but continued kindly : —
" Come, come, Matilda, what's the good
of staying down here at this hour ?"
''I don't see that that need interest you,
Tom, what I urn doing or going to do. You
have other things to occupy your time."
" Oh, pshaw, my dear 1'"^ why talk so
foolishly T"
" If you are going to play chess every
night till twelveo'clock, Tom, and won't say a
word to me, or look to right or left, 1 might
as well go out and spend my evenings else-
where."
Stung with the crying injustice of this re-
mark, I set my teeth, and unconsciously
jerked out rather emphatically :
" Confound it I This is too bad !"
" W-h-y T-o-m ! I didn't know you swore!"
exclaimed Matilda, looking at me in horror,
as she arose and left the room.
CHAPTER JV.
SURPRISED.
I pleased my wife a few evenings after by
a promise to go to the grand opera of Jl
Trovalore, which was to be sung by Madamo
Farepa and Wachtel, the next night at the
Academy of Music. As" we marched gayly
off at the appointed time, anticipating the
treat we were to have, Matilda hiing on my
arm and poured out little items of news, with
sundry accounts of her various trials during
the day.
Mr. and Mrs. Blank, with their cunning
little daughter Anna, boarded in the same
house with ourselveH. They were nice young
{)eople, and the lady was pleasant company
or my wife during my daily absence from
the house. It seems, however, that si e had
oonsiderable fault to tind with her husband,
in a small way, and in her statement of the
case to my wife had somehow gotten the
latter lady around to her way of thinking.
" Well, I do think !" exclaimed Matilda,
" that Mrs. Blank has a hard enough time
of it."
" Indeed i" responded I, " it seemed to
me she had it rather easy. I never see her
at breakfast, and I think you told me she
i.i« not get tip any morxiicg before nine/ and
often not before ten. "
" Well, if you had to take care of Anna,
day and night, I think you'd like to lie abed
too."
" Why, aa far an I've noticed, Ann« ia
a very sweet, good little chdd, and Mr.
Blank was bragging to me how well she slept
nights. "
" Tliat's as much as he knows about it.
Why don't he get her a girl ?"
" I suppose he thinks it's unnecessary and
perhaps can't attbrd it. He's uo doubt trying
to save all he can."
" Of coursQ he is, trying to make his wife
get along with as little as possible," retorted
Matilda triumpliant'y ; "but look at the
clothes and things ho gets for himself — a new
suit only this week, and a cane too — now
what does he want with a cane T"
Not being able to answer that question, I
proceeded to draw Matilda out, always beins
amused at her earnest, whoIe-heai ted way ol
goint; into everything.
"For my pan, I can't for the life of me
see what Mrs. Blank could do with a girL
She is young and healthy, the baby is good,
and she has nothing else in the world to oc-
cupy her time but to take care of it."
"Just like all the men. You have no
sympathy with the women, and don't seem
to want to have. "
" I recollect my mother, now," continued
I, disregarding this interruption. "She
had nine children altogether — a continuous
baby, mostly cross, for eighteen years — kept
hou^e right along, never having but one girl,
and often none."
"Oh! yes, that's quite a diifer'-nt thing.
The women in our mothers' time were r
great deal stronger, I can tell you, and the
men too. I've no doubt your father worked
twice as hard as you do."
I gave up the argument as a bad job, and
we proceeded to the opera.
My wife, some months after we were mar-
ried, often accused me of not paying enough
attention to my dress.
" You oui{ht to have a new coat and vest,
Tom."
" Can't aflford it, my denr; with an ex-
pensive wife on his hands, it behooves »
man to keep e/ery thing down to hard pan."
"Nonsense ; I tell you I don't cost you
very much. If every wife was as economical
as I am, the husbands needn't be alarmed."
"But you are so inconsistent, Matilda —
you accuse Mr Blank of dressing too well,
and now you want to urge me up to the
same extravagance — for shame 1"
"Don't be silly. I want you to look
decent, when you go in the street. You
must have a new coat.
"I think not, my dear, this year. You
know my system— I make a schedule pf my
probable expenses at the beginning of the
year — divide it up in departments — ^how
much to spend for this, how much for that«
Vv
Ht>
SHOPPING.
^V
%
r. loa
e pf my
like a (government approfjriation. I've got
DO eonln down for this year."
" Huppoae Home one ahouKl steal the coat
you liave now, what then ?"
" Ah ! that woiihl ho a calamity, and
would he provided for in the oontinjrent
fund. You see, I lay my plans on the first
of January for the wh(do year, and pride
myself as to the closeness I can live up ik
them. Some of the plans I have in my head
now will take at least five yf ar« to complete. "
" Well, they won't come out riKht; I think
it is real wicked. If I am n al anxious to do
anything, I try not to think of it; if I do
think ahout it, and set my heart upon it. I
am sure to be disappointed," said Matilda
aolemnly.
"Well, let me see then," answered I.
" Let me try to reduce your ideas to a
theory. If you have in your mind the re-
mote conception of a thing, your point is to
keep dark on the subject. You think if you
■hould let Provklence into the secret, it
might burst up the business."
•♦ Why, Tom, don't talk that way— it's
jdreadful. Y'ou know the Bible says, 'take
'no thought for the morrow.' "
" I've known people construe that text
into a belief that they mij;ht live on their
friends, go ahead and get all the credit they
could, without taking any thought how they
were going to meet their obligations. That's
not my style."
My little girl opened her large eyes and
gazed at me anxiously and earnestly. I
Boon, however, laughed her into "good
humour. It was a constant source of (|uiet
amusement with me to mystify and puzzle
my honest-hearted, innocent wife. Hy
starting all sorts of odd arguments and as-
suming a variety of strange attitudes, nhe
never could rely in her mind upon just what
I did believe, or when I was in jest and
when in earnest.
I was a little surprised one day shortly
after, at Mr. Blank showing me some
samples of cloth, and asking my opinion as
to which was best to choofe for a suit.
Blank had just had a new suit made, and I
thought to myself he was really giving my
■wife some ground for her accusation of per-
sonal extravagance. I examined them, how-
ever, and told him which would be my
choice.
About a week or so after, my wife met me
in the hall, and, aft„r our usual greeting,
said deprecatingly as we were ascending the
stairs : "Now, Tom, you mnsn't get angrv."
" Why, what's up now."
"Well, you'll see."
My curiosity being excited, the first ob-
j€ct I saw on entering the room was a new
oo»t and vest hanging over the back of a
chair. Lpon examining it hastily I observed
it was of the same material as that of which
I hail expressed my approbation to Blank.
I saw through the trick at once -Matilda
au'l he had bc<)n conspiring together to sur-
prise me.
"Now, see here, Matilda, why did you
do this?"
" Why, you needed theti badly, Tom,
and I thought I would get them for you out
of my own money."
"Then it seems I am not to be judge of
my own clothes hereafter."
" Not while I am around; Tom, you shan't
look shabby."
" This is all very well, m^ dear," said I,
trying on the coat and admiring the fit.
" Many thanks ; but if you continue this
way, how are you going to save any money
for hard times T"
" Bother on the hard times I You look
splendid."
" Well, put it away carefully ; you know,
accoidingto my plans, I can't wear it this
year."
" Now, Tom, if you go to acting so foolish,
I will not love you a bit. "
I
CHAPTER VI.
SHOPPING.
Matilda had been for some time intending
to buy a silk dress for suninuM wear, and I
agreed to accompany her and assist in the
selection. Business heing a little dull at the
lime, I had appointed a day, and fhe was to
meet me at the store by ten o'clock, and we
were then to proceed up town together. She
came along after a time as merry at" a cricket,
but I was a little surprised to find her accom-
panied by Mrs. Blank.
"How is this, my dear?" inquired I in a
whisper.
" She has very good taste, and I induced
her to come along. She, herself, only wants
to match a few buttons," answered Matilda
aside to me.
I was not altocether pleased at the pros-
pect of company, thous.h a little reaaxured
when informed that the lady only wished to
match a simple article. With a larger
experie' ce, however, I have been surprised
to find how great a portion of a lady's
time is taken up in matching thii gs. It
seems as if there was no end to the occupa-
tion.
After I had ascertained from Matilda that
three o'clock would give us amtde time, I left
word at the store that I would be back
at that hour, and we proceeded merrily up
town.
"Maybe we'll have time, Tom, to go in
and look at some pictures," said Matildai.
10
TOM'S WIPE
I
" Or take a ride in the Park," suggested
Mrs. Blank.
"Or get our photographs taken," T put
in.
Arrived at Stewart's, I happened to turn
round fur a moment, when of a sudden the
ladies iiad disappeared. After a long and
dilitrent search I found them, at len<;th.
busily enjragfd at the cloth counter, the
obliging clerk handinsr down piece after
piece.
" My dear," said I mildly, " I tliought you
wanted to see .summer silka. "
"So we do, 10 a few minutes," and she
and Mrs. Blank continued comparing notes
at a gntat rate.
I sauntered o(T to look over the vast store,
went up in the top story l>y tlie elevator, an(l
took note of the perfect system iind order
everywhere prevailing, came back again, and
foui^jl the ladies at the cloth counter yet.
"Isn't tliis splendid, Tom, dear? and only
two dollars a yard !" said Matilda with
enthufiiasni.
"It is tine enough, I suppose ; but I don't
understand what ycu are doing here. You
certainly can't use such heavy goods at this
time of year."
" That's all right ; but do you think we
are r.-ewr going to need any cloth ?" Matilda
put this question rather triumphantly, as if
she thought it was a poser. " Mrs. Blank
and I both expect to have cloaks next
winter."
"Come, come, Matilda," said I a little
impatiently, "as M-e are youflg people, and
onlj' have an hour or so to spend, we can't
hope to select goods now to wear in our old
age."
She looked at me with a little pout, then
Bmiled at the obliging clerk, thanked him for
his kindness, and finally got over to the silk
department. With a si>;h of relief I now
congratulated myself that I was all right,
and the business would soon be gotten
through with. She was commeneing to
examine rich goods, moire antique and so on,
but, happening to glance at me and seeing a
cloud gathering, she prudently desisted. At
length began the examination of the goods
she actually wanted to buy.
"Do you want a stripe, a plaid, or a
figure ?" inquired the clerk.
" Well, I don't know," answered Matilda.
"Mrs. Blank, what do you think ?"
"Really, I couldn't say without seeing
miiue. samples ; what is your husband's
opinion T"
" I have no opinion," answered I, a little
■avagelv. " I don't we why that was not
decided before leaving home." <
The ladies turned their backs on me with-
out further ado, as if they considered it time
Inst to consult me further. 1 took another
turn around the 8tf)re, and finally pulled out
the m(Srning's paper, which I had already
read, and looked it through again. After an
absence of a half hour or so, I returned to
where they were.
" Here is just the thing I want," cried
Matilda, holding up a piece — isn't it
lovelv ?"
"Well, have you bought it?" inquired I
eagerly.
•' No, it isn't the riglit colour." Mycoun-
tenaiice fell.
" But here is another piece — exactly what
I want."
"Well, what then?"
"It is too hiuli-cticcd."
"It is nearly one o'clock row, and we will
have to. get some dinner." said I. "Has
Mrs. Blank selected her buttons yet ?"
" She is looking at some now, over
there."
" Well, I'll step over, and tell her about
dinner."
" But, Tom ! don't you get cross. You look
as bhudi as a thunder-shower now. And
say—"
But I was out of hearing After.the most
heroic and per.^istent etl'orts I got the two
ladies out of tiie store, neither having decided
upon anything. Both weie enthusiastic over
what they had seen, and like Alexander,
were eager for fre.^h exph)it3. M sat during
the meal in moody silence, and did my duty
with the most frigi i p(diteness.
"Id(ni'tget out often, ",said Maflda to
her friend, "and then I like to see every-
thing there is to be seen. " *
" rhat's my case," answered Mrs. Blank ;
"you know how tied down I am. By the
way, the 'derk told me I would have a hard
time matching my buttons. He said I might
have to go in every store on Broadway and
Sixth-avenue. My heart sank within me.
•'Time is getting short," said I, as we
came ftutside, adding a little sarcastically,
"especially if we are going to see any
pictures." The ladies laughed good-
naturedly, and we were soon in an-
other large store. Some little delay
occurred before we could get waited
upon ; then began the same inter-
minable getting down, unrolling and
rolliug up again, with the prospect of any de-
finite result as far in the future as wheu we
first set out. After two mortal hours more
of most inhuman torture to me, driven to
desperation, I could stand it no longer, but,
pleading a busmess engagementat the store
at five, I left.
" I am sorry you have to go, Tom," said
Matilda. " I'm afraid I may geii something
that won't suit you."
/
>
_J
>ok another
I pulled out
had already
I. After an
returned to
■ant," cried
! — isn't it
inquired I
Mycoun-
aotly what
itid we will
I. "Haa
yet ?"
now, over
her about
You look
low. And
sr.the most
t the two
ing decided
jiastic over
Alexander,
sat during
cl my duty
Mat Ida to
see every-
rs. Blank ;
. By the
ive a hard
lid I might
,dway and
;hin me.
I, as we
castically,
) see any
ed good-
t in an-
ble delay
it waited
w inter-
ling and
of any de-
when we
LOurs more
driven to
nger, bnl^
b the Btore
)m," said
Bomethiiig
RUSTICATING.
11
t
" I'm sorry, too," answered I, "br*; I
pessyou and Mrs. Blank can fix it. Ri^em-
ber. we close at six. " i
With a bursting headache, I proceeded
down town, and hastily ran over some let-
ters till closiiig-up time. I got the porter to
hold on awhile, Imt still Matilda did not ap-
pear. We looked U{) Hnally, and 1 stood out-
side and waited. It was getting dark, and
I was worried.
Seven o'clock struck, then lialf-past seven,
and still T waited in vain.C/'Just as I was be-
coming thoMMighly aliumcd, Matilda came
§lone, (■om])letcly tired (Uit.
" For goodness' sake, where have vou
been staying ?" asked I. anxiously. ' ' 'A here
is Mrs. Blaik?"
"She had to leave about five o'clock, on
account of the baby."
As it was too late to go home for supper,
we went into a restaurant for the meal.
" Well, did you get yourdress ?" inquired
I, when we were, quietly seated.
"Ye.s, butnot what I wanted— I don't
like it, "
" Well, why didn't you get what vou
wanted ? You were long enough about it to
negotiate the transfer of any valuable piece
of real estate. "
' " Long enough at it ? I wasn't at all.
You hurried me so, and were so cross all the
time, that I didn't have the least comfort.
You were real rude to Mrs. BInnk, and
you'll have to apologize."
" With all my heavt," said I, smiling.
" You bothered me to death— I'll never
take you along with me again shopping."
" Please heaven ! you never shall. But,
thank goodness ! it's over. You are all
right now, I suppose ?"
"Well, I don't know ; he said I could
change it if I wanted to, and it will take me
another day anyhow, to get the lining but-
tons, trimmini^s, and--"
I interrupted her vith a burst oi laugh -
t r, as I couldn't hold iu any longer. She
looked at me a moment reproachfully, and
then joined iu heartily.
" To. 1," said she, " you are enough to pro
voke a saint. "
for the fall, the question being housekeeping
or boarding.
" Now, mind, young lady 1 don't make a
mistake and think poor people can live same
as rich."
"Oh ! don't you be M-orriod. I want a
home of my own; I'm tired of boarding.
Yon needn't think I want a girl, Tom; it
will he just fun to keep liouse with only you
and I."
" ' ell, do you know how to cook and
make all sorts of nice things ?"
"You'll see; hut I don't suppose I can
suit you now. Before we were married you
nsea to like n.y things. I don't want you
to tell me. though, how your mother does,
or anything about it— now, will you,
CHAPTER VII.
RUSTICATING.
Summer was approaching, and we began
to think of some rural place in which to
spend the warm weather. Matilda wanted
a change; she had always been used to her
own part of the country, and wished to go
■omewhere else this summer. I being per-
fectly willing, we decided on the Catskills.
1^ e had debated somewhat as to our plans
"Oh, "o, shan't mention the old lady,
I'll giv> I a good fair show, but I'll have
my eye o., you. You know I'm particular
about apple pie,'; I want tliem slicei"
So it was af citd we should keep 1 ouse in
the fall. We therefore packed and stored
the furniture, pictnrts, bnoks and or-
naments wo lia.l, and proceeded up the river
to rusticate for the summer.
The freshness and picturesque beauty of
everything up there atr.ong the mountains
and water-courses was enchanting. We
were lovers, we were children once more.
We roamed around hand in hand, swinging
our arms as schooli:irls do, breathing the
bracing mountain air and drinking the crys-
tal 8[)ring water.
\\'e fell iu with a pleasant party at
the village where we were stouping— visitors
tliere like ourselves, at)d luade up almost
every day excursions to all sorts of places.
We prepared ourselves with lunch in the morn-
ing, then started out w.ith staffs, the girls be-
ingriggedforitaswella8themen,andtramped
many a day all day long till evening, never
1-eing able to get enough of the distant
landscape seen from the heights, or the
wonderful rocks and cascades that surroundid
us jvs we proceeded.
One day I proposed a ride to Matilda. A
man in the neighbouihood had a horse and
buggy that we could hire, so we Hxed on a
day to engage it. She was delighted at the
idea of exploring some new road alone with
me, without the fatigue of walking.
When we were all ready the horse and
waggon came around. To me the horse
seemed very demure, but Matilda took one
glance, and then said firmly :
"Tom, I'm not going with thathnne."
"Why not, Matida? Brown says he i<
perfectly gentle; besides, I have engaged
and paid for him. "
" I can't help it ; you must get another."
" There is no other to.be had in the neigh-
12
TOM'S WIFE.
I
bourhood ; we must either take this or stay
at home." "'
_ Well, just nee how wild he looks— fairly
wicked. I'll bet anything he knows that
you are green about driving. "
''Haven't you riiJden with me enough
yet, Matilda, to have confidence in my driv-
ing ? "
" No. I was always afraid to ride with
you, although I didn't sav so ; besides, you
used to have a horse we knew all about. "
We were standing ajl this time, I with
the reins in my hand, and Matilda about to
step in the waggon, only not doing it.
Urown had the hor.«e by the head.
