Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-10-28
'Nor would he bear it from me, either,

'Nor would he bear it from me, either, |
fear, William
Just at that moment, the subject of the
conversation came in.
@You are late this morning, Henry said
the owner Of the shop to him, in the presence
of the other workmen.
'lt is only few minutes past the hour
he replied, modify.
1T is more than an hour past
'Wcll, if 1t is, can make it up
'That is not the right way, Henry; lost
time is never made up
Thorne did not understand the general
truth intended to be expressed, but, suppos-
ed at once, that the master of the shop meant
to intimate that he would wrong him out Of
the lost hour, notwithstanding he had prom
ised to make 1t up. He therefore turned an
angry look upon him and said, do you mean
to say that would cheat yci sir =
The master was hasty man, and tena-
cious ofhis dignity as master. He invari-
ably discharged a ourncyman who was in the
least degree dsrcspcctful in his language or
manner towards him, before the other work.
men. Acting under the impulse that at
once prompted him, he said, you are dis
charged and instantly turned away.
As quickly did Henry Thorno turn and
leave the shop. He took his way home
ward, but he paused and fingered as de drew
nearer and nearer his little cottage, for trou-
bled thoughts had now taken the place of
angry feelings. At length he was at the
door, and lifting slow the latch, he entered.
'llenrln said Ellen, with a look and tone
of surprise. Her face was paler and more
carc-worn than it was year before and
its calm expression had changed into a trou-
bed one. She had babe upon her lap,
her first and only one. The room in which
she sat, was far from indicating circumstan-
ces improved by the passage Of a year, was
far less tidy and comfortable ; and her own
attire, though neat, was unreasonable. Her
husband replied not to her enquirme look,
and surprising ejaculation, but seated him
self in a chair, and burying his face in his
hands, remained silent, until, unable to en-
durc the suspense, Ellen went to him, and
taking his hand, asked so earnestly, and so
tenderly, what it was tina. troubled him, that
he could not resist her gentle appeal.
Il am discharged y he said with bitter en-
phass. And there Is not another place
within fifty miles
80 Henry how did that happen 2
81 hardly know myself, Ellen, for il all
seems a dream. When | left home this
morning, did not 90 directly to the shop !;
| wanted to see man at the upper end of
the town, and when got back it was an
hour later than usual. Old Ballard took me
to task beior all the shop, and intimated that
| was not disposed 10 act honestly towards
him. This cannot bear from any one -
| answered HIM in anger, and was discharg-
ed On the spot. And now what are we to
do, heaven only knows. Winter is almost
upon us, and we have not five dollars in the
r4ord.''
'Bnt something will turn up for us, Henry,
know it WILL said Ellen, trying to smile en-
couragingly, although her heart was heavy
in her bosom.
Her husband sho211A head doubtingly,
and then all was gloomy and oppressive ST.
i":ce. For nearly an hour, no word was
spoken by either. Each mind was busy
with painful thoughts, and one with fearful
torcbodings ofevil. At the end of that time.
the husband took up his hat and wen, out.
For long, long time after, Ellen sat in
dreamy, sad abstraction, holding her babe to
her breast. From this state, a sense of duty
reused her, and laying her infant on the bed
for they had not ye, been able to spare
money for cradlc--shc began to busy her
self in her domestic duties. This brought
some little relief.
About eleven o'clock, Jane came in will,
her usual cheerful, almost happy face, bring
ing in her hand stout bundle. Her coun-
tenancc changed in its expression to one of
concern, the moment her eye rested upon
her sisters face, and she laid her bundle on
a chair quickly, AS if she had desired to keep
it on, of Elcn's sight.
What is the matter, Ellen 2 she asked
with tender concern the moment she had
closed the door.
Ellen could not reply; her heart was too
full. Bet she leant her head upon her sis
tcr's shoulder; and, for the first time since
she had heard the sad news of the morning,
burst INTO tears. Jane was surprised, and
filled with anxious concern. She waited UNI
til this ebullilion Of feeling had IN some de-
gree abatcd, and she then said in a tone more
tender than that in which she had at first spo-
ken, Ellen. dear sister tell me what has
happencd.'
4 am foolish, sister, at length said Ellen,
looking up, and endeavoring to dry her tears.
'Bnt | cannot help it. Henry was discharge
ed from the shop this morning and now what
are we to do ! We have nothing ahead,
and am afraid he will not be able to get
any thing to do here, or within many miles
Of this village
That is bad, Elem Jane said, while a
shadow fell upon her face, but few moments
before glowing and happy. And that was
nearly all she could say for she did not
wish To offer false consolation, and she could
think of no genuie words of comfort. After
a while, each grew more composed in mind,
and less reserved, and then the whole matter
was talked over, and all that Jane could say,
she did say, that seemed likely TO soothe and
give hope TO Ellcn's mind.
'What have you there? at length asked
Ellen, glancing towards the chair upon which