Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-03-03

on the countenance of the father, and
thrown over the mothers face glow of
beauty looked upon them, and was
more than ever puzzled where to place
them. There was no marks of high
breeding, not a shadow of deeayed gentl-
ity about them. 1t was rather the re-
verse. as if they were working up from a
low rank to "a higher. looked around
the room. 1t was the bed room. Every
thing in it was perfectly neat and orderly.
The bed, like the crib, was excellent /;
but not costly, The white counterpane
did not cost more than ten shillings-yet
how beautiful it looked.
The white window curtains were shil-
ling muslin, but their folds hung as rich
ly as if they were damask-and how very
appropriate they seemcd. The bath with
its strong folding doors, knew had not
cost, plumbers bill and all, more than ten
dollars. The toilet-table, of an elegant
form. and completely covered, had no
doubt was white pine, and cost half a dol
lar. The pictures on the wall were beau
tiful tinted dlithographs--better far betted.
than oil paintings / have seen in the
houses of millionaries /; yet they can be
bought at Goupirs, or Williams d
Stephens. for from three to five shillings,
and dollar piece had framed them.
The floor had carpet that seemed to
match every thing. with its small neat
figure, and light chamber color. 1t was
a Jewel of a room, in as perfect keeping
in all its parts, as if an artist had design
ed 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 might have answer
ed for parlor, only it had cooking
stove, or an artists studio. or dining
room. 1t was hung with pictures
heads, historical pieces, and landscapes !;
all such as a man of taste could select,
and buy cheap; bat which, like good
books, are invaluable. And speaking of
books, there was a hanging library on
one side of the chimney. which single
glance assured me contained the very
choicest treasures of the English Ian
guage.
The man went to bureau, opened a
drawer, and took out some money.
What is your fee, doctor?' he said,
holding out the bills so as to select one to
pay me.
Now had made up my mind before
l got half way up stairs, that might
have to wait for my Pay-perhaps never
get it, but all this had changed. could
not, as often do. inquire into the cir
cumstances of the man. There he stood
ready to pay me, with money enough, yet
it was evident that he was working man
and far from being wealthy. l had
nothing left but to name the lowest tee
'One dollar does not seem enough,
said he. you have saved my child's
life, and have been to more trouble than
to merely sit down and write prescrip-
ton
DO you work for your living? said
1, hoping to solve the mystery.
He smiled and held out his hand,
which bore the unquestionable marks of
honest toll.
you are mechanic p said. will
ling to know more Of him.
Take that. he said, placing a So note
in my hand, with not-to-be refused air,
and 1 will CRAFTY your curiosity, for there
is no use in pretending that you are not
little curious
There was hearty, respectful freedom
about this that was perfectly irresistible.
l put the note in my pocket, and the man
in going to the door which opened into a
closet Of moderate side, displayed the
bench and tools of shoemaker,
You must be an extraordinary work
man. said l, looking around the room
which looked almost luxurious but when
looked at each item, found that it cost
but very little,
No. nothing extra. barely manage
to make little over dollar day. Mary
aids me some. With the house work to
do. and our little boy to look after, she
earns enough to make our wages average
So week. We began with nothing
we live as you see.'
All this comfort, the responsibility, this
almost luxury, for eight dollars week.
L should be very sorry if we spent so
much said he. I'VE not only manage
to live on that but have something laid up
in the savings bank
will you have the goodness, said
Just to explain to me how you do it?' for
| was really anxious to know a shoemaker
and his wife earning but So week could
live in comfort and elegance. and lay up
money.
with pleasure he replied, for you
may persuade others, no better of than
l, to make the best oftheir situation
took chair which he handed me-
We were seated, and his wife after going
to listen for moment to the soft and
measured breathings of little Willie sat
down to her sewing.
sMy name he said is William Car
ter. My father died when 1 was young
and was bound out an apprencice TO a
shoemaker, with the usual provisions oi
l. Eli :.