''You'll .find hm quiet as a kitten,
m»dam; only don't strike him with the
whip.
T J j®^® ^*' "" ^^^P *•' ^*"''® ^'"» with, so
1 didn t see how this admonition applied.
After much argument and persuasion,
Matilda was induced to take a seat, though
with strongly expressed trepidation. When
1 had gotten fairly in my seat, a firm grip on
the Imes, and well braced back in the rickaty
waggon. Brown let go the horse's head. Not
knowing the horse, and being rather pre-
pared by Brown's manner for a dashing start,
J was a iutle disappointed when the animal
moved away with quiet deliberation. After
going on his way for some time, I chirruped
to him encouragingly in order to see if he
, would not quicken his pace. From chirrup-
ing I spoke kindly, afterwards with more
decision, and finally with the utmost savage-
ness, but t. e brute seemed utterly indiff'erent
to any sort of appeal ; he lagged along like
an old cow. At length I struck him rather
smartly with the line, which started him up
for A few paces pretty lively. As the rickety
waggon rattled over the stony road, Matilda,
who had been rather reassured .and amused
»t my efforts, became again alarmed.
"Now, don't do that again, Tom ; you
frighten me to pieces to make him ao so
ast. " *
As she spoke the horse fell back in his
azy, laggmg, provoking walk. I uttered an I
exclamation of impatience, and again wallop-
ed him with the reins. Again he started off
briskly a few steps, and ngain dropped back
into his dead-and alive gait.
"I wish I had a whip," muttered I be-
tween my teeth. " I'd show him."
"Well, if you had, you shouldn't use it
while I was lifirn Vi«rn V/ni Irn^.u.. «,l,_f Xf_
Jirown said.'
"Bother on Brown! I believe he's a
fraud, and his horse another. I'll not stand
this mucli longer,"
"I like gentle horses."
"So do I, but this one suits me too well
When gentleness is accompanied with suoh
hopeless laziness, I lose patience. "
"Well, you never have any patience at
any time."
After some time more of exasperation and
despair, when I had exhausted all peaceful
remedies and could get no further satisfac
tion, I drove up under a tree and stopped.
In spite of the repeated and urgent remon-
strances o£ Matilda, I stood up on the neat,
took out my knife and cut a whip, whittled
off the leaves with determination, and re-
sumed my seat.
" Tom, you mnsn't strike him with that
If you do I'll get out."
.<T'n^°" ^u^P y""'" ^®**'" ^*^^ I savagely,
111 not be defied by any man, let alone a
horse. '
Matilda seemed a little awed at my tone
and kept quiet. 'I touched him gently and
cautiously at first, with no particular result;
a httle harder, and still no satisfaction. At
length, losing all patience. I put forth my
strength in one supreme eflFort and gave him
a soumling blow. He started oflF as if shot
out of a gun. Our heads flew back, and our
feet violently struck the dashboard. Our
slight, flimsy wagon bounced like a cat-ball
over the rocks, which, were but partly
covered with earth. The harness I knew
w;.8 insecure, and I was myself a little nn-
prepare.l for this John Gilpin rate of speed.
My wife uttered not a sound, but caught me
round the waist with both arms,, which
greatly interfered with my ability to ritonage
A u"*^" Ho^'ever, a few minutes l»±er,
and the tantalizine wretch dropped qui^y
back into his jogtrot, as if nothing had
happened.
"Tom, you ought to be ashamed of vour-
self to treat me this way. "
"Why, me dear, it's Brown's horse
ought to apologize. Confoijnd the nag, I'll
not drive him another minute. Here, take
the reins yourself."
She took them from me, apparently with
great relief. '
" Now," exclaimed she, " I feel safe."
CHAPTER VIII.
PLANNING.
We had maae up our minds to keep house
in the autumn, but we had no house. To
find one in price, location, and convenience'"
exactly suitable, was now the problem. The
rent must be moderate, in order that we
might hve within our income. I had lately
gotten my life insured for a pretty large
amount, m favour of my wife, and the annual
premium had to be met. I had also, at the
begmnmg of the year, been admitted into
4
anied With such
snce. "
any patience at
exasperation and
ted all peaceful
further satisfac-
ee and stopped.
1 urgent remon-
up on the f>eat,
i whip, whittled
ination, and re<
him with that
lid I savagely,
nan, let alone a
'ed at my tone
lim gently and
irticular result;
itisfaction. At
put forth my
t and gave him
off as if shot
r hack, and our
ishboard. Our
like a cat-ball
re but partly
arness I knew
self a little nn-
rate of speed,
but caught me
arms,^which
lity to ntanage
minutes BiAer,
opped quietly
nothing hod
.med of 'your"
Town's horse
1 the nag, I'll
Here, take
parently with
feel safe."
to keep house
house. To,
convenience
rohlem. The
rder that we
1 had lately
pretty large
ad the annual
d also, at the
dmitted into
PLANNING.
IS
f
V
our buainesB concern by bringing a certain
•mount <»f capital. Not having enough of my
own, I was forced to borrow, and the yearly
interest was another slice off our income.
We wanted things pleasant, but, being only
two, did not need much room.
It happened at this time, luckily for us,
that Mr. and Mrs. Blank were looking hke-
wise for a house ; so we agreed to take one
together. The ladies were located up in the
country for the summer, and as we gentlemen
were obliged to be down in the city a good
part of the time, it was thought best for us
to select the house and have things all ar-
ranged wiien they moved down.
"I don't know'about you, Tom, gettingthe
house ; but as Edward is going to be along,
perhaps "
" What, my dear! Have you more confi-
dence then in Edward than in your own
husband ?"
•• No, not at all. Only he's had more ex-
perience, "
" Of course we're poor people, and won't
expect much. A house, now, in Brooklyn —
Kiy a pretty little frame house, one story and
» half high with a piazza and a little rustic
arbour "
" Oh, goodness I You must be crazv !
Do you think I would go into a frame housvj.
I waut a nice house.
"An ice-house ! Well, that's cool \Vy
"Stop your foolishness now, Tom, and
listen. You must be very particular about
the neighbourhood, thnCs the most important
thing. And the yard, look out about that.
Don t get an old, dingy house either ;' I want
everything uew and bright."
" Well, who's getting this house ?"
" You are, I suppose."
" And who's going to pay for it ?"
" You know well enough, but I'm the main
one to be suited,"
" Have I nothing to say, then ?"
" And oh, Tom ! The pantries ! Look
out about them— they are very important.
Hot and cold water wanted in the house, and
all conveniences, of course."
"Certainly— brown atone front, ceilings
frescoed, furnace in cellar, Baltimore heater
in basement, everything top notch, price
moderate — anything else T"
"To be sure, well take all we can get,"
"Matilda," said I, solemnly, "vom had
" I wish I was down there, I'd find one to
Bnit."
" But as you and Mary cannot come down,
Edward and myself intend to select a house,
the best we can get within our means, and
you must abide by the result, "
She seemed inclined to demur at this coii«
elusion, bat, however after a while, acquU
e«ced.
" Who is going to buy ail the carpets and
things ?" asked she,
" Who, you will not be down. I'll have
to do so, I suppose, "
" You'll never get things right in the
world, Tom,"
"Life is short my dear. Judging from
the headway I observed you made in buy-
ing you dress, I reckon we would both be
getting jray before you finished purchasing
everytnmg necessary to commence keeping
house,"
" Pshaw ! Just you wait and see what
luck you'll have, I'm real sorry I can't be
there."
" You must reconcile yourself to that, and
make up your mind to be suited with every-
thing." '
Matilda looked a little worried, as if turn-
ing over in her mind the very great power
she was placing in my hands.
"One thing I have made up my mind we
must nave, Tom."
" Well, what's that?"
" A handsome Brussels carpet for our best
room, "
" I'm afraid it will not come within the
amount I have set apart to furnish the
house. "
"Oh, goodness! have you been making
appropriations again ?"
"As every sensible man should. Hap-
py is he who can come within his esti-
mates."
" Well Tom, we must have it. I would
really not be contented or happy without it.
I would just as leave have matting every-
wliere else in the house. "
" Well, I wouldn't, I don't admire walk-
ing around my bedroom barefooted in winter-
time on matting."
"Edvrard is going to have a Brussels car-
pet on his parlour I know, for Mary told me
so, and I'm sure he doesn't make as much a
year as you do,"
"Edward is the architect of his own for-
tune, your humble servant claims likewise
the same privilege."
" Mary asked him for one and he said she
could hare it, but you don't seem to care
what your wife wants."
" My dear, you should have married Ed-
ward, and been happy. "
" Weil, he is » great deal more consideraie
any way,"
Informing her that I thought we had dia-
cu!><ied the carpet about enough for that day,
V ;. oiianged the subject and started for a
h! •<, ti ramble. The pirseverance of the fe-
male sex in endeavouring to attain their
points I deem worthy of a better cause. The
14
TOM'S WIFE.
T
i
ft
next day, having sterced another topic, I
was uncimsciouHly led into the carpet ques-
tion again.
" lom, I don't like the idea of your select-
ing all the things."
" If time was not so limited, you might
come down and pick them (»ut, but we have
only three moiitiis you know. "
" What do you know at)out carpets ?"
"I know we cau't afford Brussels, my
dear." ^
" Well, we'll see about that. But have
you good taste in patterns ?"
"Excellent taste in ''esign, only I can't
tell one colour from auoti. .
" Uau't tell colours ! \\ liy that will never
do in the world ; you may get souietiiiug
drea.lful." ''
"I'll try at least to select something strik-
ing."
" I'm afraid I'll have to go down after
all. J can't trust you ;" said Matilda des-
perately.
"But r can cet Edward to go along, and
then we'll bo all right."
Matilda shrugged her shoulders, then sud-
denly exclaimeU :
" I've l)eeii .asking Mary about Brussels
carpet, and she says it is very cheap justnow.
Yen could get tiie best body Biussels for
about twuiity-tive cents a yard more than a
good ingrain. "
" Very true my dear, but you don't seem
to know- that in^'raiu is a yard wide, and
Brussels but three-(juarters, whicli with tlie
increase. 1 price would make the latter ntarly
fifty per cent the most. "
" Well, wi;at of that ! If we have a nice
room, we w. t a handsome carpec. How wid
^ur best room look with an ola ingrain car-
pet ? What will our friends say ?"
"I have no doubt all tliose of whose opin-
ions we care a snap, will comuiend our good
sense in not buying c. more expensivu article
than we coul. atibrd.''
"But Mary is going to have Brussels,"
said my wife, emphatically, as I moved
away.
CHARTER IX.
PREP.4RINO.
The question of tiusting me absolutely to
Beiect and rent a house, and buy everything
to put in it, continued to agitate the mind
of my wile. She was. perhaps, fnlly justi-
fied m being desirous to etteiid peiSi.iially
to the many details, but latterly she had
not been at all well in the city, and uouhl
not stand the extreme heat of "the suinm- r
there. She was located up in the mountains
oomfortably, and 1 did nos wish her to make
a permanent move until Autumn, Still she
felt extremely reluctant to delegate out of
her hands irrevocably such an important
mission.
"Tom," said she a few days after, anx-
iously. "You don't know what troublp
you'll have buying everything."
"I can imagine, my dear, what I would
undergo shimld you accompany me."
"Now Tom, that's unkind !"
"Excuse the joke, Matilda, but you know
you are so much more particular than I am."
"I know I am, and that's just it. You'd
just go in and order the very first thing you
'•If the first thing suited, why not?"
"I'll tell you, if yon ^et mother to go
with you 1 should be thoroughly contented
and know everything would be all right"
" ^ ould you pledge you-self then, to ac*
oeptall selections wiiliout muriuur?"
"It mother goes ah)ng with you, I'll be
sure to be satitied with everytliing," said
Matilda, tiimly. I sat down and commenced
to write.
"What are you doing now, Tom ?"
"Drawing up a co.itract. You sit still
awhile, and I'll show you."
Alter a few moments of rapid penman-
ship, I read the following for her approval :
"It is hereby formally agreed 'upon the
part of Matilda Hasty, that hsA'ing del<--
^ated all authority to her husl.«,ud Thcmas,
and one Edward Blank, his triend, conjoint-
ly in the selection of a dwelling house in tlie
city of Brooklyn, to rent for one or more
years, and having likewise delegated to said
Thomas ■ Hasty au.l Mrs. Ann <lhadwick,
her mother, conjointly, the power to raaiie
all necessary purchases to furnish said
dwelling when seiecte I, she, Matilda Hasty,
will al;iile absidutely, without murmur
or desire to excliauge, by all purchases
and seieciioiis so made.
"CJatskill .UouNrAi.vs, Au^, 19th, 187—"
"Now then," said I, quietly, "I think
We'll be all right."
" Toin, you are a gwse. What's thejjood
of that?"
" VVords spoken are apt to be forgotten or
misunderstood ; in an important matter like
thi.x, 1 prefer to have some written au-
tnorit3."
She looked at me steadily for awhile and
then put her name ' tiie document. As I
was to go in a day or so, she began at my
J . 11. _ , T,nti,^n t.,- ycf.
1 confess my courage licgan to fail me as I
saw this list gradually lengthening into most
formidable pioporiions. 'Ihiuns which Iliad
never seen or heard of I mildly ol.jected to,
an being perhaps unnecessary, but was in-
variably toid that those particular articles
•\.
{
1
\
good
aofor
to th(
to th
Shed
umn. Still she
delegate out of
1 an important
ys after, anx-
what troublit
i-"
, what I would
ly me."
I"
but you know
lar than I am. "
just it. You'd
lii'st thing you
•hy not?"
i mother to go
gbly contented
le all right. "
i\i then, to ac«
rmur ?"
th ycu, I'll be
i-ytliing," said
>nd comaienced
Tom ?"
You sit still
'apid pen man-
lier approval :
reed upon the
t haviiig delf-
>fa,iid Thciiiiva,
lend, coiijoint-
g hou^e in tlie
If one or more
egated to said
111 ''hadwiok,
jower to maxe
furidtih said
latdda Hasty,
louc ihut-mur
all purchases
I9th, 187— "
ly, "I think
hat's the good
e forgotten or
it matter like
written au-
or awhile and
uiient. As I
began at my
things lo get.
> tail me as I
ing into most
B which I had
r oiijected to,
but was in-
.'ular articles
MOVING.
15
were the most important of the lot, and one
never could keep house without thi'm.
Feeling myself not fully posted, therefore, I
withdrew my objection.
The day came for my departure. The
carpet matter had rested Qui«;3cent for some
time, although I had received numerous and
pmfound instructions upon every other point
of which I had charge.
"Tom," said Matilda, at almost the last
moment, "I nearly forgot to give you that
address where Brussels carpets are so cheap. "
" I'll take it, my dear, but I dou't think
I'll be able to make use of it. "
" Now, Tom, I don't love you when you
act this way ; you know I have my heart set
on it."
"The time, Matilda, for negotiation is
past ; remember I have your written and
pledged word in my pocket, wherein you
agree to abide by my purchases whatever
they may be. "
" All right ! But you knew the whole time
I wanted a Brussels carpet ; it was the
, pattern only to which I meant to agree."
This was the fiual shape this discussion
took just previous to my departure. It
inight be called a drawn bat.le, with hos-
tilities likely to be resumed at any time.
However, I proceeded to the city and fell
back in the usual routine of business, which
had been so delightfully interrupteil by the
rural solitude and picturesque scenery ot the
. mountains.
A few weeks after, Edward, who had been
looking for a house quietly during this time,
hoping ti) light on one by good luck, came
and informed me that he had not yet succeed-
ed and that we would have to take a regular
day of it together. Then began that ever-
lasting tramp, tramp, up one street and
down another, hurrying hither at the
suggestion of a friend, hastening to the
Other end of the town in consequence of some
advertisement, until we were fairly ex-
hausted and downhearted, in that most
wearisome of all chases— house-hunting. At
last, after many weary days' search we came
across a nouse which we decided would do —
mvH do. I hastened to visit my wife and
give a full description, to the best of my
ability, of the successful object of our search.
I was overwhelmed with questions, examina-
tions, and cross-examinations. If it was a
new house or an old house, if the cellar was
»ii right, if the neighboui hood was goud, who
had occupied it before, if it had borne a
good reputation, who was the landloid, and
so forth and so on, all of which I answered
to the best of my ability but not apparently
to the satisfaction of my fair questioner.
She declared I never could tell her anything.
and that she would have to see it for herself
to learu anything about the house.
I returned to the city and undertook the
lighter task, as I supposed, of providing the
necessary furniture and accompauinientu.
Tlie following extract fiom a letter to Toy
wife will throw some light on the matter :
'• My Dear Matilda : — Your mother and
myself have had a regular field-day buying
things for the house. By the way, I con-
sider yoiir mother a most satisfactory wo-
man to get along with — the very antipodes
of the typical mother in law. Her patience
and goodnature are wonderftfl, and her
powers of grit and endurance beat all crea-
tion. Very well ! After I had made my
estimates, and some preparatory inquiries,
we got under sail, in good shape and, with
a brisk breeze after ua, steered straight for
our hrst port, viz ; — the carpet man's. I
find, my dear, it will be ininoooible to get
the Brussels carpet at our price, unless we
have matting on every other room in the
house, as you suggested, and which every
person I have oonsulteil, with your mother
included, thtnksqiiiie ridiculous. As much,
therefore, as I would like to have carried
out literiilly your oft-reiteiated idea'si^ 1 felt
my.self obliged to give way to the combined
advice of all my elderly friends. VVtj, how-
ever, have selected some which 1 am sine
will suit, your mother giving in !-oiiiewhat
ti) my wish to have sonietliiiig original and
striking. I forbear particular description,
of desiniis and colours un I ill you can see for
yourself. All your otlicr minute Wl^he9, of
wliicli 1 had taken careful note from your
lips, and which, in addition, you have trans-
mitted to me in your numerous epistles,
have been strictly carried out. Many of the
things, however, you spoke of, your mother,
in an experience of twenty live ytais' keep-
ing hou>e, never having heard about, we
did not know wliere to look for. These we
have left for you to select Most of the ne-
cessary furniture is bought, likewise the
stove and a French cofl'ee-put, with other
tilings too numerous to mention. I was
fortunate enough, after your mother had
gone home, to Hnd in cutlery some very
handsome hard rubber, black handled knivi'a
— they are cheaper than ivory and but little
higher than bone, while very much nicer and
more durable than the latter '*
OH. APT FIR X.
