Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-07-10
THE DAIRxMAN's BILL.


not time when any one, who has freedom of
choice Will leave warm fire side For walk
in the shelterless streets. But with the wor.
thy man whom we are about to introduce TO
our readers, there was no alternative. Sandy
Patterson was dairyman in the suburbs of
Edlnburg who maintained his little family by
The sale of the produce of two cows. His
wife and only child, comely girl of nine
teen, were all Sandy's household, and eve
ry member of it took share of the labor.
which supplied their few and humble wants
Their small cottage was neat and clean. ms
were also the inmates themselves, though
their counienances, on the rainy February
night IN question, betokened depressed and
sorrowful hearts. Heaven speed thee. guide
man said the wife, as Sandy Patterson
threw his plaid about his shoulders, and pre-
pared to encounter the blast without sHea-
ven speed ye! or else we'll be harrie6 and
ruined creatures the morn. What a night too,
to gang o'doors in. Wrap yourself up, Sam
dy, and put the bonnet firm on your head.
for that wind is enough 10 tear the coat aft
your back But the trial maun be made,
Her husband drew his bonnet tightly over his
grey and scanty hairs as he was desired, and.
after speaking word of hope and comfort.
lett his spouse and daughter alone in their
lowly tenement
The dairyman was too much Injured TO ex-
posure at all seasons, to feel any great dis.
tress from the sleety rain, which fell in 6tful
showers around him as he proceeded along
the causeway side, towards the centre of the
city. Few passengers were in the street that
night; the many closed shutters showed that
all who could remain within doors were en-
Joylng themselves in their parlors. Poor
Sandy Patterson walked on, scarcely con-
sclous OF the storm, having that on his mind
which rendered him needless of any personal
inconvenience. He reached at last one of
the most fashionable streets in the new quar-
ter OF the city, and stopped in front of hand
some mansion, which unlike those around
II, was not closed and suffered ND. On
thu contrary, brilliant flood of light came
from the windows, and the sound of music
and mlrth were audible even in the street.
Sandy Patterson was not the least enyious
OF the mortals still he could not forbear
signing as he listened and gazed. With a
slow step he mounted the stairs of that
abode OF enjoyment, as it seemed to be,
and applied his hand tirnidly to the bell. No
answer followed his gentle pull the sound
was perhaps drowned in the revelry within.
Sandy pulled again, with very little addi-
tlonal energy. man servant, in plain clothes,
now opened the door. To the question, what
DO you want" Patterson replied, 81 am sor-
ry TO give you trouble, sir, but am the milk
man. | have been once or twice of late
about the bit account for milk that the family
has forgotten and though it's an untmeous
hour, would be greatly obliged if it could
be settled the night. wad hae been laith 10
trouble ye, but | am in sair want or The
servant, who had been listening to his speech.
with the door open 20 the least possible ex-
tent that the blast might not visit the interior,
now asked the petitioner to come into the
lobby, while he should mention the matter TO
his master. Sandy3 with many scrubbines OF
MS ieet, did as he was required, and took q
chair pointed out to him. Here his patience,
and ne had great deal OF it, was not long
tried. The man having gone up stairs, re-
turned IN minute or two with the answer
1T was not convenient TO settle The account at
present.; this was an extraordinary time 10
come in guest Of money; he must call in day
or two; on Saturday perhaps, or Monday.
Inc answer was a deadly blow TO the
humble dun. The sum which was owing by
THIS family to hmj amounted 10 more than
four or five pounds that sum was Of the
! greatest consequence to him. He already
called for payment pretty nearly a dozen
times although he had modesny mentioned
1t 'once or twice. and sad necessity alone had
pressed him TO renew his claim on the present
occasion. Unless he procured the sum he was
IN n, quest of, his cattle and his furniture, his
ais IN short would be seized on the NOR
row BY legal execution, and brought 10 public
eai9. ne disconsolate petitioner attempted
IN language broken by the heayiness Of his
heaft' 70 make the footman aware Of the state
! Of matters but seeing his words made M,