The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-10-02

I looked around the room. 1t was the
bedroom Everything in it was neat and
orderly. The bed, like the crib, was ex-
cellent but not costly. The white coun-
terpane did not cost more than ten shil-
lings-yet how beautiful it looked! The
white window curtains were shilling mus
lin but their folds hung as richly as if
they were damask-and how very appro-
pirate they seemed! The bath with its
snug folding doors, I knew had not cost
more than ten dollars. The toilet table,
of an elegant form, and completely cover
ed, l had no doubt was of pine, and cost
half dollar. The pictures on the wall
were beautiful-tinted lithographs-better,
far better, than oil paintings L have seen
in the houses of millionaires; yet they can
be bought for three to five shillings, and a
dollar apiece had framed them. The floor
had carpet that seemed to match every
thing, with its small neat figure, and a
light chamber color. Itwas a jewel of a
room, in as perfect keeping in all its parts
as if an artist had designed it,
Leaving the little boy to his untroubled
sleep, and giving directions for his bath on
his waking, we went into the other room,
which was differently, but just as neatly
arranged. 1t NIL ght have answered for a
parlor, only it had a cooking stove, for an
artists study, or dining room. 1t was
hung with pictures-heads, historical pieces
and landscapes; all such as man of bus
mess and taste could select and buy cheap,
but which, like good books, are invaluable
And speaking of books, there was a hang
ing library on one side of the chimney,
which single glance assured me contained
the choicest treasures of the English
tongue.
The man went to the bureau, opened a
drawer, and took out some money.
sWhat is your fee, Doctor p he asked
holding the bills so as to select one to pay
me.
Now, I had made up my mind, before |
had got half way up the stairs, that [
might have to wait for my pay, perhaps
never get it; but all this had changed
[ could not as I often do, enquire into the
circumstances Of the man, and graduate
my price accordingly. There he stood
ready to pay me, with money enough /; yet
it was evident that he was working man,
and far from wealthy. 1 had nothing to
do but to name the lowest fee.
'One dollar does not seem enough,
said he. you have saved my child's life
and have been at more trouble than to
merely write a prescription
DO you work for a living 1 asked,
hoping to solve the mystery.
He smiled and held out his hand, which
showed the unquestionable marks of hon
est toll
you are a mechanic p said, willing
to know more of him.
Take that he said, placing two dol
lar note in my hand, with a MOTTO -be-re-
turned air, and | will crafty your curl
osity for there is no use in pretending that
you are not little curious
There was a hearty, respectful, freedom
about this, that was irresistible. put
the note in my pocket, and the man going
to door, opened it into closet ofmoder-
ate size, and displayed the bench and tools
of shoemaker.
You must be an extraordinary work.
man, said L, looking around the room,
which seemed almost luxurious but when
| looked at each article separately, L found
it cost very little.
No, nothing extra, barely manage to
earn little over a dollar a day. Mary
helps me some. With the houscwork to
do, and our boy to look after, she earns
enough to make our wages average eight
dollars week. We began with nothing,
we live as you see.'
All this comfort, this rcspectability, this
almost luxury, for eli lit dollars week !
L expressed my surprise.
should be very sorry if we spent 50
much,' said hc I'VE have not only man
aged to live on that, but we have some
thing laid up in the savings bank
win you have the goodness just to ex-
plain to me how you doit.'
with PLEASURE he replied; for you