MOVING.
It has been ingeniously remarked, in rela-
tion to the oft-repeated comparison between
a battle and a game of chess, that in the
latter, the men were perfectly passive and
under the complete control of the player,
18
TOM'S "WIPE.
while in the real fight the general had to con-
tend with all the oapriues, jealousies, rash-
nua, and cowardice of his own othcers and
men, as well as with the wily devicea of the
enemy. I had played chess ; I now had to
make my plans and combine my forces for a
general engagement, to wit : move into the
new house.
I consider to this day that my arrange-
ments were all made with the geiiiua and
precision of a Von Moltiie, and, personally,
that I should not be made respousitue for
the disasters that ensued.
It was arranged that all necessaiy repair-
ing should be finished, aud the house
thoroughly cleaned before wo moved in,
which was accordingly done. There being
no one in the house or iu the neighbourhood
to r'iceive anything that might come for us,
it was part of my plan to have everything
come in succession on the same day^ My
wife from Dhe north was to arrive by a cer-
tain time, her mother fiom the South was to
reach the city about the same time, and at
once proueed over to ihe battle-H Id with the
keyo. After they had been there about a
half- hour the carpets were tu come ail ready,
and the men witli them to put them dowu in
place at ouce. Next was the crocliery to
wheel into line, then the stove aud kitchen
fixings, then the beds, bedding, and
furniture, aud finally I was to appear ac-
companied by the remaining traps, pictures,
ornaments, aud the like. After everything
was in shape we were to have a jolly supper
together, aud go to bed in our new house
Tictorious and happy. The programme was
certainly attractive aud well gotten up.
" Ah ! liere you are, mother ! " said I
cheerfully, as Mrs. Chadwick walked iu at
nine o'clock. " Right on time, eh ! "
'• Yes, indeed. Has iMatilda arrived
yet?"
"No. I'm expecting her every minute.
I couldn't leave just now, so I sent oue of
the boys up to meet her at the depot. ' Just
take a seat, please. "
After waiting about an hour, wondering
impatiently, the boy came in alone.
"Whce's Mrs. Hanty, you rascal!"
■honted 1.
"She didn't come by that train, sir."
"Why didn't you wait fur the next one,
then, blockhead?^'
"The next traiu don't arrive till twelve
o'clock."
••Varv \rBll. than, vnn an iit» fVivra in iiina
- --*f ■■ ' ' J S- — £- ^ — — —
to mset that when it comex in. 'Tis very
provoking in Matilda," said I to Mrs. (JhaU-
wick, "that she mu^t always be behind
time."
"Pel haps I had bettei go on over to
Brooklyn with the keys," said she.
you
After some consideration, it was thought
best for her to go, and she started. 'At one
o'clock Matilda came ilong.
"(Jood gracious, my dear !" exclaimed I,
saluting her. "Your mother has been wait.
ing here ever so long, and has goue on over.
What's been the trouble ?"
"TJie trouble, Tim I Well I think you
must be crazy to suppose I could come from
Catskill down here and arrive by niueo'clock.
Why, I would have to get up at least by four
o'clock to take that tram. As it was, I was
hurried off not half ready."
I had to confess to myself that I had pnt
down Matilda's time of arrival a little too
early, so said nothing. I concluded to go
over with her, and we started at. once.
Upon arrival, expecting to find the carpets
down in place, we were surprised to find
them all piled up on the front stoop, aud
Mrs. Chadwick seated outside on the pile.
"Why, what's the matter? Can't y(
get in ?"
"Oh, yes. I couldn't do anything inside,
and I became tired standing around, so I
came out here. "
' ' Where are the men to put the carpets
dowu?" continued I hurriedly.
"I don't know positively. I found the
carpets piled up £ere when I came, and »
boy watching them. He told me that the
men were very busy over here, and might
not be able to put them down for a day or
two."
"Why, I explained the whole thing when
we brought them, and was promised faith>
fuU^ that they should be all iu place before
noon to-day, "said I angrily.
"You see, Tom, your plans don't always
work, and everything come out just exactly
right," said Matilda, as she examined critio-
ally the outside of the house.
" Well, I must get them inside, anyhow, "said
I, opening the front door and taking off my
coat. After an hour of the most herculean
exertion, I succeeded iu getting the heavy
rolls iu the proper rooms upstairs, then sat
down exhausted. Ae we had had nothing to
eat, we camped out on the door of our
sitting-room, and partook of a cold lunch,
consisting of crackers and cheese, which Mrs.
Chadwick had been wise enough to bring
along. I was gratified to find that Matilda
was well pleased in the main with the house,
I had tftkea the precaution iu my description
to rather underrate than otherwise th*
"The house is very nice," said MatilcE«»
" good street and all ; but I don't see, Tom,
why you got jne so far from the ferry ; it wiU
be very unhandy."
"Well, my dear, Edward and myself
tramped steadily for nearly three week's in
BESEIGEU,
17
it WM tilOugbt
iTted. 'At one
' exclaimed I,
las been wait-
goue oa over,
I think you
Id come from
y niue o'clock.
t least by four
it was, I was
ihat I had pat
'al a little too
nclniled to go
rted at. once.
3(1 the carpets
>rised to find
)nt stoop, and
oik the pile.
? Can't yott
jrthing inside,
aroaad, so I
at the carpets
I found the
I came, and a
me that the
e, and might
n for a day or
le thing when
romised faith-
u place before
don't always
t just exactly
uniued critic-
»nyhow,"8aid
;aking off my
38t herculeaa
ig the heavy
tirs, then sat
lad nothing to
door of our
b cold lunoh,
e, which Mrs.
igh to bring
that Matilda
ith the honsA.
ly description
iherwise th*
aid Matilda,
k't see, Tom,
ferry ;itwill
and myself
'ee weeks in
I
/\ .
our search, and concluded that this was the
best we could do. "
"Oh I it's very pleasant, indeed, but I
don't think the yard is as good as it miglit
be."
We let the matter rest at that for the
present. After awhile, Mrs. Chadwick sug-
gested that it might be advisable for us to
attempt to put down the carpet in the back
room, where we intended to place the stove
when it came. We had no tacks, and no
hammer. I started u(f about a quarter of a
mile for these necessary articles. Upon re-
turning, the old lady and myself stretched
the carpet to the best of our ability, being
watched keenly by Matilda. At ihe Hrst
tack I put in, my wife ntterei a hasty
•xclamation.
" What's the matter now?" enquired I.
" Why, don't you see, Tom ? Those tacks
will never do."
" Won't do ! Why won't they do, I'd like
to know ?"
" ¥ou know, mother, nobody uses anything
but silver-head tacks nowadays. They'll
never do in the world."
I was a little provoked, having already
had my patience tried almost beyond
endurance.
"If you think I'm going to rush around,
and speiul money to please every little
foolisn whim of yours, young lady, you'll
find yourself mistaken, that's all. These
tacks have got to go in." I spoke probably
rather more crossly than I intended, as I
hammered one energetically home ; anyhow,
Matilda suddenly disappeared.
Just then a big load of furniture arrived,
late in the afternoon, and I hurried down
to assist in bringing it in. The carpets
not being down, we were much bothered
to know how and where to store the
things to best advantage until tliey were
put down. We were blockaded and barri-
caded with furniture. Perspiring freely, and
out of breath, I suddenly came across Matil-
da, seated on the floor of one ef the closets
upstairs.
"Good gracious !" I exclaimed, ^fhat's
the matter, now?"
" Well, Tom, if I'm not to have anything
to say about fixing the house, I might as
well go back into the country again. You
know tho.se tacks will look awful, and you
act 80 cross you make me cry. "'
" Well, well, my dear, we'll fix that.
I'm worried out of nry life now. Ah !
there comes the stove, anil the room not yet
ready for it." And I rushed once more
down-stairs.
We concluded to put the stove up, and
baild a fire, although we knew we would
have to tab^ it down in the morning. Upon
making a survey, we found we had beds
without bedsteads, a stove without any
utensils, a few chairs, but no table. The
crockery had not arrived, and we had no
teapot or kettle. Our jolly snpper was
spread on a box, while we wereseaied around
on the floor. The meal consisted of bread
and butter and smoked beef, which I had
bought at, the grocery, and a cup of tea
which we succeeded in making, by borrow-
ing the necessary things of one of our neigh-
bours. At length, worn out by our day's
anxiety and hara work, we spread our beds
on the Hoor, covered ourselves with shawls,
and sought repose.
CHAPTER XI.
BKSIEOED.
The morning brought us face to fice with
the ghastly realities of the field of battle on
the morrow after the fray. The utter wreck
and confusion of everything was heartrend-
ing in the extreme. 'There was so much to
be done that we knew not where to com-
mence, and everything to be-gone through at
such a disadvantage now, that 1 felt serious-
ly tempted to march directly on the carpet-
n)an, who was chielly responsible for all the
trouble, and engrave my complaints upon
his physiognomy. However, the getting to
rights, like some dreadful nightmare, was- at
length safely got through with, and we
emerged, after many days in smooth water.
Oil looting everything up, I found- 1 bad
greatly exceeded my calculations, although
nladewiththe^tmo^tcare. Thecarpet bill was
tifty per cent, more than I reckoned it would
be chiefly on account of my inexperienced
measuring. But, when the bill included a
charge for putting down that back-room
carpet, which 1 had carried upstairs at the
risk of dislocating my spine, gone a half
mile'for hammer and tacks, and then with
much vexation of spirit, put down myself,
with the assistance of Mrs. Chadwick, I con-
sidered indeed, that, in this case, forbearance
b id ceased to be a virtue.
Matilda made herself as busy as a bee,
flitting around arranging everything. What
provoked me a little, however, was the fact
that she never seemed to be too much occu-
pied but what she had time to fix over again
everything which I had adjusted and con-
sidered a finality. '
"Haven't y..u got enough to do young
lady," said I, "with your own affairs, but
what you must everlastingly turn up to in-
terfere with me ?"
" Well, Tom, I want things nice and to
match, and you do seem to htre the oddest
/
18
TOM'S WIFE.
-i
I
15 !■'
ideu. Yon musn't use green picture-cord
on this wall at all — it would never do."
The distiuctioa was altogether too nice for
me. At least, I confessed I was too green
to appreciate it, or even to have thought
of it. After somo grumbling, however, I
abandoned the verdant cord and procured
red.
Matilda seemed not seriously displeased
with any of the joint purchases of Mrs. (Jhad-
wick and myself, anci, in fact, appeared to
regard the most of them very favourably. I
therefore conuratulatod myself on our good
luck. I could not help owning, however, to
an uneasy, undetiuable dread that something
would yet be wrong — a sort of atmospheric
pressure that one experiences when a thunder-
storm is approaching — or when he is tilied
with a presentiment that some danger is
hovering near.
" Edward, who had not yet moved into his
portion of the house, dropped in the store
one afternoon, and agreed to accompany me
over to supper. I had neglected to take over
the package of cutlery purchased some time
before, and about which I had written my
wife ; so took it »long then. We had been
using, heretofore, a few odd old knives that
Mrs Ohadwick had brought from the country.
" Here are the new knives," said I, cheer-
fully, upon my arrival at home. "I think
they are very nice."
"You needn't untie them, Tom," replied
Matilda, calmly : " we are not going to keep
them."
"Not going to keep them ! Why not ?"
" Do you think I am going to set my table
when we have company, with a fine damask
cloth, nice chiua and silver, and use black-
handle knives } You must be crazy ! What
under the sun induced you to get them I can't
tell. I was thunderstruck when I heard of
iti"
"Better give it up, Tom," said Edward,
laughing. "You'll have no peace till 'you
surrender. "
"Why, Matilda, now see here !" remon-
strated I ; " as Iwrote, they are considerably
cheaper than ivory, and very much nicer
than bone, which soon cracks and turns yel-
low. This hard rubber, as the salesman told
ne, and as I know myself, is handsome and
durable."
Matildaset her lips firmly and said nothing.
I saw resolution pictured in her countenance,
aad I iesolfed thiii tiiiie to uieet her uu her
own grounds. It seemed as if she had over-
looked ererytbing in the house with which
■he might have found fault, for the express
purpose of making » decided point of these
kmvM. But I was determined not to give
in. I had considered well before making the
parehMe, had hwl » long talk at the cutlery
store, and had finally selected a full §et of
breakfast and dinner knives, with carver and
so forth, I believed it to be a mere whim on
her part, and I resolved not to humour it.
We sat down to the table, having four
places. The package I had brought was un-
tied, but nothing taken out. I noticed my
place was furnished with a butcher-knife
for carver, and a silver hotel-knife for use.
Edward had an old wooden-handled one ;
Mrs. Chart wick a bone-handled one, badly
cracked, and Matilda none, being obliged to
ocoasionuUy borrow her mother's during
her meal. It struck me I could stand this
thing as long as she could, and I judged
that when she came to have more particular
company, 8he would be forced into using the
now cutlery, and then they could not be
changed.
"Matilda, 1 am sorry to have you make
;o much trouble about so simple a matter."
"It may be simple to you, who don't
know anything about it, but for my part, I
like to have things as they ought to be. Do
you think, Edward, old black-handled
knives would look respectable on a fine
table-cloth ?"
' 'I can't say without seeing them, " ans-
wered he, with a smile.
"I'm sure," said I, "the contrast would
be pleasing. The glistening black handles
tastefully arranged on the white cover "
"Nonsense ! I'd just as lief see black
folks here at the table."
"You see, Edward," said I, "on a legal
basis, Matilda has no right whatever in this
matter. She has conveyed away all her au-
thority. " And I quietly took out the docu-
ment she had signed, and showed him.
"That don't apply to these knives," cried
my wife.
"It seems to me, Matilda," said Edward,
after a pause, "as if he had you."
"Well, he hasn't. You see, his privilege
in selecting was only in connection with
mother, and I have a letter from him saying
he picked these out all by hiniself. Now, I
know mother would never have selected
these — would you, mother?"
"I can't say as I should," said Mrs. Chad-
wick, laughing.
"You are quite a lawyer, Matilda," cried
Edward; "I believe you've turned the tables
on him."
Things went on for about a week, during
all which time the handsome knives iAjr
where I had first put them, and we contin-
ued to use the dilapidated and wretched
apologies at our meals. I had been subject-
ed to an unremitting bombardment of argu-
ment, remonstrance, threat, and entreaty.
It seemed as if there was nothing else to
think about, or talk about, but blaek-
HOUSEKEEPING.
19
a full set of
th carver and
lere whim on
mmour it.
having foar
ught was uu-
i noticed my
)utcher-knife
:nife for use.
audled one ;
I one, badly
ig obliged to
lier's during
i stand this
id 1 judged
)re particular
nto using the
could not be
ve you make
le a matter."
, who don't
r my part, I
it to be. Do
lack-handled
le ou a fine
; them," ans-
iitrast would
lack handles
e cover "
ef see black
'., "on a l«gal
itever in this
ly all her au-
)ut the docu-
id him.
nives," cried
lid Edward,
his privilege
aection with
n him saying
elf. Xow, I
ave selected
1 Mrs. Chad-
itilda," cried
ed the tables
week, during
a kuiVett l&y
id we contin-
lid wretched
been subject-
aent of argu-
ind entreaty.
thing elseta
but black-
handled knives. I sank to slumber
with some suggestion about them in
my ear, they floated through my
dreams, and haunted me in the wakeful
watches of the night ; they were the Hrst
topic in the mornini^ when I arose, and
greeted me on the doorstep in the evening
as I returned from business. Life became a
burden to me. I felt myself growing gray,
and I finally succumbed to Matilda and to
fate. Edward met me as I was going out
with the package, and recognizing it, shouted
with a laugh :
"I told you you would hav'e to give in ;
might as well have done it gracefully on the
■tart."
CHAPTER XII.
HOUSKKEKPINa.
Mrs. Chadwick had gone home, and we
had decided to get along without a girl.
Matilda had said it would be fun keeping
honse alone without a servant only us two,
and I was perfeotly willing to humour and
assist her. In fact, it was one of the main
reasons that induced me to get the house,
that my wife might have something definite
and continuous to occupy her time and
attention. Of course I had my share in the
daily duties.
Totally inexperienced in everything apper-
taining to the working of a household, having
always lived a baohelor, and more or less a
humoured one, I had, in a measure, to com-
mence life anew in this enterprise. The
getting up before daylight in v^'inte^ time,
splitting kindling wood, and cairying up coal
tiiree pairs of stairs from the cellar, might
undermy former circumstances have beenoon-
sidered quite a task ; but all this I bore
cheerfully, gracefully yielding to the inevi-
table.
I consider, however, to this day, that the
stove we had procured was a special invention
of the arch fiend, to tempt and ruin us
mortals belpw : and whereas Satan in days
^one by had tormented Job with boils and
sores of various descriptions, he had now hit
npon another expedient to make one curse
the hour of his nativity.
Before making any efifort at all to build a
fire, I had consulted some friends as to their
methods, in order that I might do it smoothly
and scientifically. Being informed as to the
draughts and so on, I put in my paper, then
fine Kindling wood, then heavier sticks, and
finally, filled it up to the top with the coal.
My wife had complained of some ill-success
the day before, but I told her emphatically
that the reason she had bad luck was because
she did not understand it — if a person knew
how, it waa easy enough.
I carefully took the ashes out from beneath,
and proceeded down stairs with them in the
pan. I threw them in the first barrel I came
to without considering what it was; then
suddenly bethinking myself, looked hastily
in to ^e if it was the rig'ht one. Sutfocated,
choketl, enveloped in a cloud of ashes from
head to foot, I jumped back, broke a window
pane, and then stood gasping to recover my
breath and senses. There being nobody to
blame but myself, I concluded to remain
good-natured. I therfefore washed my face
and hands, although my clothes were still
covered with ashes, and taking up a book
seated myself till the fire should burn up.
Being interested, 1 read longer than I
supposed, until remarking with a start that
the stove must be red hot by this time, I
hastened to the room to investigate. To my
extreme disgust I found nothing whatever
but the paper bad burned— the wood even
liad not ignited, let alone the coal. There
was nothing to be done but pick the coal out
with my hands, and re-arrange the whole
structure. In doing this my hands became
smeared with smut and I inadvertently got
some on my face.
