The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1840-08-21
THE FATIIER---An Instructive sketch.
ny MRS. sIGoURNEY.

possess some employment, by which they
might obtain a livelihood in case they
should be reduced to the necessity of sup
porting themselves. When the families
are Unexpectedly reduced from ailluence
to poverty, how pitiful and contemplate
it is to see the mother Responding or help
less, and permitting her daughters to en-
barrass those whom it is their duty to as.
sist and cheer.
81 have lost my whole fortune" said
merchant as he returned one evening to
his home, "we can no longer keep our
carriage. We must leave this large house.
The children must no longer 60 to eXpen-
sive schools. Yesterday | was a rich
man. TO day there is nothing ] can call
my own"
Dear husband, we are still rich in
each other and our children. Money may
pass away, but God has given us better
treasure in those active hands and loving
hearts"
dear father" said the children, "do
not look so sober. We will help you to
get IA living"
"What can you do, poor things" said
he.
"You shall see, you shall see" answer
ed several cheerful voices. at is pity
if we have been to school for nothing.
How can the father of eight children be
poor. We shall work and make you
rich again"
81 shall help said the youngest girl,
hardly four years old, Il will not have
any new things bought and shall sell my
great doll"
The heart of the husband and father,
which had sunk within his bosom like a
stone, was lifted up. The sweet enthu-
siasm of the scene cheered him, and his
prayer was like song Of praise.
lie left his stately house. The servants
were dismissed. Pictures and plate, rich
carpet and furniture were sold, and she
who had so long been the mistress Of the
mansion she'd no tear. "Pay every debt"
said she, "let no one suher through US,
and we may yet be happy"
He rented neat cottage and a small
piece Of ground, few miles from the CT
t.. With the aid of his sons he cultivated
vegetables for the market. He viewed
with delight and astonishmcnt the econo-
my Of his wife, nurtured as she had been
in wealth and efficiency which his daugh-
tiers soon acquired under her training.
The eldest one assisted her in the work
of the household and also assisted the
younger children. Besides, they executed
various works, which they had learned as
accomplishments but which they found
could be disposed Of to advantage. They
embroidered with taste some of the orna-
mental parts Of female apparel which were
readily sold to merchants in the city.
They cultivated flowers and sent bo-
quets TO market, in the cart that conveyed
the vegetables; they plated straw, they
painted maps, they executed needle work.
Every one was at her post, busy and
cheerful. The cottage was like bee.
hive.
81 never enjoyed such health before
said the father.
"And never was as happy BEFORE
said the mother.
1--WE never knew how many things W.
could do when we lived in the grea
house" said the children, "and we love
each other great deal better here.-Y OF
call us your little bees"
: EYES," said the father, "and YOU max,
just such honey as the heart loves to lcet
: on
Economy as well as industry wa
strictly observed-Nothing was wasted
A Nothing unnecessary was purchased. Tn
; eldest daughter became assistant teache
! in distinguished female seminary, an
! the second took her place as instructres
to the family.
The little dwelling, which had Away
, been kept neat they were soon able t
: bcautiiy. It's construction was improved
: and the vines and Towering trees were re
4 planted around it. The merchant wa
= happier under his wood-bine covere
: porch, in summers evening, than h
7 had been in his snowy drawing room.
j. "We are now thriving and prosperous,
r said he, "shall we now return TO tn
i city 2"
y ooh, no, no, no" was the unanimou
o reply.
il "Letus remain" said the wife, "wher