Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-12-14

but think it would be a venture. Every one
up the steps with a parcel in her hand. She
wants to engage me to do her work, I suppose
but think it would be venture. Every one
says they are running down hill, and it is a
chance if ever get my pay.'' aa
'sShe always has paid us promptly" was the
IrsE H.. r.. j., =. a.u. of b. n,,,n.,-
ity. cannot afford to run any risk
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson prevented
farther conversation. -.+s sa5 90 D.
She was evidently surprised at the refusal of
Mrs. Bennett to do any work for her; bnt as
great pressure of business was pleaded as an ex-
cuse, there was nothing to be said, and she soon
took her leave. Another application proved
equally unsuccessful. 1t was strange how busy
the village dressmakers had suddenly become.
On the way home the poor shoemaker's wife
met the teacher of a small school in the neigh
borhood where two of her children attended.
"Ah! Mrs. Thompson, / am glad to see you,''
was the salutation 81 was about calling at your
house. Would it be convenient to settle our lit
tie account this afternoon!'' ~.5
ssOur account!'' was the suppressed reply
'Surely, the term has not yet expired"' ,.es
ssOnly half of it, but my present rule is to COL
lect my money at that time I is plan which
many teachers have adopted of late.'
81 was not aware that there had been any change
in your rules, and / have made arrangements to
meet your bill at the usual time. l feart tina it
will not be in my power to do SO sooner. ;. :...
The countenanee of the teacher showed great
disappointment, and as she passed on in a differ
ent direction, she mutterred to herself: z4.s
ssJust as expected. I never shall see cent
Every body says they are going dow hill. must
get rid of the children in some way. Perhaps
may get pair of shoes of two for payment for
the half-quarter, if manage right but it will new
er do to go on in this way" -as- fe ,
j little discomposed by her interview with the
teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into neighbor-
ing grocery to purchase some tri1ing article of
family stores. r.. ~, .. ss.=ef.
81 have little account against you. Will it
be convenient for Mr.. Thompson to settle it this
evenng!" asked the polite shopkeeper, as he pro-
duced the desired article.
s'Is it his usual time for settlng?" was again
the surprised inquiry.
"Well, not exactly, but money is very tight
just now, and I am anxious to get all that is due
me. In future 1 intend to keep short accounts;
there is little bill, if you would like to look at
it. l will call around this evening. It is but a
small affair." .. ~ .1
sThirty dollars is no small sum to US just now
thought Mrs. Thompson, she thoughtfully pur-
sued her way towards home - 1ss ssf
cit seems strange that all these payments must
10
cover from the heavy expense of the winter. Il
cannot understand it, s ag.@ 4@zeso
Her perpexity was increased by finding her
husband with two bills in his hand and a counten-
ance expressive of anxiety and concern.
'.Look, Mary" he said as she entered t.Here
are two unexpected calls for money, one from the
dealer in leather, from whom purchased my last
stock. They are both very urgent for immediate
payment, although they have always been willing
to wait few months until could make arrange
ments to meet their claims. But misfortnnes
never come single, and when man once gets q
little behind-hand, trouble seems to pour in upon
him. .....---
'sJust so,'' replied the wife. "The neighbors
think we are going down hill, and every one is
ready to give us push. Here are two more bills
for you-one from the grocer and the other from
the teacher.'' ...a.,a- . :s.g s.e .-rls. z...+:l
Reply was prevented by knock at the door.
and the appearance of. lad, who presented a
neatly folded paper and disappeared. - ssss
ssThe butchers account, as I live,'' exclaimed
the astonished shoemaker. "What is to be done,
Mary! So much money to be paid out and very
little coming in; for some of my best customers
have left me, although my work has always given
satisfaction III could have only as much en-
ployment as usual, and the usual credit allowed
me, could soon satisfy all these claims; but to
meet them now is impossible, and the acknowl-
edgement of my inability, would send US still on
the downward path :. .s~sas.G ,ass.erzr8
s-"We must do our best, and trust in Proyi-
dence,' was the consoling remark of his wife. as
a knock at the door aroused the fear that another
claimant was about to appear. .e. n..st
But the benevolent couutenance of Uncle
Joshua, rare, but ever welcome visitor, present
ed ITSELF Seating himself in the comfortable
chair that Mary fastened to hand him, he said, in
his eccentric, but friendly manner: = ~ - n
=. ssWell, good folks, I understand the world does
not 90 as well with you as formerly. What is
the trouble?'8 81 sS~ u - -
"There need be no trouble was the reply, "i
men would not try to add the Affections which the
Almighty sees to be necessary for us. The win
ter was a trying one. We met with sickness and
misfortunes, which we endeavored to bear with
patience. All would now 60 we'll if those arount
me we were not determined to push me in the
downward path 30 80 Ea@ot4 zs:sa .ts So
Al