"Tom!" screamed my wife from up-
stairs, "shall I get up ? Is the fire burninc
yet?" '^ *•
" Not quite," shouted I back again.
From a careful review of all these circum-
stances, I became convinced that the fault
lay in putting on the coal in the beginning,
before the hre had gotten fairly under
way ; I therefore this time lighted
the paper and wood first, and was soon
cheered by a ruddy blaze. Congratulating
myself that I was now all right, I piled on
the coal, confident of a felicitous result. I
had heard that it facilitated the drawing of
a stove to have a circulation of air, so al-
though it "was an extremely cold morning, I
flung open all the doorsy and hoisted the
windows, and stood chattering in the gale.
According to Victor Hugo, it was fate which
defeated Napoleon, but I am still convinced
that I had to contend with the old boy him-
self. The fire again went clean out— hope-
lessly and irrevocably extinguished.
"Tom!" screamed my wife once more,
" shall I get up now ?"
"No, I told you," returned I, savagely.
"Can't you lie still, awhile? I'll let you
know when I am ready. "
I determined to investigate the cause of
this exasperating behaviour on the part of
the stove. I felt that I had never done any-
thing t. ■'. to be treatei thus. I was, sure,
after little thought, .> t the trouble
was witn that mysterious thing about a stove
— the draught. I took down the stove-pipe
and Mreboard, ornamenting myself still fur-
20
TOM'S WIFE.
)
ther with the soot, and looked up the chim-
ney, I thought 1 (I iscoveretl acme obatruc-
tiou there, and accordingly resolved to f/o on
top of the house. Not being able to learn
•nythiiig there without sounding, I took a
cord from my pocket, and finding a loose
brick, quickly manufactured a plumme't and
commenced investigation.
My wife went down stairs at this moment,
•nd was apparently amazed at the state of
things. Tlie doors and windows were all
open to the keen morning air, no tire was
burning, and the stove lids all oft', the stove-
pipe was setting against tlie wall, while
coal and dirt were strewed over the Hoor.
Added to this the mystery of my absence
and a curious noise in the chimney caused
her to cry out ;
" For land's sake ! Tom, what is coinc
on T"
"The blasted stove won't draw," yelled I
down the cliinniey.
" What do you say?" screamed she, gping
toward the open fireplace.
Just then my Htring gave way, and the
heavy brick came c rushing down and broke
m fragments at her leet. A piercing shriek
rent the air, and I thought I heard a fall. I
rushed headlong down the ladder and the
one flight cf stairs to the apartment. Matil-
da was seated in a chair somewhat recovered
from the shock, but my sudden apparition
seemed to fill her with more terror than be-
fore. I was covered with ashes and soot,
my hands black, and my face streaked and
spotted, while my hair hung wihlly around
my countenance, and my eyes glared with
excitement and exasperation. Had I been a
wild beast I could not have frightened her
more.
"Matilda, it is I."
She burst into tears.
"Tom, you will kill me, if you keep on
this way ; what makes you act no ?"
" Act 80 ! The everlasting stove
wouldn't burn, and I wanted to find out the
cause."
"Shut down the windows, for goodness
sake ! you will freeze me to death." I slam-
med them down with a vengeance.
"Don't break the windows, Tom; it isn't
their fault if you don't know how to make a
fire." And Matilda burst out laughing.
After some little pause I found I couldn't
help joining in.
" l>o put up the stove-pipe and go brush
y-siir clothes, aiid wash year face and hanUei.
I'll make the tire. W hat will vou have for
breakfast ?"
" It is *oo late now," answered I humbly,
" to get breakfast here ; I must get over in
the city."
After much brushing;, and washing, and
combing, I found myself fit to go in the
street, and sallied out on an etnpty stoinnoh,
brooding over the idea of getting square with
stove-makers in general, and my own mao
in particular.
CHAPTER Xni.
MARKETING.
A larger experience, more patience and
caution, with a little overhauling of the
stove and chimney, and the problem of the
morning Urn was, in a great measure, solved.
Though somewhat chngrineil on the start, I
found that perseverance was the father of
success (mother unknown), and ,io in the end
was triumphant. I learned also, as in the
case of dancing or swirnining, that theory
was good, but actual practice Hceined to be
necessary to accomplish any satisfactory
rGsuit.
It had been arranged that I should do the
marketing, an employment of which I had
had about as much experience us in furnish-
ing supplies to an army in the licUl. I tiie.l
to find out from Matilda what she would
like, but was told anything would suit her,
so without be ng more circunistantially in-
formed started out to investigate. I told
the market man that I would leave the
quantity and quality to him. 1 wanted suf-
ficient for a small family, but did not state
of how many the family consisted. He had
some fine eels and I was extremely fond of
them; he put down some of tliese at once.
Soft clams also were added to the list, like-
wise some nice calf's liver, which 1 proposed
to have smothered with onions. To have a
variety, I also procnred some mutton chops,
and ordering them sent home with i^ome
vegetables, proceeded over to business.
Upon arriving home at niglit I found sup.
per ready, the eels nicely fried and the clania
stewed. Matilda was a neat and handy
housekeeper; in fact, had developed qualities
in that direction with which I was agreetvbly
surprised.
"For goodness sake, Tom, what do yon
take us for ?" exclaimed my wife upon my
entrance.
" Take us for I why what should I take
ourselves for ?"
" You've sent home enough for ten men.
Any one would think you were providint;
for the crew of a ship."
" ^^hy, I told Jones enough for a small
family."
'•You didn't just go in and leave the
order, did you ?"
"Certainly, what do I know about fish
or flesh ?"
"l'h*t isn't the way at all You'll get
./li\:
MARKETING.
21
> go in the
)ty htohfinoh,
square with
ly own nun
atience and
'ing of the
blbin of the
ure, Holved.
the start, I
10 fiither of
in the end
I, an in the
hat theory
erried to be
aatisfautory
)uld do the
hich I hod
in furnish-
3ia. I tried
she would
d suit her,
lutially in-
;e. I told
leave the
ranted suf"
il not state
1. He had
ely fond of
se at once.
i list, like-
1 proposed
To have a
bton chops,
with ^oine
business,
found 8up<
1 the clania
ind handy
d qualitiea
I agreet^bly
liat do yoa
i upon my
uld I Uke
ten men.
providini{
or a small
leave th*
fiboat tish
You'll get
V
J' K
cheated out of your eyes. You muit select
everythini,' yourself, and see it cut off and
weighed."
"VVoll,"said 1. "I don't believe myself
in th;kt kin'i of phiio^opliy th.it Labours under
the evoilawtini; suapiuiou t'liit every one is
on theatert to got the bust of mo.''
We took our siintn. and after a silent grace
proceeded with the bu.sini'ss of the meal.
" You tieedu't help m- to any of the
clams, Tom, liolp your.iolf."
"Exmtlb-nt
.(d I, lietweon tlie mouth.
fuls. " Quito equal to my iiiother's. "
After SDUie little time I ol|.st)rvt'd with snr-
{)ri,ie Matilda was eating l/rcad ami mo-
asses.
" Why don't you lielf) yourself to some of
the e»h and fried potitoesV" 1 enquired.
" Well, Tom, I don't like eels, and po-
tatoes I don't care for alone."
" Too bad ! and you don't want any "f
the clams either? But why didn't you cook
Rome of the liver or mutton ctiojis, then ?"
" I can't bear liver and I am sick and tired
of mutton chops."
" What under the sun do yon like, 1;hen ?"
cried J. in astonismeut and a little provoked.
" Lands ! you needn't gift au^ry aliout it.
I can't make myself like what I don't like. I
'Why didn't y )u t;et somn baof-steak or some- ',
thing decent? I don't see what possesseil '
?rou to go and order sucli a quantity of out- 1
andish things, especially sini;o you'll have !
to eat them all up j'ourself. " I
I received this rebuke in sulimissive silence,
inwardly resolving, however, that I should
either throw up my cmmmission of market-
ing or else insist upon written orders from
Matilda hereafter.
The next morning, after lighting the tire,
upon going un stairs I found Matilila still
asleep. As she had complained of being
very tired the evening before, I conolmled
to let her sleep, and tr}- my own hand ^t
breakfast. It was rather a formiilable
undertaking, but I went at it like a hero.
I took an inventory of our stock of pro-
visions, and concluded the vast piece of
liver alone, if I only was going to feast on
it, would last about three weeks. The re-
mainder of the eels and clams, with the
numerous untouched mutton chops, woulil
be, I juilged, in all, enough to keep us the
best part of the winter. Jones had cer-
tainly miscalculated things amazingly, but,
■ ■ ■■ " •"""- ... ...•.- .., .i.>v....iiv"i .' ?.,,.-,. r.r, . ", ill iln't
accidentally been made in his own favour.
I considered for some time which of the
different articles I could probably manage to
cook with the greatest facility, and after
mnch delilwration, decided on the mutton
chopa. I had the water on boiling to make
the coffee, though just how to do it was
puzzling me somewhat, never having made
any in my life. Uno thing snggeiteci itself
to me as ingenious. I knew it was neces-
sary to use egg-shidls to settle the cofl'ee, and
an I intended to boil Matilda a couple of eggs,
why not boil" tliom in the coffee-pot, and
then make the coffee ? It seemed to mo the
ntsult would CI'' tainly be the same. I pro-
cei'dod to put this idea in immediate execu-
tion.
The coffee well along, the next thing was
to broil the mutton chopi. I knew pepper
ami salt was necessary, and I was sure I had
seen the ladips use Hour on uoniething, and I
concluded chops were as suitable as anything
el^e. After a plentiful sprinkling of salt,
pepper and Hour, and a careful adjusting on
t!io dou'de wire gridiron, I longratulated
myself that I had at least started right.
TaUim; off the lids of the stove, I carefully
placed the peppered chops over the blazing
(ire. Then opening the oven duor, I put
in.sido a dish, with a lump of butter in it,
as well as some pepper and Malt; all of which
I had sefm the ladies do" at diiferent times.
In the midst of my occupation I was
interrupted by the milkman's ring, and
hurried down stairs with a pitcher.
Being delayed a few moments longer than I
su|)posed, U()on my r(!tnrn I was positively
alarmed at what I saw. On opening the
door, it seemed as if the whole room was one
mass of lire and smoke. The savage Hame
almost reached the ceiling. I cauglit the
gridiron from the stove and tried to extin-
guish the blaze, at the pame time nearly
autt'ocated with the stiHing smoke. I had
jn.st succeeded in reilucing the chops from
oldong balls of living fire to black and
smoulderini; coals, when the door opening, a
voice hailed me through the dense fog.
" Tom ! Tom • What in the world is the
m.atter ? Is the house afire ? "
I could not see aryboily, in fact, could
hardly breathe, but sung out in reply :
" Don't be alarmed, Matilda, it is all right.
If these plaguy chops were not made of gun-
powder they at least have now been reduced
to charcoal ? "
Just then happening to strike the comer of
the dish with the girdiron in endeavouring
to put the remains of the chops upon it, the
piece of crockery went spinning out in the
middle of the room with a great clMtter,
with the meat wildly scattered in different
,,......,.,, i^ rr an f3t--t!ic titiirr t^ntric urucr
was brought out of chaos and a decent break-
fast gotten ready by Matilda, I humbly re-
tiring.
'-^Kmm''m
TOini WlJTB.
tWAPTER XIV.
^Iht »«»»^f ^ hounekeoping, after a
time to heraelf. to re« .,■ '«.d'or k^'ouT
■he saul; the continued strain of ij, u o u
Tictuals took away all her appetite , Marv
had a g,rl „ ,le:,ond on, but .k^ had uo one
* .rl' '■*'''°^« *'«'• '" ttuy way.
Kurt ^. I' *'*t"\'f ••" exclaimed I, a little
•• W 1 " ^"" ^*" ""^ nobody ? "
Tou can b,^T' "'I ''"""" y"" ^» the best
Tou can, but I want some one all the tiniw
that I can call on at any moment." '
Ton hL^ "V®' "'y ''•"••.I hare no wi«h to tax
you beyond your strength, but I think a
servant with m is about as nec.-.ary as two
average Irish domfstic is the lane of all
to di:i;^" """^ the greatest drawLS
to (iomestic peace and happiness. The
3'"T' l-'f''.**"^ incubus from oLr
mentec! ' «° '""'''' ^''^ -"r felicity be aug-
have^/ "'77' Tri '^ y"H '*°"'* ^'«h me to
aave« . help I-li try and stand it; I'll .,0
in my iZ'e/' '" ^"" '"" ''°°" ««' '^""^''^^
V\ hen Matilda began in this strain. I knew
•rgument (o be of no avail, so I . « e 1 v de
ZTfJ'r T^ ^"^^*'^'' «^PO«iti?,n ot^ he
matter. Locke, with all his logic, would
It m her head that she needed a servant so
LTetT '"-'her objection to nllowLi^ h r
to get about. securmg one in her own way.
Hhe hnally wrote out an a.lvertisement, for
Zr^lThV^" """^r' "^^•*"'« Wi'cantsto
«?L=V .'*""'^- ^ "''^^ nothiufe^ but obey,
ou mstiuctious. ^
The day appointed arrived. We were bc.tli
np as usual, and I hastened over to bu.h^S
a« soon as breakfast was finished. Beh g
quite busily enf^aged till about one o'clock
r had qui e for|;otten all about the matter of
the advertisement, when I suddenly received
a telegrau, from Alat.lda to com/ home a
once. hurpiised and alai^ped,
everything and hastened ov
pationof evil being generall
the reality, my mind was «■;.'<!-
ot wild forebodings, so that vl. ;
the corner of our street I wav i
state of excitement and prepa.>"j
Two women were. just leaving the house
ZLTZril.T/.'!.^l^S the steps, and I
aj.
unable to fl„d seats, ,.a„ding in the hall. I
rushed up itair. without further ado. and
'•ursting m the front room .a*r Matilda
stretched urn the lounge with a wet handker.
chief acroM '-r forehead.
anxiou^l ''"*"' '"" ''**' ''"PP""*'^' '" •■•'«1 '•
"Oh Tom! have you come at last? I
couldn t have stood it much longer. I talked
with eighteen, and I am completely worn
<mt. The Blanks were all going out, and I
was afraid to be here alone. ^ • »»" »
'i v*^°.u^"" ""«»««'• any yet ? "
_ iNo, there has been none to suit."
. .(*o up stairs, Matilda, and leave thia
business to nio. I'll finish it."
Having a bursting headache, she consented
ana went. I arranged a chair with a table
111 front, and opening the door stepped down
a few steps.
I " Now then, if you please," said I, "come
up one at a timi;, and as sc.n as you are
(lisniibsed, pass right, out of the frontdoor."
I took my seat and waited a few second..
I here shoft y entered with a stately tread, a
fomaI« wh.ch I to.;k to be a fashionable lady.
Hei apparel and ornaments, as far as my ia.
norance went seemed to be quite up to
anything I had s ^n.
"I beg your pardon, madam," said I.
politely, "we advertised for a servant, not a
companion. '
"Sure and I'd work for yese, for proper
consulerashuna-that is, if you had nothW
to do, ailded she condescendingly.
I reHected tliat it would never 'answer to
liavo a servant who dressed better than her
mistress, and also if we engaged a person we
might have something for her to do. I
, th(,ught best to decline -the proffered ser-
vices.
The next comer, before 1 had a chance to
open my mouth upon n)y own aecm .
I assailed me wifh such a multitude of <,uu.
tions that I was i,. some doubt for a+i «
whether 1 was to hire her or she me.
"Are you the master thin, sit ?"
'I That's my station, I believe."
" Ay ! well, ye're a young looking man.
I dropped I £?'""*'""' "°"' " '^' '^'""-^ ''-y
^^l.^'l'"" .'.' f''' I' "P ''«"•« ^'"^ a headache, but-"
u.'^'-th.uij "loo bad! She's younger than yese I
uppiise. Have ye children too ?"
"None whatever."
" Inr'p !e now, ye don't tell me ! Children
, are a .'> .it iratp l.nt +i>-,-,.- ,j„ 1. 1
Maybe ye re expecting some, sure'"
I broke out angrily, "As you have dis-
played more curiosity than we care to
<ti
yy^
DHADOWB.
as
^Jx^
; in the hull. I
Jrthor ado, and
•aw Matilda
a wet handker*
>ned ?■• aakod I,
ne at lant? I
nger. I talked
mplottjjy worn
tug out, and I
t?"
bo 8uit."
.nd leave thii
, she consented
r with a table
8tep]jed down
said I, "come
»» aa you are
B front door."
I few scoonde.
ately tread, m
hioiiable lady.
far aH nty ig.
quite up to
im," 8aid I,
iervuiit, uot a
se, for proper
1 had nothioff
;iy. *
or answer to
ter than her
a person we
r to do. I
rofl'ered ser-
l a chance to
fu necoT '. ,
de of (juj..
; for a ♦'! «
nie.
?"
)ofcing man.
'Oil ml any*
che, but — "
lau yese I
! Children
. — 1 1-
?"
have dig-
e care to
ed to state
red." And
The next applicant waa n German girl, who
entered hesitatingly with a bewildered look.
When I spoke to hor, she gu/ed at ino in
blank aitoiiiahment. After I had soveral
times repeated my words, with great dia-
tinutness and emphaijiH, and found myself
able to elicit only a few gruntn, I gave up in
despair and waivel her away.
A tidy girl, w'lO noxt entered, pleased mo
at once. Mie was pleasant tipitken, and
seemed :rL,8i..ie. Ar fc some preliminary
convorMntiun, I ventured to ask ;
" Havi- yoi! i character, Mary ?"
" I had, sir, but I was unfortunate
•n'Mf'ii— "
' Unfortunate ! What do you mean ?"
"To lose it not loii^ since, sir. Indade it
was quite acui<lental.
My brow grew dark, and a painful pause
ensued.
" I ailudedto a written recommeudation,"
said I.
" Sure and that's what I mane, sir," an-
swered she, quickly.
Much relieved, 1 softened my tone some-
what in saying :
" We don't allow any beaux, Mary."
