Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-07-06
A DOMESTIC SKETCH.
BY MRS. SlGOURNEY.

BY MRS. SlGOURNEY.
1t is the duty of mothers to sustain the
reverses of fortune. Frequent and sudden
as they have been in our own country, it is
important that young females should possess
some employment by which they might OBJ
tain a livelihood, in case they should be re-
duced to the necessity of supporting them
selves When families are Unexpectedly re-
duced from ailluence to poverty, how pitiful-
ly contemplate it is to see the mother de-
spending or helpless, and permitting her
daughters to embarrass those whom it is
their duty to assist and cheer.
81 have lost my whole fortune" said a
merchant, as he returned one evening to his
home eve can no longer keep our car
riage. We must leave this large house.
The children can no longer go to expensive
schools. Yesterday was rich man; to-
day there is nothing | can call my own"
"Dear husband" said the wife, eve are
still rich in each other and our Children
Money may pass away, but God has given
us a 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
aliving"
"What can you do, poor things 7" said
he.
"You shall see, you shall see," answered
several cheerful voices. " 1t is pity five
have been to school for nothing. How can
the father of eight children be poor We
shall work, and make you rich again"
shall help" said the youngest girl,
hardly four years old 81 will not have a.
ny new things bought, and | shall sell my
great doll"
The heart of the husband and father,
which had sunk within his bosom like
stone, was lifted up. The sweet enthusiasm
Of the scene cheered him, and his nightly
prayer was like a song of praise.
They left this stately house. The SER
wants were dismissed Pictures and plate,
rich carpets and furniture were sold, and she
who had been SO long the mistress of the
mansion, shed no tear "Pay every debt"
said she, let no one suffer through us, and
we may yet be happy"
lie rented neat cottage and a small
piece of ground few miles from the city.
With the aid of his sons he cultivated veg
etables for the market He viewed with de-
light aud astonshment the economy of his
wife, nurtured as she had been, in wealth,
and the efficiency which his daughters soon
acquired under her training.
The eldest one assisted her in the work
of the household, and also instructed 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 a merchant in the city.
They cultivated flowers, and sent bouquets
to market in the cart that conveyed the
vegetables; they plated straw, they painted
maps, they executed plain needle-work--
Every one was at her post, bnsy and cheer
full. The cottage was like beehive.
a." never enjoyed such health before,
said the father.
And | never was so happy before" said
the mother.
We never knew how many things we
could do, when we lived in the great house, y
said the children, " and we love each Other
great deal better here. You call US youl
little bees
eyes," replied the father, and you
make just such honey as the heart likes tC
feed on"
I Economy, as well as industry, was strict
ly observed; nothing wasted. Nothing un
necessary was purchased. The eldest daugh
) ter became assistant teacher in a distin
: guished female seminary, and the second tool
her place as lnstructress to the family
The little dwelling which had always
been kept neat, they were soon able to beau
: tiiy. Its construction was improved, anc
: the vines and towering trees were repanteC
: around it. The merchant was happier un
der his woodbine covered porch, in sum
: mer's evening, than he had been in hi
: snowy dressing-room.
"We are now thriving and prosperous,
} said he, shall we return to the city 2"
"Oh, no, no" was the unanimous reply
D Let us remain" said the wife, "wher
we have found health and contentment."
C Father" said the youngest, all W
c children hope you are not going to be ric
D again; for them" she added, GIVE littl
o ones were shut up in the nursery, and di
q not see much of you or mother. Now W
i all live together, and sister, who loves III
! teaches us, and we learn to be industriou
!, and useful. We were none of us happ
: when we were rich and did not work. So
, father, please not be arich man any more.