Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-07-06
A Domestic Sketch,
BY MRS. sIGoURNEY.

1t is the duty of mothers to sustain the rcver-
ses of fortune. Frequent and sudden as they
have been to cur own country, 1t is important
that young females should possess some employ
ment by which they might obtain livelihood, IN
case they should be reduced to the necessity Of
supporting themselves. When families are uneX-
pectedIy reduced from afluence to poverty, how
pitifulIy contemplate it is to see the mother des
pondng or helpless, and permitting her daugh-
tiers to cmbarrass those whom it is their duty to
assist and cheer.
81 have lost my whole Fortune" said a mer-
chant, as he returned one evening to his home;
eve can no longer keep our carriage We must
leave this LARGE house. The children can no
longer 90 to expensive schools Yesterday was
a rich man to-day there is nothing can call
my own"
Dear husband" said tbs wife, I'VE 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"
f" Dear father" saik the children, " do not
look so sober We will help you to get liy-
ing"
What can you do, poor things?" said he
You shall see, you shall see," answered
several cheerful voices. =" 1t 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 81 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 enthusiasm of the scene
cheered him, and his nightly prayer was like {
song of praise.
They left this stately house. The servants
were dismissed Pictures and plate, rich carpe
and furniture were sold, and she who had beer
so long the mistress of the mansion, shed no tear
"Pay every debt" said She "let no one SUITE
through us, and we may yet be happy"
He rented a neat cottage and small piece o
ground few miles from the city. With the ali
of his sons he cultivated vegetables for the mar
ket. He viewed with delight and astonishmen
the economy of his wife, nurtured as she hat
been in wealth, and the efficiency which hi
daughters soon acquired under her training.
The eldest one assisted her in the work of til
household, and also instructed the younger Chi
dren Besides, they executed various works
which they had learned as accomplishments, BIT
which they found could be disposed of to adval
tage. They embroidered with taste some OF til
ornamental parts of female apparel, which wei
readily sold to merchant in the city.
They cultivated flowers, and sent boquets
market in the cart that conveyed the vegetable
they plated straw, they painted maps, they eX
cuted needle-work Every one was at her pos
busy and cheerful. The cottage was like be
hive
al never enjoyed such health before" sa
the father.
And never was so happy before" said Il
mother.
"We never knew how many things we cou
do, when we lived in the great house" said Il
children, and we love each other great de
better here. You call us your little bees"
eyes," replied the father, " and you mai
lust such honey as the heart likes to feed on"