She cast down her eyes and said nothing.
" Gallant? are good in a story or poem, but
in the domestic economy they are apt to make
trouble. "
" I am afraid, then, I can't 'be coming
sir."
" Very well, Mary, act your own plea.suro ;
wo shall have to seek some one lena aiubitioua
to entertain their friends. " After some little
embarrassment she withdrew.
I waa next confronted by a robust, able-
bodied female witli a ulowingfaue. She waa
rather emphatic in informing mo that her
price was fifteen dollars.
"Indeed!" said I. "You cook well
I amjpose, and are a good washer and
ir.fier ?"
•' ' . it to cook and wash botli ye want me
w Uo thin ?"
"Certainly."
" Sure I was niver asked to do that afro;
and I always had me Winsdays and Saturdays
out."
'• With ua, unfortunately, that liberty
would have to be more or leaacurtailc-l."
" But how many ia it ther^ is of ye?"
"Just a pair," anawered I.
"Two ! And ye want me to wash, and
cook, and claue the windows, run up and
.Inn... 4-U.^ «4>n;.,» «v.^1 ».;... 1 4l.» 'l^Yrt- "n'1 «>1
. ...--■.. vttrj rM'ffttrr, t^tt.t tttiTt't itir? .(..Hft nil'. «*t
that. Och ! get out wid you ! How many
shirts do ye wear a wake any how ?"
This question I refused to anawer. Being
irritated by her manner, I peremptorily
declined further negotiation. Not having
been up to this period of my life accustomed
to g " an account f my linen, or berentriot-
ed in ita use, I waa not th(«n certainly going
to begin. Keing wearied and disgusttid at
the whole maK'T, I in a few moin«nt(i 'uore
went down atttiin and di8nii<t8ed the whole
assemblage without engaging any one.
CHAPTER XV.
HHADOWf*.
As both Matilda and myself had ha<l a
somewhat painful experience in cnde«kvour-
ing to cngagfl a domestic, wo concluded to
let the matter Ho over for awhile. After
Rome weeks 8he began another negotiation,
in connection with Mrs. Blank, of which I
was only partially informed. I did uot
know how far it had proceeded or with v hat
result.
Coming home one evening as usual. I i a«
confronted with a grt-naoier in female, form.
Six feet high, broad-shouldered and straight
aa an arrow, the lady towered aloft, whiio
her dark brows overshadowed mo like i
beelling crag. At this unexpected appari
tion I was tilled with agitation and alarm,
and could say nothinij. "Walk right in,
air, don't be afraid. You're th*? husband, I
suppose. My name's Mra. Fitzpatrick, I'm
going to take hold here for awhile."
What she was going to take hold of 1 did
ni)t exactly know, but fearing it might be
me, and knowing 1 would be powcrlesa in
her grasp, I hastened up stairs. Matilda
seemed as mui.h subdued as I was, but in a
few words made me ac([U,aiiited with the
situation. She appeared to me changed and
unlike hcr.self. We spoke in whispers,
glaring stealthily around as if we feared
detection. All sense of joyous fieedom waa
gone, anil I felt like a schoolboy forced to be
gooii on a Sunday.
(Jnr evening meal was passed in compara-
+'V(; silence. When it waa tiniahed, I
li jilted my cigar as usual, and stretched
myself nn the lounge. An exclamation of
alarm from Mrs. Fitzpatrick caused me to
look up hastily.
" Surely, you're not going to smoke, sir?"
said she.
" Smoke I Why not? I did not know
there would be any objection, ma'am.
Matilda ia uaed to it."
" It don't affect me at all," said Matilda.
" Oh ! but it will in time. It won't do at
.11 •> „-;j \4«- i?;*,.r.o4-..;..U «{..tv,N> <• Still
you can do as you please, air, you know ; it
is oidy for her good that I am anxious."
I made no attempt to argue the quea>
tion. Though annoyed and made un-
comfortable in having my old habits in-
terfered with, I felt that I was ignorant
TOM'S WIPE.
of what was for the h t- i —
C~ m7K;;' Voir- J.r? r' ^^- ■-"«- » =S:J^^ --s'" — th.
WardMli,,hti„,,ry ci Ir an ^''"^^ '''^^*"- «'t"-iti..n was m i L ?!n ^ ''^^^'^^^' which
from MatiMa *'^'* ^^ ''" emphatic protest
reproachfully' '^ '"^"^ '"" "'«"«'" «»k1 sl»e,
yoi; J:„H^n::d^ S^f ^^^l -mpanion, Matihla;
wc::;M*i:rs,SrL;ir'^^^-''^*h-kyou
VVelLrom. You ne.dn't he cross with
SpS^f "^-^--'"-^s^£-
k«'i„i ni/.ht- be c nl") V" l'"^""'' *° han.
al.irmed VK, *^'"^'>e<i. I became really
"ocicL th'f ^ V ?' "'^de unhappy by
Dpa.P,! L 1 '^''"."g''t and manner. VI e an
I believe that mlnv i
regulations are pnre
T^th some warmth.
of her outlandish
humbug. "
w ™™ .b.„, .„4 ,,t; t.r;"i!
. fill's '„'.„!l!i: i? '» '"' ">«!• .wy
mam source nf ♦».„ "^-i*^-, ^b" was the | evening. "likr -.-r^ ■ • ^*'Pworth one
uo iiiAcio, And
./■
REINFORCEMENTS.
25
event, to have the
pointedly brought
Bit weiglied down
V side, like a per-
fissed a desire f^r
(ibruary, I treated
t Mrs. Fitzpatrick
e, sir, without de-
Mra. Fitzpatrick !
•th their weight in
must he Jiad. It
er after an>thiug
of the mysteries
situation, which
is more myster-
example of Mrs.
<1 forthwith pre-
On reflecting.
It to -which the
n reganl to han-
t became really
but moderate,
amonda, camel's
Ise, antl as she
le result would
reasonable nee-
tde unhappy by
emed entirely
niier. We ap.
•oin one anoth-
'itzpatrick had
separation be«
us apart. My
)wn accord, or
was not doing J
g in attention
ling or other,
'hat it was all
Lei that I had
'ght to shun
!S.
much away
Slipper alone
g home late
img any one,
I to which I
siness as my
I could that
•ably harder
pworth one
ok-keeping;
1 the work
i«'ard. The
g, the long
! ladies, m
cade, and
how that would look, seemed to be
iaterminable. Collections of all sorts of
eurinus articles, apparently of the most op-
posite uses, were made in great quantities,
especially pins of all kimls, sizes and de-
scriptions. I coul ' not help watchinf; the
frooeedings with distant interest, although
asked no questions, and was daily becom-
ing more and more miserable.
CHAPTER XVI.
I! EINFORCEM ENTS.
I came slowly home one evening, moody
and downhearted as usual, when the door
was quickly and joyfully opened for me by
Mrs. Bliink, and I found myself heartily
shaking hands with lier before 1 knew it.
"You must allow me to congratulate you,
Tom."
"How! What!"
•' Yes, it's all over. Everything joyful,
and "
I heard no more, but sprang up stairs.
My whole heart was melted in love and pity
when I thought of my young wife, all she
had gone through and the danger she had
passed. A great weight was lifted from my
breast, and I felt tliat my little girl had
never been so near and dear to me as now,
Mra. Fitzpatrick met me at the door v/ith
her linger ou her lips and barred my
entrance.
"Not to-night, sir, not to-night. You
must not disturb her. "
"Can't I see her tor one minute?" en-
treated I.
" No, sir. You must keep away from her
to-night," answered the grenadier in an
emphatic whisper.
Thus repulsed I turned disconsolately
away and sought comfort in my cigar.
At ten next morning I was admitted to
the bedside of my wife, as she lay pale and
languid on the pillows. A long kiss, as she
placed her arms quietly around my neck and
rested her cheek against mine, and I .felt our
little past estrangement float away as a
summer fog, and the sun emerge once more
from the clouds. She pulled aside the
counterpane a little and motioned to a con-
fused bundle of clothes which lay rolled up
there.
" Isn't it lovely ?" whispered she.
" What i.i it ?" asked T .-v little pijwlcd.
"Oh Tom I you know well enough. It's
our little boy.
I looked at the heap curiously, but could
see nothing but clothes.
" Don't It breathe ?" I asked.
" Breathe 1 Oeri;ain1y it does. "
Just then, as I contiaued to gaze earnestly
at the phenomenon, a sharp cry. shot like
an arrow from the bundle, and the heap be-
came strangely convulsed.
"There now, Tom, you've made him cry,"
said Matilda reproachfully.
"Then he must object rnost absurdly to
being loiikfd at," reidicd I, a little hurt at
the accusation.
"(io away, now, sir," put in Mrs. Fitz-
Patrick, tnining me out of the room, "don't
yon see be wants bis breakfast."
I hadn't observed anything of the kind, but
supposed it must be so when stated on the
authority of Mrs. Fitzpatrick, so without
more ado took my departure.
Anxious to inspect the lineaments of my
first-born, for as yet I had only heard his
voice, I bur-ie<l home at the earliest possible
moment that afternoon. I had left him in
the mornii!;; about to take bis breakfast, and
upon mv vuiurn I found him still engaged in
the same interesting occupation.
" What !" exclaimed I, in astonishment,
" has he been feeding all day long ?"
"(io aloMij, sir," said Mrs. Fizpatrick. in
disL;ust at my ignorance, " he don't hold but
a thimbleful."
" All I well, I thought there must be some
mistake."
I watched the performance with intense
interest, and when he had desisted, expressed
a desire to take him in my arms.
'• Now look out, Tom," said Matilda
anxiously, " I'm afrai<l to trust you."
" Why, what's the matter, does he break
easy ? "
'"' Well, you'd break my heart, if you
dropped hiio."
"Never fear, my dear, I'll fix him all
right. Here you go, old fellow ! Uome to
your papa ! Why, good gracious, Matilda,
how his head wobbles ! " .
"Tom, put your hand to the back of his
head instantly. Goodness ! You'll frighten
me to death."
I did as directed, inwardly confessing that
it was more of an art to handle these frac-
tional parts r* humanity than I hai\ sup-
posed. The grenadier had gone down stairs.
"Tom, Mrs. Fitzpatrick" and Mary both
think he looks just like you."
" Indeed ! " s.iid I, gazing at him intently.
" Upon my word I don't see the resen^blance.
I confess, however, that I am not so skeptical
now about Darwin's theory as I used to be."
of yourself. I think he's just splendid, so
noble lookiiig."
He opened one eye as sho spoke, and gazed
at me with a transient stare.
"Ah! I observe that now," answered I.
" His brow is high — there is promise there."
"Do you see that, too?" cried Matilda
M
TOM'S WIPE.
eagerly, raiainij heraelf «„ u „ ~~ I ~ — " — — — — "
noticed that rishtnff" " '*®'' «J^w^- "IIha«K •. ~
^' '^^^^^ST^ v.. the J^trt-5S^^ <^---
genius idea."' '" '^^•nart.ae's progresHve LharSre ^^ "'^*^' ««• ! I believe I har.
Wily, how's that ? " " VVhy, nia'am ^n „
•••"i=d .„ ,a,J /J f «;;-;l rt.„ J i.. :'f; '^^^
'»M £s:;.'"'" »™".. .«. To,„ J;"tt^-;fr;;i /i^-"tf .a
to ma,n,a i,. you, paplhasa't l^I^ ''^"'^' • '='""« *h^'t ti»el. du exi. *^ ° "'^' ''"* ^ '•^^ected ''
I W^ 11"'^ '-•^'•^ '^ ^ '"■" 1 e^ Sfi^fr^- applicable t ail ' LSd ^"ri' ^""^=^P^«»
J le t the room shortly after ^1 AT t • '=""1^' ""* be vioktP U 'i'"'*' '=«rtaiW
.»>« shut up there 10^''%? """I^' l^*^''^^"" i» *" K tu^^^^^^^^^ '^^ prosperous as we had
J?g absent. I yeVSi ^^ra. Fit.patrick be- ing^'cur , leV "' wf ^'^^^'^'^" correspond-
l»tie and pulled do^n tl L «a >"', *^° ^""^ a bet/ goin : „n „n ^'"^' *^'« deorease had
from the top M^fi5 ''*'^''*'^'>"tanineh acc.mnf th "» "P"n one side of mv cash
was aboutZ*o...^^*_''i<^'\^^*« a»leep. and T I «.?; "f' t^« «tber side had been ml^L'I'f
to fa^e by th;^.;„ad";rr"^" ^ "- ™«t face j p
.J^^ i^ave yoh been doing „o.. .r.biii: ^S So^» ^ ^^^t!
-^M..e.pa.o., Wh.„a..JS3^V^M:ti^
HESITATING,
ST
ingaiittle ot the life-
and air."
sir ! I believe I h»y«
>u mean to say a little
be beneficial to my
" answered she em-
lecidedly opposed by
? aU about it, I said
.way.
XVII.
[NO.
dious convalescence
ick kept possession
t>uselioJd with a rod
ore that I had little
lent of things gen.
lis of my wife in
ven to understand
)re8umj)tion on my
! put in practice,
•ding the babj-. I
iness so powerfully
^"w- I felt the
^pring and interest
l»e bud, thwarted
sarted father, see
I prisoner in »
on, witliout feel-
■Mr ? How could
in creased with
II over with pins,
to rush in and
my life? I was
ew little about
hut I reflected
eiieral principles
which certainly
out paying the
miglit be con-
the theory of
nment, at least
have my sav.
nothing what-
iscouraging.
ression. Busi-
>U3 as we had
un correspond.
decrease had
e of my cash
sen niaterin.!!-?
of Mrs. Pitz".
to the pocket
> the spirits,
for the long
•arently been
Her a wrong
impression of my capital. Add to this the
recent furnishing of the house, the annual
life insurance premium, and interest to be
paid regularly on loan, and I found myself
exceedingly straitened for ready means.
It wasaboutth is time that Blank came to me
with some important information. He was a
confidential clerk in a large banker's and
broker's concern in Wall-street, and knew
everything not only that was actualfy going
on, but much also that was about to take
place.
" Tom," said he in a mysterious whisper,
"here's a chance for you to make some-
thing."
' How ?" asked 1, eagtrly, much inter-
ested.
' Have you got any more money than you
want ?"
' About one hundred thousand less than
Iwr'-nt."
' .:*i ! I know ; but have you any thing
over?" ^ ^
" Over ! confound it, Ed, I'm almost com-
plexly under."
' That's bad ! 1 have got all 1 can rake,
scrape, or borrow locked up in another
thing, and I wanted to let you in this !"
*' Well !" said 1, "if it's a sure thing, I
suppose I can borrow some money from uiy
brother ; but what's it a.\[ about V"
' Why," said he, " I'll tell you. Next
Wednesday the dividend of a certain road is
due, and I have inside information that they
intend to pass it. U hat's the result? Down
will go the stocks, and then's the time to
buy."
' A good time to buy when the stock's go-
ing down, Ed?"
'Certainly, for the road is in good condi-
tion, and is only going to put this thing up
on the street ; the next dividend will bo all
right, paid promptly and increased."
" But will the Board of Directors agree to
this ?"
" Board of Directors ! what do they know
about the thing. Ihe chief otiiccrs, Presi-
dent and others manipulate matters to suit
themselves, keep the books and the funds,
and tell the directors, as well as the public,
what suits thein best." I
"Humph!" exclaimed I musingly, "is
that so ?"
" Yes, indeed. You see when the divi-
dend is passed, as one or two of the officers
want to buy some slock, tiiey will employ
bouie newspaper to start a rumour about the
company being insolvent and going behind
and so on, and down will run a lot of darned
fools to sell all they've got." '
"Ah 1 I see."
"Then the reaction comes, and up the
■tockgoes again."
" A pretty little game, Ed, but the small
sum of money I could raise wouldn't amount
to much."
" Don't you believe it, Tom? You only
need put up a margin of ten per cent., ana
five hundred dollars cash would buy five
thousand dollars stock. An advance in the
price of ten per cent, would make you a gain
of five hund'-ed dollars. "
" But a decrease of ten per cent, and my
original five hundred "
"Is gone where the woodbine twineth. But
when a man is posted this need not happen.
In this case I happen to know how the cat's
going to jump."
"I don't hke the idea, Ed; I think it is
wrong to risk m mey in this way, especially
if not your own. "
" Well, well, of course, do as you like. I
only mention the chance out of friendship. If
you want an opportunity to make five hun-
dred dollars iniride of thirty days, here itis."
With that we separated, and I proceeded
on over to business. I thought long and
earnestly over tliis matter. Somehow I was
able to an/uc myself into the belief that
there was nothing wrong in the investment,
but 1 could not bring nijself to/tc/ just right
about it. But 1 was in urgent need of ready
money a:;(l 1 dni not like to borrow unless I
saw positively early means to refund. Ed-
ward Blank was my friend, lived in the same
hovise with me, wat* a shrewd man and had
every opportunity to know what he was
about. J was convinced he would not ad vise
me except for my benelit.
I would liave liked to talk confidentially
with my wifo on the subject, but somehow I
could not seem to get as near Matilda as be-
fore. Not only did 1 find Mrs. Fitzpatrick a
constant interruption and means of separa-
tion, but Jiatil^ herself seemed now so com-
pletely taken uj) with the baby, to the utter
exclusion of everything tlse whatever, that
she never appeared ready or willing to talk
o'n any other subject or give attention to any
other iiiati.tr. At another time I could have
relied upon her ready perception of right and
wrong, and her quick sympathy with any-
thing concei'iiiiig my welfare, but I now felt
myself (nitside the pale of her interest, and so
made no effort to lay the thing before lier.
In this uncertainty another interview with
Edward determined me to risk some amount,
even if smaller, but he said any smaller sum
than fivo hundred dollars would hardly be
worth while. 1 therefore enquired ot my
brother if he could let me have the money,
without telling him what I was going to do
with it. He advanced it to me without a
moment's hesitation, saying that he knew I
wouldn't ask for it unless I had use for it,
and he could rely on me to do what was
*8
TOM'S WIFE.
left him with the Phi ■"' ^"^ '*"«'• I had
determine, tVrefcurn a "."^-^ P"'^'^^*' I ^'»«
however. t„ Hnd o, t f ''''* '^^■^- I^esoLed,
whether' the 'etaJrnv '""'''^'"^-r' ^* '^''"^
proposed mveZZ't \T^ T^ '» the
me that there wa?'. J-dwar.l convinced
".formation wL Stive '"'" '"i^k, that his
CHAPTER XVIir.
