CHAPTER XVII.
"WILL you have the money now, dear ?" said Mrs.Wilkinson, as she arose, with her husband, from the dinner-table, on the day she announced to him the fact that she had saved a few hundred dollars, out of the amount given her for the expenses of the family.
"No, not to-day," replied Wilkinson.

"In fact, Mary," he added, "I don't feel just right about taking your money; and I think I must manage to get along without it." "John!" Mrs.Wilkinson seemed hurt by her husband's words.
"It is yours, Mary," was replied with much tenderness of manner.

"You have saved it for some particular purpose, and I shall not feel happy to let it go back again and become absorbed in my business." "Have we divided interests, John ?" said Mrs.Wilkinson, in a low, serious voice, as she clung to her husband's arm, and looked steadily into his face.
"I hope not, Mary." "Am I not your wife ?" "Yes, yes; and one of the best of wives." "And do I not love you ?" "Never for a single moment has a doubt of your love been whispered in my heart." "Such a whisper would have wronged me.

Yes, my husband, I do love you, and as my very life." Wilkinson bent down and pressed his lips to hers.
"Love ever seeks to bless its object," continued Mary, "and finds, in doing so, its purest delight.

Do you think I could use the money I have, in any way that would bring me so much pleasure as by placing it in your hands?
Surely your heart says no." "I will take it, dear," said Wilkinson, after a slight pause.