. SUGOESTINO.
"P- Thf 7lK: ' sr^*'"^"> -'» '-king
beia. assure", rtcameT f "^« ^^'"e al
?lrea,ly drawn m/fTil X- n ""'• ' ^^'^ I
»t3 utmost extent-^fr n the T^ P'j^^ptly to
saw no reason whv T "h!, ?, '°'"^' ''"* ^ ""^
a reasonaolo anTouV'l ^' """^ overdraw to !
able to repayaTlSir / ^^f^'tam to be I
to think tharmv ;tfi.? 1""'^ *""^- ^ hec,a„ j
that the tiineTo enT/v "^^-^-^Peated theory, I
period in thefutur« .!• i ,^"'"® '^definite
than my former bW" J ^ ''l'^'' "'"'"« ^" ^^
suppose """'^'^ '^••'ng'ug "P had led me to
HcMa;!'* it'lf « '■^'"'^to Mrs. Fit.pat-
•from the Zn rr^'Li ^fSf'^ h.nserUl
once more. £ild?\r^!.^' * ""•"^e'ves free
grievously of „,t; "I'l? /''"'^ «-^mpJained
Peated "deprecatbl "'"^ '^^"f '^ and re-
was now corresno, !l,-., ,1 .^'.^Penditure,
g'^iety, and apSn Hi 'V''''''^ ^^ ^Y
my own minT T I , P, "ty "^ money. Tn
»y S venture S:h'P';'^^*' ^"^^^^'^ »"
'i'-ed or a thousand ^fn " ^ ^"'""'^ ^'^« hun-
Ping-stone to f,u"re rait?'.-'*' ''^ '""'"« «*«?■
were once demonst^-aLd ?,°^';"'' «'"««' '^ it
be made in thi^ wS f *i^*. '"""'^^ ^^ould
tlon Edward LTcoSnto"^''^! '"'"™-
procure, there was no rlt °PP"'-fc"nity to
why it could not be mnf ° '" ^''^ world
of income °'^''® * permanent source I
open, he began tJ n,^i^.« „^'' f^^' ^^^'ly '
within a few wo^ks uZhT'^^^'^'S. ^^^
when I looked at or t« t § .^ . •'" '•«g"ishly
tilda declared pti°t vet tiat'heT- *'^^* ''^"^
aoon as I appeared "^'J. t"at he knew me as i
on this subEl:;t rW"^* F'?**"" ^im I
tbe truth of the statement '""^^'"'^^ *« *»
5% ab'Sio's'tSSfit^tf '"'^r'' ^"
•d to enjoy huaelv r «f^^ u ''*«°*^ seem-
ed took^ oVaSfon'to remark y "^"'^^'"^ ^^•°'
Ma;.Sr'''"'^P""« ••««=--«'* - title yet.
^o;;S|Si,e^li?;r--anr W.
Label hirn ! Therp h,K„ i
you'll be off mv l-m 4 i '^Z ''^^P 1«'et. or
be plamer ; has he vo^ iJ^ , . ■''"t I'll
o„J „,.-_' "'^^'^e yet bee.i designated by
may be die-
J any cognomen whereby he
tinguished rom tZ. tu^ ^'^ '"'^^ be die-
human race.'' ' ''^^'' ™«™bers of the
har^e^bl' nJS*.^"""^ " »« ^ou mean.
I »v^".' that's about it."
I anyt?^:g";i:^Jhar wifr'! *'''"'^ I ^°»W do
exclul'cl from'all'U?'^^ ^T '" ^"«'I«««ly
, or even view'^of^^^l S^' Sfff f "'''
i tS dZr ^'^ i" the dark " juS^UVS
j-Ma;iH:a!''r,!l^i,;:'J,\"e2'' '^"^^''-•" «"<*
and carefuIJ^^'LVteninrthe'fatfoTh" T''
l-he,.,th asafety pin^ .^/^Syttntf
'' Wellf 7ca„Ts,7.«'->-' *'^^"-" ^^-^^^ I-
'ti.'"* ;,-r y-'tonaTehir^ ^" "^
'dratX"ownVo!Xio'^ *'^ P^'*' ' -"'^
probable\°e:uirwiurbe"wh° "^^* '^'
made this statem™^' ""^'^ my wife
«aidl''"°whoCe ^"^^'"^1 ^"y^ ««w,"
fathers." '''^° '^^^^ been named after their
! thi^hid Tnt'^'itrvf'' '' '"^^ *-
' enough, to be sure • E iu?tT'f '? ^^^'^
middle name. How n„d^r .^"'' "^ y«°'-
Thomas Eleazer slnd 1 *^n '"" ^'"
comes to have a inn?or ' !?.P^°'a»y when it
I " Well \f of M ^ . °° the end, too ?"
(dignity '•'fhfi'rnehrr'"^!' "'th some
Ihutba^l from 1 s ehitrhn^T" ^^"'^ "^^ y««
to be ashamS of I thl„\°"' "P '° ^ ^^^ "o*
prised that a ioZf, Lhth^lanr^' '""'l
your mother, would giTelS,^ f*^ '""'^ *»*
little bov Our liifif 1 ^- ^ "ame to a
treat.dTha*V„"f..''*"\^*»i'ng «hall never h»
And Matilda pressed himT"^^" ^^l' ^«tty T"
gave him a kij^, ^"" *^ '^«'" «beek and
"Well. Matilda. I shall n«f n
name to be mutilated. If it -/"T "*I
enough for mv son iW «- •* • V' °°* good
bavelt in a"/rdiS f^^ .i"' ^^ ''^•" »«»
SQUALLS.
29
g received a title yet,
^iiat do you mean 1 Wa
obilitv."
'lit stiJ] it seems neces-
lehow. "
sre baby keep quiet, or
Anybo-ly would thiak
wnt medicine "
» about that, I think,
k was here. But I'll
t beea designated by
eby he may be dia-
'ther members of the
rious? Do yon mean,
it."
Wt think I would do
nout consulting you,
ave been so ruthlessly
tgement, consultation,
t-born, that I have
aark just what has
ned, anyhow," said
'nug gentleman over
the back of his long
1 want you to name
loice, then?" asked I.
have a name in my
name him."
y the past. I could
3 as to what the
36, when my wife
' smart boya now "
named after their
ery well, if the fa-
_ rhonias is good
just think of your
iler the sun will
especially when it
the end, too V
ered I with some
een borne by your
f up in a way not
le everybody laugh
I was always sur-
the good sense of
'ch a name to a
ng shall never b«
-shall yon Petty 7"
io her cheek and
1 not
it
allow my
is not good
t is, he shall not
A pause enaned as I rnminated over some
new vrnture.
" I have a strong predilection for good old
family names," contnmed I.
" But, Tom, your family seems to have
such outlandish taste in names."
" Let UB divide the thing up and choose
from your side of the house as well as mine
then. There is your father, Daniel, a good
old biblical character, and there is mine,
Lambert, likewise possessing a fair portion of
solidity. A union of the two would be pleas-
ing to them, and I think she Id be satisfac-
tory to us. "
" What, Daniel Lambert ! Horrors ! Why
he was that womlerful fat man, wasn't he ?
You must be crazy."
"True." acknowledged I, "the combina-
tion might be more suggestive than 1 at lirst
supposed. But there is your brother and
mine ; let us try that. Cyrus, now, the
great warrior, and best of Persian kings — "
" Everybody nvould be calling him ISi. "
" And there is Alexander, the great Mace-
donian conqueror. Join these together and
you have a name at once euphonious and im-
pressive."'
"Ridiculous, Tom! it would never do in
the world. I have thought of calling him
Arthur, a sweet, pretty nanie. and if we want
a second name, there is Dudley. Arthur
Dudley, now, is something like."
" Well, Matilda! if yon had niadeup your
mind tocall him Arthur Dudlfiv, oranything
else, what was the use of keeping nie here
half an hour suggesting names for you that
you never meant to use."
"vVhy, T<m, you don't slipnose I would
have named him without consulting you, do
you 1 It wouldn't have been right."
I said no more, fully convinced that Ar-
thur Dudley was a t.xed fact, and no mortal
SBwer could change the resolution that had
ecreed that to be the title ot my son.
I had attended a book auction the evf uing
before and had brought home an armful of
purchases. As I was now carefully sorting
them over and arranging them, Giljson's
Rome, De Quincy's Essays, literal trans !a-
tious of TaciiUs and Virgil, with some oth-
ers, Matilda remarked :
"I thought you were so poor, Tom T You
grumbled about paying Mrs. Fitzpatrick so
much, and said you couldn't get any clothes
for yourself or anything."
"Well, so I was 'Mjnr."
"But you up and buy books whenever you
feel like it."
"Certainly; the mind requires food as well
as the body; 'Man does not live by bread
alone.' Besides, there's our son: now I want
to have him suriouuded by the right ele-
ment I^ should be sorry not to have him
make a creditable figure in the world when
he starts out."
"Well, he looks like starting out now,don't
he?" said Matilda, <iolding him up; "but
see here, Tom, I don't want you to make
any plans about him now, or he won't live."
CHAPTER XIX.
SQUALLS.
There was one feature of our speculation
which seemed to give j;reat prospects of
success, in fact ensure it to a certainty.
Edward's iuformation had proved to be
thoroughly correct, and one portion of his
prophecy had alrtady been strictly veritied.
The railroad management had passed the
dividend, as he said they would, and there
had been the moat alarming rumours circu-
luting as to the condition of the corporati(.n.
It was surprising what an amount of know-
ledge the newspapers appeared to have on
the subject. Tiie array of figures which one
or two produced, proving the liespiirate
situation the road was in and had been in
for a very long while, was pbsfdntely con-
vincing to the uninitiated , What hud in-
duced them to withhold this knowledge from
the 1 ublic so long I could not conceive, as
the same journals invariably placed them-
selves in attitudes of warning to everybody
on almost every other conceivable topic
whatsoever, upon the slightest provocaticm.
In consecpitnce of the information pub-
lished, apparently so very accurate and
minute, 1 could not help feeling mys'-lf some-
what alarmed. An interview with Edward,
however, again reassured me.
"Didn't I tell you," said he, triumph-
antly, "iiow it would 1)6?" You see the
dividend is passed and the stock has caved,
don't you ?"
"Oh yes, I see that. But if it keeps on
caving I don't see whore the profit comes
in."
"Nonsense! you must be patient, and
keep a stiff upper lip. To-morrow the stock
will be fifteen per cent, less than when I
spoke to you about it. Then we'll buy, as
I am convmced that will be the lowest
point. In a little while, back she goes to
where she started from, and you are seven
hundred and fifty dollars ahead !"
This seemed satisfactory, and I went aw«y
with myself and everything generally, I was
not disposed to find fault at home. I could
not help feeling, however, that Matilda car-
ried her anxiety and care as a mother to ex-
tremes. So tremendously solicitous was she
for the infant's welfare that everything else
under heaven seemed, in her estimation, of
SO'
TOM'8 WIPE.
i !;'"
H-Hht'
f i Ml
i
r
Zf ^?P°^**"°^-, ^"«'' ''^'"g continually
routed from one place to another when com-
fortably aeaterl, forced to undergo a sort of
preparatory Turkish bath by having all the
doors and wndows dosed, and a roaring fire
Joiner /»nmrkallu^ +« *.., .i .1 «.
„;■ .."v^wiTo vi.jseu, ana a roaring fire
going compelled to turn down the gas iust
when I was interested in a book. >rit1i many
other things too numerous to mention, I
began to remonstrate.
"Surely, Tom," retorted Matilda, "you
wouldn t want Arthur to catcli cold, or have
bW* "^ ^"'* "^ ^'^® ^""^^^'^ '"'" *°
«k''^A^*T^^"°*' ^I^t'lfla, but I docidedlv
object to having an individual so younff in
years takmg possession <rf our only sittino-.
room, and prescribing rules for his seniors to
" I suppose you would put him oflf up in
the garret if you had your own way. TIip
dear htt e thing Just like all the men, they
don'J J 7 with children a few minutes, but
don t want any bother with them. "
J^ thought this rebuke unmerited on my
»n!^'i!^l'^^"'Y*''^*''***'^^°^"'^ is tender
and helpless and needs care, but I must think
SI^'■'?7?^Pu"^^^'"'*'""'l ^^^« so-ne ricrhts
lie should be bound to respect "
My boy, like a great mkny grown ud
Nafe /'r ■ '"'^i'^''^ *« '^^ "^"ttS
J«fature had denied his mother the pleasure
of dispensing with all outside auxiliaries
m the way of food and the consequence
Wus that her care and anxiety to have every-
thing just right was increased four-fold I
had daily commissions in the city to purcha'^e
glassware ana rubber goods, until our stoTk
at home of the articles became so varied and
extensive that it threatened to t*ke the
precedence of everythinswfelse we had
Arthur was a healthy, and on the
whole a very reasonable baby. As a rule he
laughed and played, took his rations Itnd
went to sleep with as little trouble as could
possibly be expected. There was one point
however, upon which he never allowed the
• u- *v ? time came, more or less frequent
m which he felt the cravings of hunger hk
manner of indicating the stme was pointed
and emphatic. Unless the desired prepa.a-
tion was immediately forthcoming, no wild
Indian on the war-path could posfibly uTter
more prolonged or hideous yells than he If I
his impatience and contempt at any ordinary
^otitl^^uri!' '* °*^ r"y ^^ imagined
rt^hltTeiSofnX'^' '^ ^'"^ "'*'^"
Feeling assured that my investment must
turn out profitable in itself, as well as be a
•leppiag Btone to things much more im-
portant in the same way. I began to think
tuat our present domestic qSartera we™
we^e^'^no^f'l ^ T' ^^PP^' ""^^ '"y dream,
were mnsdy pleasant, though fre«uentl»
hablo to interruption. I would often ^t to
calculatmg m my sleep, estimating r.seTand
ana the like, mixed up w th all sorts of
strange, comical, or uncouth objects or Iran^!
uctions entirely foreign to the subject. S
fire Sn?^'f '"''••^""^y i" themidstV^
nre, tlie crowd surg ne and vplUnrr *!,.. ^
S Tr,' -/hifsi'ngf tSe"S fal int
and 80 forth. As I ventured beyond the
vfolentlv T^'"*^'''"'^ ™y ^'"^ ^"'i «hook me
violently. I spiang up and looked wildlv
s, r""T Vn\'''''/?"«'^^"* "^ the shakTand
"r^xn'*!" ^^'"'•^ *'»« unearthly yells,
ed I. wheieis it ! are we safe?" ahou<:
"Safe!" exclaimed MatUda, "for fcoodnea.
m comparison to the voice of my first bora
beard tJien in my half-awakened state i
hastened to the rescue and did my best to
still the increasing tumult. Adjusting him
on my shoulder I tramped backward aS
forward, valiantty whistling "The Girl I
eft behind Me," and keeping time on his
[tender body. As he increased the volume
ml?iT^^ ""^'^'^ '^"*^^' I accelerated my
pace, till my military tread became a charj '
fj A^ T'?^' "' '"y »lieht night-rob.
flapped in the breeze. •'
Matilda had a regular and elaborate svs-
tem in preparing that food, and no emergen-
cy, however urgent, could induce her
taiir'Af?^ '?^^' J"*'.*'" *i"l« of the de-
mn«; hi I I }h^ '""'"'S ^«« «nit.hed, it
must be heated to an exact temperature, and
fit should be too hot, as was often the case,
then It must be cooled. After having ei-
austed my whole stock of whistling tunes.
"Mulligan ^Guards." "Finnigan's Wake/'
airs from "Barbe lileu." and "La PiUe d.
Madame Angot," with a few others, and be-
mg quite ready to dron with •>>" ..;«i„-i. -_ j
continued exercise, "seeing that'li^tiM*
seemed rather gaining m vociferation than
any way decreasing, I ventured to urge Ma-
tiida to hasten her operations, as the chUd
was evidently starving to death.
''Yes, in one second; but don't jolt th*
child to pieces, Tom."
Doubling.
81
, I begun to think
sfcio quarters were
cast about in my
;o some house where
Jom to myself, and
Arthur Dudley an
i^i and any dreams
though fre(juently
would often get to
stimating rises and
nargins, dividends
with all sorts of
th o'ojeota or trans-
the subject. Once
in the midst'of a
id yelling, the en-
r, timbers falling,
tared beyond the
y eager curiosity,
irm and shook me
ind^looked wildly
or the shake and
thly yells.
we safe?" ehouv
Ja, "for goodness
y and quiet him,
wildcats in hid-
18 gentle music.
)f my Hrst-bom,
ikened state. I
did my best to
Adjusting him
I backward and
ig "The Girl I
ling time ou his
sed the volume
accelerated my
became a charge ''
ight uight-roba
i elaborate sya-
nd no emergen-
Id induce her
ttle of the de-
as finished, it
mperature, and
I often the case,
fter having ex-
histling tunes,
gan's Wake,''
d "La Fille d«
Dthers, and be-
that Arthur
iferation than
id to iir((e Ha-
as the child
h.
don't jolt th*
"No danger," replied I. "It is comfort-
ing, certainly, to know that our boy's lungs
•re good, and also interesting to hear about
how much noise a child of this age can make,
but I think he shows bad taste in the time
and place he has chosen to display his ac-
complishments."
"Here! here! Arthur!" said Matilda, at
length prepared to take him and administer
the required sustenance. "Papa's been
plaguing my httle baby."
No voracious cannibal ever seized on his
Srey with more avidity than Arthur on that
ottle — and there was a great calm.
CHAPTER XX.
DOUBTINO.
Being pretty busily engaged at store for
the next two weeks I had hardly thought of
my stock investment, supposing of course it
was all right, and knowing it would take
some time before a favi)urable result could
be reached. I was somewhat startled, there-
fore, at receiving notice from the broker who
had the matter in charge that my margin had
been eaten up by fhe continued decline, and
I must be ready with another ten per cent.,
or lose the whole. I rushed around to Ed-
ward's office.
"Why! how's this?" asked I, in some
excitement.
"What's the matter now?" retorted he
quietly.
" My five hundred dollars are gone accord-
ing to this notice, and I must back out alto-
gether or put up another five hundred. I
am afraid you've got me in a bad box."
"Bad box ! well I'm sure I only advised
you as I Mould have acted myself. The
continued decline of this stock is most re-
markable. Idi-i!-'«; think ueople would be
such fools. "
" Well, is it ever going to stop declining,
and take the turn you've been talkiner
about?" ^
"You must judge for yourself; I shall not
advise any more, only state my opinion. You
know well enough that the road is in the
best condition and most thoroughly equip-
ped, that it has paid ten per cent, yearly
for a very long time, that the stock was held
stifif at one hundred and thirteen, and thou-
•»nd8 of jiersons bought as a permanent in-
"Yes I know, but what do the papers
•ay now ? That the road is burdened with
enormous indebtedness, and that the last
two dividends have been paid with borrowed
money."
" "111686 storieb, I am confident, are only
•ircolated by the bears, and when tiie next
dividend comes around and is paid you will
see the thing turn at once."
"Well," asked I anxiously, "would you
advise me to borrow five hundred dollars
more and risk it ?"
I shall not advise you at all. I will only
say that if I was in your place I certainly
should not lot a good thing go."
"The broker states my stock will be sold
before three o'clock, if the margin is not
forthcoming."
" Well, you haven't got much time then."
I hurried away full of doubt and anxiety.
All the money I could call my own was
locked up in the business, with five thousand
i dollars beside, which I had boirov/ed from a
I rich friend at the time I was admitted
partnir, and upon which I »vas paying
interest. I had overdrawn considerably my
regular living allowance from the store, and
Mr. Brewster, the head of the firm, did not
seeMi well pleased at further calls for funds.
I hart already five hundretl dollars from my
brother, and to get five hundred more would
cramp him considerably, although I knew
he would willingly inconvenience himself to
raise it if 1 asked him. Still I must raise
it or lose all 1 had so far invested.
I hastened to him and found him in his
office, quite busy. He received me with
his usual kindness and affection and waited
for me to state my business. Somehow I
was ashamed to tell him the truth, and so
blu.shingly ventured on my first falsehood
with him.
"Joe, 1 must have some money."
"Well, Tom, how much? I'm prettv
sh'Tt. " t^ J
" We've been presented with some un-
expected drafts to-day and have been pretty
nearly cleaned out, we are behind about five
hundred dollars to meet a note to-morrow."
"Well, I think 1 can accommodate you,
but not for a long while. I have some
paper of my own coming duo inside of two
weeks," said he, as he was drawing the
cheque.
" All right, a few days will see us straight
again. Much obliged, good day. "
I hurried in the direction of Wall-street,
rny eyes fiashing in excitement, and my
fingers twitching nervously. I felt that if
this money was also lost that I would be
ruined, that my reputation would be gone,
and all conlidenoe in me withdrawn, ilr
brother would never have advanced me
money to invest in Wall-Street, my rich
friend would have at once insisted upon a re-
funding of his loan, and Mr. Brewster would
have promptly cancelled our partnership
contract, it being a special stipulation be-
tween us that neither should speculate.
When I reached home I felt gloomy and
TOM'S WIFE.
I, I
I'm?**"*!' '^""'' ''^■'*'"' take Arthur for a While
•I m nearly worn out " ^^rawniie
rathe^grufflj'^ "^'"^'' ^'*'' '^^ ?" ^^ked I.
loving admiration. The <,wp«f„ ^ "' "in
nocejicp of n. J, 1 •^^'^'^^ness and m-
5?;her;.w^er^--^^---4ipei^^^^^^^^
an/eotddnot'eitL.St/ '"^ ""^ ^^-tite
"I atn not feeling verv wfill o.„i t
to^be,u.etandleft^,o^'i>.^i'ir^^^^
;; Oan't I do anything for yon, T„m v"
onmo . 1 T^"^ ^;""^ ""* shortly. When I
8o? can *L f ^'^" * '" ^'^ *" ^"' "" the on" e
BO I can get some rpnf v„„ ^ i ., = '
in with /ou and th^baby '•"""" '^^' ^'"^
«},« l^ I'^? ''''''' nothing, although I noticed
s5 nx :;v Tv/"r-^y -"' with i:::si
si-efttnl^I^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
future and taking a calm survey of my ore
Bent situation, I happened to K ^v thp
bla^-ng entrance to a theatre and at once
made UD mv m i.^ +^ „« ;.. t . ^^ °'"-^
sympathy with which she used tn n„ •
so j)romntlv all mv ,L;1 } *" perceire
them. From th?/i *'i*.'?'^ P'-ovide for
made Sd mv mir,/;; ::^ •r^\'"_*"'? ** ^nce
and miserable. and's-fmehU^ouIdSHnd
that conifort and Bolace at home as of old'"?
had of late gotten it in my head that M»Vn
tm:i;t^thit"p'*-''r*^" ^'•" ^^'^^^^^^
lormeny had, that quick consideration and
CHAPTER XXI.
CRUSHED.
Two weeks went slowlv by. Mv anxipfxr
spell, of anstrTc't- r„' alrforgS.'.^ ^
M Brewster could „ot help m.tic ng it **
rhomas." said he to me one dav "I
flon t think you can be very well " ' '
j"I.WtthinkIammyLS,. replied
up'ln]do^::if2£.J^r*--'^ brighten you
;; ('«;;h=4>s so, sir ; I have no objection."
mattelfnSt r'"' "^""^''^ that Thompson
gotttn In 'a- dreadfuT's^lil''* "'^"^ *'' '^^^
were to take the n L '"''^°'« y«»
andstraiglnenitn^''-''' '"^'^ """^ «"' *^«r«
''All right sir. I'li get ready."
'< A^?*^;J?-',",' ^''®''«' ai'e you going*"
"Ah, Matd,la, that ia what few "of n«
T{^}" '*"' ''"• ^^^--^ this jou nly of life
.3 Wmg us IS a great and^earfurmyj
^pLlZ'J::^^'''''^ "^-' ^'^y ^o yon
times." *'^*"^i'°'>e has serious turns at
She looked at mp ii^ifh in-r-=-;- •
I paused awhile,Thensirwr;1STrS
Du.^ey from her arms and placed him^onmy
"According to your ideas, Matilda " asked
I, earnestly, "what proper ion of the hu^lt
race are saved unto eterLl life V' '
DOUBTING.
33
alio used to perceive
nts, and provide for
e of time I feel oon-
iich injustice ; that
tm no way declined,
y overshadc^wed bv
action and attention
ler.
'1 and onpressed to
twas. After sitting
vithout waiting for
launtered iiome, let
it-key, and went to
XXI.
' ^y. My anxiety
n tiiat my husineas
'as seized by 8Uch
forgetfulness t'lat
if> noticing it.
me one day, "I
y well. " '
sdf, sir," replied
luld brighten you
i no objection."
a that riiompson
lat seems to have
J ; suppose you
id run out there
,,Iy."
should start the
sleeping-car at
'sylvania Road.
^e on Friday, so
lay and all Sun-
I convenient for
lat evening that
ake a short trip
"u going J"
liat few of US
3 journey of life
i fearful myg-
Why do you
it and flippant,
•ious turns at
Jasin^r anxiety.
took Arthur
ced him on my
atilda," asked
of the human
?"
"Why, Tom, how do I know? You
remember how our Saviour answered a man
onoe who was curious in such matters, in
effect : • What is that to thee ? Strive to
enter in the straight gate. ' "
"Well, Matilda, according to the testimony
of the divines, and according to our own judg-
ment of the lives of those around us, the great
majority of the human race must of neoes-
aity be eternally condemned. How fearful
is the responsibility of parents, then, in
bringing children into the world only to
plunge them in the midst of so terrible a
danger,"
" Certainly the Almighty gives none of
his creatures greater burdens than they can
bear. Our child's future rests with us and
with himself," said Matilla, solemnly.
She took the baby from me and clasp-
ed it to her breast, while her eyes tilled with
tears.
" But how long will you be gone, Tom ?"
asked she, after a pause.
"Oh! I am only going to St. Louis for
about a week."
" VVell, do take caieof yourself, dear, won't
you ?"
" Well now, really," replied I, more cheer-
fully, "I don't know as I should have thought
of it had you not spoken ; but I'll do the
beat I can."
Saturday came and found me at my desk as
usual. A weight seemed to press me down,
and a cloud portentous of evil seemed to
surround me. On opening my mail I found
a short note from my brother, putting me in
mind kindly that the last loan, which was
^ only temporary, had not been repaid, and
that he had a note to meet on Monday,
which he would find it difficult to do, unless
I produced the five hundred dollars.
This increased my troubles. I had not
the money, and knew of no way of getting
it promptly. It was our tight season at the
store, and I knew Mr. Brewster would not
advance it, except upon the most urgent ne-
cessity, and only after the most thorough
laying open of all the facts, which I was
not prepared to do. I had not the courage
to face my brother or to write him, and so
went on wearily and anxiously with my
regular work.
About three o'clock I received another
note which completed my misery and des-
pair. This was from the broker saying that
my second margin of ten per cent had diaap-
f eared in the continued decline of the stock
held, and, unless the proper additional
funds were forthcoming, before ten o'clock
Monday, they would be forced, in order to
save themselves from loss, to sell the stock
at the opening of the board. I made no re-
ply to this. I was like an animal hunted to
3
his lair, but without spirit enough to turn
upon his pursuers. I felt 1 could do nDthimf''
mure, hut would let every thing go by default
and take my chances.
It happened most unusually that afternoon
that a brace of customers from a distance
had sent us remittances by Adams' express,
aggregating nearly ten thousand dollars in
bank bills. As these arrived between fnur
and rive o'clock, Mr. Brewster was unable
to deposit the money, and so was forced to
lock it up in the safe at the store. My eye
gliitene ' as I saw him counting over this
money, and my heart beat and throbbed sos
that T could hariily get my breath. He ct.ll-
ed mo to assist in counting it and put it up
in packages. My hands trembled so much
I 'lould hardly hold the bills.
" This will help us out beautifully,
Thonas," said he ; "we are a little behind
on our European remittances, but Monday
we can deposit this and get out a short sight
bill by Tuesday's steamer."
"Yes, sir," said I faintly, bending over
the pile of money on my desk.
" I don't like the idea much, however, of
leaving this here over Sunday. It is too
bad it did not get in before three o'clock.
But I think it will be all right."
I put my duplicate store key in my pocket,
and hurried home immediately after closing,
uncertain, agitated and nervous.
" Matilda," said I after a hasty supper,
"I have concluded to leave you to-night."
" Why Tom, what for? please stay, and
be with me and baby over Sunday."
" I have calculated the matter, Matilda,
and find I will eitner have
day, or next Sunday on
think I would rather be
day."
" That's too bad, Tom.
rible disappointment to me."
" Disappointments can't well be helped,
my dear. I.ike disaster and disgrace, they
beset us on every hand."
" Oh ! do stay, Tom, over till to-morrow
night," implored Matilda, as she hung on my
neck and her eyes tilled with tears.
I clasped her in my arms and said bro-
kenly,
" Nay, Matilda ! as God is above us,
something tells me it is best for you and our
little one that I go so-night. One kiss and
then farewell."
1 tore myself away, snatched a kiss from
little Arthur, who was fast asleep in the
cradle, seized my satchel and was soon in
the street walking rapidly toward the ferry.
After a short and troubled sleep in my
narrow berth in the sleeping-car, I found that
settled slumber was not for me that night. It
was bright moonlight, so I pulled aside the
to be this Sun-
the road, and I
home next Sun-
It will be a ter-
34
n
TOM'S W/PE,
curtain andRazoJ out «. t^ ' '
placid «i-y/£'^^''S«-'V'« through i:^,^^^^^
VV»! I. lo.,(I.. I . _
placid
tivo c
/» 'f! ■' '■'; '"•"'«• """eTr/eo,/ /''" '"V^^J^
""'l took a «rim ,.lf ''^y ^''''''K t Z
thHfact thutZfe'r /". r't-"Xt t;
..,•.- r^' «''■. thi*t'atL„_ ,
ji»atsoZ;,k7r'''^-
Thi« is Mr H st' 'T'r^/ ^f---
""ctJe town on a loeil mn i , ^^'e'linif to I ' « v" ""° ''"•"""lio. ^'"wessi'
}„•» i;.. '"'" t know if i,„ i„ /.\
CHAPTER XXII.
^^. . SCENTING.
hasty g|,^a,e ^ the ,«f^*?° ''^ "sutl. a
dnlied near the Jock a,",^ ^'® ^'^^ a hole
door shattered. Tfc ,^'f ,^ Portion of t e
J«'k the door ^pen^dt'^:'^ ^ moment „
contents. AftefL^'Lti^/J" overt,;:
face tuniPd «,;,;.^^ ^search Mr.
tions for that " ' " '""^ sensibJe and cau
"Sir'. '"""""" ■
fUcd there 1st, s!," ?"'<"««» of u.ontv. I ?»"•«)«■•*«. Thn„. n
circumstaK"il//^«"d noted down aJ^r'^^ ad.l these 2^^. *^^ ^"''k of Len
fvery thingThatil""^, *" ^^e mZf^t, | '! knew all abtT tC t en - *'? ■''^°* S
"P .a'"l 8ui(| • ^
^''J'Hfs going to be
•'t thought «f that
"'y to get on the
i«offori,.g^OOfor
"^ the villain, and
recovered. "
''k** biiainesa, Mr
'J.^J'-sdck./sU?
i"d and cftrele«ly
he usually oocu-
[''■^,^'8 attention,
"t then alowly
3en with you. Mr.
He camo right
never been any
^ say, snd livea
^Hc has ft tine
extravagant in
Whether he has
ne ? " ^
U3il)le and cau-
'■ght He WM
^"ey Saturday, *
jglit you told
• from him to-
s to do with
ty ia the man
ligation that
out evident.
«y. I «nd
efuUy that
K Of green
fact that
«"'g there,
'at do you
said Mr.
staggered,
ty of hii
PURSUING.
junior partner. " Absolutely no motive for
a young man of liis ecUuation, cbnractor.
and xurruunding4 to plunge hiinselt' into
ruin."
"B.hold the motive, Mr. Brewster," aaitl
Brown, passing ovtr the two letters, one
signed 'your atl'eitionato brother, .losepli
Hasty,' the otiier, 'yours, respectfully,
Lionel Courtenay, Bnjker.'"
"What! wluit's this!" exclaimed Mr.
Brewster, putting on bis glaHses.
"The oil! story. Hb has borrowed money
to speculate with, he has lost it, ami to bobl
his own has borrowed more. He has lo3t
that too, and being in (ItPi)air, the oppor-
tunity has arisen to tempt him, and he has
fallen."
" Alas ! It seems too true. It shocks me.
Brown, much as the >ouiig manh;is wronged
me, to contemplate breaknig up that happy
home and covering him with ili.sgrace. Hia
own ipter<»8t heie would about cover the loss,
althouuh I know that half of that is borrow-
ed money. I am iiicliued, Brown, to ulrop
the pursuit."
"Tiien, sir, you'll go c^eiu back on your-
■elf. I believe you offered a good reward
just now."
" True. Perhaps I hr.vc. no rii:;ht to
villainy go unpunished. Go ahead and
your duty."
" v\ here does he live ? I think I will
over and see hia wife." Brown noted
number as it was given him, took up his hat
and left.
In the afternoon Matilda received a call
from the gentle'nan, and was a little sur-
prised to see one who was a stranger her.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Hasty," said Brown
very politely, " I hope I am not intruding.
The girl tell* me Mr. Hasty is away from
home."
" Yes, sir, he Jeft for St. Louis Saturday
night. He was to go Sunday evening, but
suddenly changed his mind and left on Satur-
day."
" Ah ! is this his little boy ? How much
he looks like Thomas. Come here, ynu lit-
tle rascal. You see, Mrs. Hasty, Thomas
and I used to go to scliool together, but we
have been separated a good many years. He
settled riglit down and went to work in the
city, but I have been knocking around the
wi rid since, and we have lost sight of one
another completely. My name is Ayres.
"Well, Mr. Ayres, I am sorry Thomas is
not at home. I know he would welcome you
heartily. He always speaks of fiis youth
with the greatest enthusiasm. You must
Btayawhde anyhow, and rest."
" Well, now, Mrs. Hasty, I wonder if he
has changed much."
let
do
go
the
said
con-
pic-
" I think not. Thomap is rather fle«hy,
about medium height, with light curly hair
and gray eyes. He is youthful in appearance,
and lias an easy, pleasant wayof doingevcry-
thim,'."
"Just .19 ho used to bo, Mrs. Ila'ity, He
wears a moustaciie, now, doesn't he?"
" Yes, sir; no other wlii.ikcrs."
"Well, I remember how much trouble ho
took tocoax that moustache out at suiuxd."
And Mr. Brown laid back and laughed.
His good-nature and easy manner was
coiitiigiouH, and Matilda could not help
smiling.
" A good fellow he used to bo at school,
generou'f within reastm, but precise and cor-
rect in all his dealings."
"Just like he is to-day, Mr. Ayres,"
MatiUla, rather pleased at what she
sidered praise to her husband.
"I would like ever so much to sec a
ture of him."
There ia a largo one hanging over the
lounge there, which is very >^oo<l indeed.
Here are some small ones in the album."
Brown looked at them uU with great in-
terest.
" Which is the best of these small ones,
Mrs. Hasty ? which looks the most like him
now?"
"This is the last he had taken, and I
think the best," answered she, pointing out
one.
"Ah ! It seems very good. Now, see
here, Mrs. Hasty, you jirobaUy have some
duplicates of these. I am going to ask you
— what I know Tho^nas wimld not have re-
fused me —I want one of the.^e pi;tures."
'•I don't see how I can deny you, Mr.
Ayies. Here ia the last copy I have."
" Thank you —thank you kindly. He will
be back after next Sunday, you think ?"
" Yes ; ho said he would, and he never
breaks his word."
" Well, good day, now, I'll be around
again and aeo him some time next week.
Good-day, Mrs. Ha.siy."
" Gooil-day, Mr. Ayres, A yery pleasant
man," said Matdda to herself as she closed
the door.
CHAPTER XXIII.
PURSUING.
Matilda had exp-'^-tcd a letter by Wf.dnrg=
day; none came. She felt anxious and dis-
appointed. The strange words of her hus-
band at parting haunte^ her, and her quick,
feminine perception had told her that some-
thing lay heavy on his heart, which he was
keeping from her. She was jealous that
anything should occupy a more important
TOM'S wrpE.
pUco in Jj ", tf, , ~^ — _
'!!<
'•«^«'l: that the '''"'''''-^ ''«''' '-a
'""""tain of ,1,,""' ""? »>"n,.',I .„„^^,.
8e,^;7«i.«'!."'*f J-wer every' *? ^V'"'*^-
.1., ^. "*1. lie was
her liinl.; .-..'""? 'ram on. .„ ."'".. «•'
over loas^f > '""^-y' ^^e seimuZ '' °^ "'^ truth without Helav " "^' ^^'^ ""e Jtaow
"'^.'^J Hotel, in Ii;i.^*'^>'\a8 of mnr/iT-"""' ^on^fort. an J
St,
"He was t ' not a Jine '^"
,„*• £''"K ^'XlZ^\ttYp'^-l Hotel, in l^^l.'^'^Aas of ■„:;.r";ri-"«'» «oifo7t: and
"'• He" wrn"1- ''"'■'^' «^«P- 1 S'^ijeJ' .'?P'-«««h;dTerSf il?u ^"«"
• -''ght hop,. vVo'li
^''it.l.la. They wer«
"^ ""tiling L^^"'
^'"'K unusual hav.
I' I thoy bear tr.
ml «. '" con-
"I Woo whon aha
' facts? Whiio •
"'■"".• .W'^'ijl With
las /lappened ? Te]i
nti'eirha.id.,«„d
"''^"1 had. taken '
word from To^.
« dead?" T^ll
/o the other, a*
«;^;«." answered
'oung wife, sink,
d, and burying
nsued.whfin.as
X^y raised her
"en. IS it all
j^r^^" began
'".nest." said
^" the face,
forever, f
;M me know
^«1 all that
' beginning
ng the cause
■ , MatiJda
'aimer and
ative. Her
tbe many
»ntl cddjy
gardetl her
n^lort, and
than bia
with hav.
h having
"" outside
»;ith not
mn, or
CAPTURED.
•7
relieve her per-
endeavoured to share and
plexitifs.
"And, so." said she, after Edw.ird had
flniehed, "tliey think he has taken the
money ?"
" That soemi about it. "
" VVoil, 'tis falsc-thorouglily, completely
.*' I w'«h we could make thrm think so "
Mid Edward, mournfully.
"Much as Tom might havc« been tempted
he w grounded too strong in honesty an.l
truth to be shaken by any such trial," ex-
claimed Matilda, emphaticully, drawing her-
■eif to her full heiubt.
" By heavens !" cried Kdward. " much as
appearances are agsinst him, I beliovti it "
"And I too," said Mary, tiimly.
" We must seek him at once ; we must
nnd him," continued Matilda.
"I will do my best," said Edward, " to I
undo the mischief I havo done. But how '
■hall we seek him, and where ?" J
"We must start for St. Louis to-night I
Ho never vueilltttes, never deceives; depend
nponit something has ha|)pene(l to detain
ftim, and I feel we will be certain to Hnd
Dim,
" I will keep Arthur while you are gone "
•aid Mary. '
" No, indeed." answered Matilda, decided-
h-, 'Arthur shall not be taken from me
while I live," and she glanced lovingly to-
wards the little fellow contenteilly King on
the bed and critically examining the needle-
work on his little dress.
So it was arranged that Edward, with Matilda
and thebaby.shouldtakethe train forSt. Louis
that night. Having but a few hours to pre-
pare, and the traps necessary to protect and
leert a baby being almost ;is numerous as
the equipments for a regiment of soldiers.
there was no tii»e to be lost. Things were
haatdy packed, farewells quickly said, and
the party at length found themselves on
their way to the ferry. As the night ex-
Dress westward bound pulled out of the de-
pot that evening, it bore at least two anx-
ious, troubled hearts. The excitement of
the start had upheld xMatilda ; but when she
had seen her baby comfortably asleep, and
remained herself alone quietly in the dark.
all the misery of her situation was painfully
brought home to her. 8he had no settled
plan of actum m her mind, she had no in-
lormation to assist her sp.ar('h • bpf +,,>5,;j,~
on her face, she praye.i long and'earnestll
and was comforted. She trusted to an al-
mighty and loving power above, and also to
the unerring instinct of an intense affec
tion.
CHAPTER XXIV.
CAPTUAKD.
W hen they reached (Jincinnati, Matilda,
who was nuiuh exhausted by the unusual
fatigue of travelling, was suddenly taken
quite ill, and thoy were foived to stop. Ed.
ward attcn.led as well as ho was able t.. her
comfort himself, besides giving all necessary
orders to secure every attention. He did
pro( igie8 in minding the baby, and was par-
t.cnlaily skilful in amusing and keeping
hull good-natured. *^ **
In the reu.ling room of the hotel that even,
mg, his attention was attracted to the con-
verj-ation of sr.nie gentlemen about a railroatl
accident which had happened some Hve
nights before. It was a local train on a short
road, and liad only a few passengers aboard,
, so tfiat the affair ha<i not attracted much at.
tentionorgltenin the newspapers to any
I extent. The tmin was running very fast
and in Htiiking a small bridge had dislodged
a rail and the last coach had been thrown
from the track.
" Any one hurt ?" asked Edward, joining
the party. *
" VV'ell, no, I believe not seriously," an-
swered the spoiiker, "for the fall wasn't
very great ; though I was told there is one
young man lying at a farm-house pretty
baiily smashed up." '
"pid you hear his name?" inquired Ed.
ward. *
"No, I did not. His bag had been lost
and there wasn't a name al)'jut him. He
has been unconscious most of the time He
was a New Yoiker, I think."
Edward saw here a gleam of hope, and
resolved to visit the place by the very first
train next morning.
Matilda was much better in the morning
and wanted to go immediately, but Edward
begged her to stay over for that day. say-
ing besides that he had an errand in the
neighbourhood that would take him away
most of the morning. Upon trying her
strength she found herself weaker than she
thought, and so consented to remain. Ed-
ward took the first morning train for the
scene of the accident.
Matilda came down in the dining-room
for a late breakfast, and almost the first per-
son ^he saw upon entei ing was her husband's
would-be friend, the self-styled Mr, Ayres.
1 "y* by. Mrs. nasty, good-morning," said
he cheerfully, as his eyes sparkled at the
sight of her. " Are you here?"
" Yes, Mr. Ayres, I am here; I was on my
way to St. Louis, when I was taken quite
sick and had to stop," ^
•' « ith your permission, we will break-
fast together, Mrs, Hasty."
88
TOM'« WTFF,
"Certainly, though my breakfast will
be necessarily a short one. My little boy
is asleep np stairs, and I h iVe left him in
charge of a maid for a few n^inutea only."
Tliey proceeded with their meal. Matilda
left in a short time, and Mr. Ay res, or
rather Browp, who seemed to have nothing
to do, after finishing, leisurely sauntered
around the office picking his teeth. Finally,
lighting a cigar he took a seat, where he
could have a Full view of the main staircase
as well as the elevator, and composed him-
self to wait.
At twelve o'clock Matilda received a tele-
gram from El) ward to take the first afternoon
trtiin on a certain road, and he would meet
her at the depot. He did not give any ex-
planation in his telegram, only that it was
important to come at once. She hastened
to get herself in readiness, and in a short
time after dinner took a seat in the omnibus,
with little Arthur in her lap, on her way
to the depot. As the omnibus turned
the corner. Brown stepped into a hack and
followed, leaving word at the hotel to sead
any message that might come after him.
After the crash and' shock I had kno^n
nothing whatever of what had happened, or
how much time had passe I. I was conscious
of painful sensations running through my
sleep and strange visions tiri^'ing my dreams,
but of anything tangible I could form uo
idea. Once or twice I had come partly to
myself, and had become indistinctly conscious
of forms sitting around, and of someone
holding something to my lips to drink. I
had tried to raise my arm, but could not. I
had tried to turn myself over, but had no
power ; so I sank oflF to sleep again, giving up
the puzzle hopelessly.
Ufjon waking up for the first time thor-
oughly, I found it was a bright, fresh
morning, well on towards the middle of the
day. I was in a neat little cottage resting
in bed, but how 1 came there or how long I
had been there, I could not tell. I saw that
my arm was bandaged up, and felt also
wrappings afound my head. After a consid-
erable time spem in looking leisurely around
and wondering what it all meant, I closed
^y eyes again. A footstep caused me to
open them once mnrn^ and I aaw ICdward
Blank bending over r^^?.
His tine eyes were filled with tears as he
gaze.l down upon me, crushed and battered
as I was. lying there bwathed and bandaged,
band and foot, helpless as an infant.
" Oh Tom !" said he iu a voice as soft and
trenmloua as a womaa's. " Thank God, you
are found at last 1"
"Edward! Pound ! How found? What
is it all about ?"
" Forgive me, Tom, forgive me for Glod's .
sake, or I shall die," continued Edward,
.imploringly.
Like a rush of waters when a barrier has
given way, came the flood of thought upon'
my returning memory. Everything con-
nected with my unfortunate speculation, all
my feelings of remorse and despair, the
journey and the accident, stood out before
me in a series of vivid pictures. As the
fatal truth came surging full upon me, the
thought that I lay there not only crushed in
body, but ruined in fortune, hopes, and
friends, caused me to close my eyes and
groan aloud.
" Can you forgive me, Tom, for all the
wretchedness of which I have been the un-
happy cause?"
"Certainly, Edward, I freely forgive ; you
acted in good faith, you did not »eekto deceive
me, you were deceived yourself. But how
can I forgive myself for the wicked foolish-
ness of which I have been guilty. I, who all
my life have been so severe on others that
hoped to take a short cut to wealth, and
gain money without work or saving : I, who '
nave been the constant champion of honesty
and truth, what excuse have I to offer when
I deliberately gambled with the money of
another, and, after the tirct stake was lost,
coolly lied to my own brother in order to get
more m<mey and continue the game ! "
" It was I that tempted you."
" Nay, it was my own heart. Would God
I had died when the crash came."
" Talk not so, Tom, or you'll break my
heart. Who knows what is in the future for
either of us. "
" There is nothing in the future for me;
loaded with debt, bankrupt in reputation, I
oaimot bear to return among my friends.
Had I bfen killed, that would have put an
end to my trouhle?i, and my poor wife and
darling little boy could have lived nicely on
the proceeds from the insurance on' my
life."
The doctor came in at this moment. As
my eyes were flashing and a hectic flush
mounting in my cheeks, he forbade any
further conversation at this time, and Ed-
ward, after pressing my hand, withdrew.
An opiate calmed my agitation, and after a
time I sank into a, nuiet slenn.
•A
■M
^^'
N
m
■which
my b
you (
bekep
best u
since 1
"P«
iiad? What
me for Clod's .
ed Edward,
barrier has
lought upon'
ything con-
culation, all
iespair, the
1 out before
es. As the
)on ine, the
^ crushed in
hopes, and
y eyes and
for all the
een the un-
'orgive ; you
Bk to deceive
:. But how
iked foolish-
I, who all
others that
wealth, aud
ngj I, who '
i of honesty
offer when
e money of
te was lost,
order to get
ne!"
Would God
■ break my
le future for
are for me ;
iputation, I
ny friends,
lave put an
or wife and
id nicely on
ice on my
oment. As
hectic flnsh
)rhade any
le, and Ed-
withdrew,
and after a
FINALE.
8»
m.
X4
\
■
i
M
.^
CHAPrER XXV.
FINALE.
In the afternoon, upon awakening, I felt
much calmer and better. Eilward came in
to see me, but we talked little, he sittiiie
by my bedside clasping my hand. The
doctor had told him, in my presence, that I
had been pretty well shook up, but he
thought with good nursing I would come
out all right. I had had one arm aud two
ribs broken, and had been badly cut about
the head. I had passed through a serious
crisis, but was now on the high road to con-
valescence.
Edward, though trying to be quiet, was
nervous and uneasy; he evidently had some-
thing on his muid, which he wished to tell
me. and yet seemed undecided just how to
do it.
Uf il ^i"li,^°T '^f''^, y«» leave Matilda and
little Arthur? asked I, after a pau«e
"Well, quite well."
"8he must be worried by my not writ-
"^•^ I ,f °"'"^®' "*»« kiows nothing of the
"Not a word."
"That is best. When you write, don't
fnghten her Edward; tell her I have been
some hir but am getting much better, and
will soon be al right again. My hand is so
Hurt, or I would write her myself."
Iot!^"*^^ »* won't be necessary to write.
.nlTv''^.''*'^*^^'";'^- Y°" seem to have
something to say, and yet can't quite say it. "
Yes. I was going to tell you-thatis-
anyhow I vegot to go now, but will be back
after awhile, and let you know all about it."
And he arose, and left the room
I wondered what he could 'have to tell
.that he seemed to hesitate so much about
but contented myself with lying quiet and
hstlessly gazmg out of the window at the
waving branches of a tree. A feeling of in
difference had come over me, and a disire to
let myself float down with the tide of events?
of chagrin and disappointment when I had
found myself still alive, but knowing I was
likely to live for soms time to come, I had
form^an" '" *'" '"*"«' ^ -y d^sire'to
4^^£S^:t^ ""'•''^ "^ '^'^^
■ari,i.k'T" "" ase. sir," said a female voice I
l^tdZT'T^ *' '^^^'"S h^'^'-d often by
my bedside, when in my dreamv stat« •
you can't go in. The doctor says-he must '
W?„ll"''*' ^^^ ^ •'"«^* *« know^too what's
^:ttbhu'Jt7"'^'^"-'^^-«-
" -P-haw ! Sarah, I'm not going to Mt him
up, or run away with him," replied the
strange voice of a man, coaxingly.
"C*n't help it, sir, you musn't disturb
him."
"I'm not to be bamboozled, young lady,
by any games ; I must, and shall see him."
"Games! you rude, v.ibked man, what
do you mean ?"
, "Mean, girl ! I mean tliat I am an officer
ot the law and have an order for his arrest,
btep aside, and let me enter."
A heavy tread, and the doo» swung open.
I raised my eyes, and met those of the
detective,
"Ah !" said he, quickly, upon seeing my
condition ; " the story of the smash-ap,then,
was true. Any -how, I have him safe,"
I gazed at him inquiringly, trying to make
it all out.
"Don't disturb yourself, sir," said he, in
a softened tone ; " it's all right. The folks
will be here in a few minutes."
I said nothing, but still followed him with
my eyes, as he took a seat by the window.
More sounds of footsteps outside, and
lidward soon eagerly entered.
"Good news, Tom," cried he, "we'll
make a man of you again, before long."
" V\hy, what now?" inquired I, languid-
"You're five thcusand fiollars richer than
you were before the accident."
i! ^^^ ^ haven't been killed, have I ?"
Tu ' 'i ^"' ^°" ^^^° *'®*° smashed up.
^®- '*"''"ad company, I have just heard
oacially to-day, intend to make you an offer
m settlement of live thousand dollars cash.
Somebody must have been threatening a big
suit'on your account."
d b7"''^^'^ ' '"^^' ^'^^''^^' ^ <'*° P*y all my
" \es and havo a good round sum over."
I paused a second, ruminating on this
unexpected good luck.
" This man here, Edward, seems to have
some business with me, will you see what it
IS?
" Eh ! well sir, what can we do for you ?"
The detective drew him one side and
whispered in his ear. Edward's countenance
fell, and he knew not what to say.
"Brown. Brown," said he, after a
imomeat's pause, "let me seel there
was a boy with a telegram fjr you at
I tn« rlonnf TK~ i..-i. : j
I you at Cincinnati, and they were fortu-
nate enough at the hotel to get it aboard this
train. "
•'Telegram for me."
*'^«»s. Here he onmes now across the
nelds, the same as I did myself. The stage
IS slow and the roads bad, and I wouldn't
wait."
40
TOM'S WIPE.
out and sung ou toT"'- /'•°'^° l»«ked
n.ent3 had "he rnp!« "• *"u^ '" * ^^^^ '»'>-
his counteSa^e i ^'^J'fS^^t overspread
IL^^-and ^nruf^eTaS. «^:^^^^^^^^^
j;^^hafs the matter, now V asked Ed-
Edward took the paper and read •
the''1h7t"a'nr "rtSd ^'^f ""^^ "^^--d
Return at once. '"°'' ''^ the funds,
"(Signed) Henry Brewster "
haf 1 .
BwearVa^^^orfa^a^r^ ^
So compkt: 'a^d'tho'rn"^^ "« all rejoice.
leavesJthingrthertoKs.id.""'"**'"'^
Held, towards the deSot ""^^^""^ ""'^^^ ^h"
"A friend of voura T«',n ;»
the stage, and S 'be £ ^^«'"•«» «P in
monts." ^™ *" a few mo-
;^o^.:^M'^.^^^Setitftu;^';x
toS^;3S:n'^lJ;/-f""yt^ing
wi:ri\i:i?iLturwr ai%sn »^
hurryiasr toward me '°^ *^"<»''.
■'Snl' i J^'t"''^ , V ^y^' ■ Matilda ?"
W ^h m? A ^T • ^^^""^ God for th si"
frame thnired'Sl'jo5'Lr?f.r.K^^°^«
that moment I could Cve^td'hlpp^^' *'
And felt him he?s aga^n.^L'?-''''""*^ « heart,
^t and withrirew. In
m walking across the
Tom, is co,„i .^
9 here m a few mo-
>I any friends left ♦"
™ave; no ^^,^ ^^^^
t think, at this one.
n iifter the water
^l painfully trying
used me to turn mv
la was at the dvx»r,
yes? Matilda?"
ak God for this I"
er shoulder and my
51- neck, my whole
and I felt that at
e died happy I
in P vradiae
3t roses blew
' m )rtal kiad,
itaatpiriloushour.
horhuaband's heart,