The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-11-09

he must have run behind q little, but still
! must take care Of number ones'
Speaking OF Thompson, are you?'
observed bystander, who appeared Il
take an interest in the conversation. "Go
; ing down hill is he? must look out 70
myself, then. He owes me quite SNUG
sum for leather. did intend to give hin
another months credit, but on the whole
guess the money would be safer in my
own pocket"
Here the four worthless separated, eact
with his mind filled with the affairs o
neighbor Thompson. the probability ,ha
he was going down hill, and the best way
of giving him push.
| In another part of the little village SINH
lar scenes were passing.
81 DECLARE" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett
the dressmaker, to fayorite assistant, as
she hastily withdrew her head from the
window, whence she had been gazing
on the passers-by; "if there is not Mrs
Thompson, the shoemaker's wife, coming
up the steps with parcel in her hand
She wants me to do her work, | suppose,
but think it would be venture. Every
one says they are running down hill, and
it is chance if ever get my pay
"She always has paid US promptly"
was the reply.
"True; but that was in the days of her
prosperity. | cannot afford to run any
risk. s
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-.
vented further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the re-.
iusal of Mrs. Bennett 10 do any work for
her; but as great pressure Of business was
pleaded as an excuse, there was nothing
TO be said, and she soon took her leave
| Another application proved equally un-
successful. 1t was strange how busy the
village dressmakers had suddenly become
On The way home, the poor shoemaker S
wife met the teacher of small school in
the neighborhood, where two of her chill.
dren attended. ~
"Ah. Mrs. Thompson, am glad TO see
you," was the salutaiion Il was about
calling at your house. Would il be con.
venient to settle our little account this of.
ternoon! Y" es4
sour accoun,!" was the surprised re-
fply. asurely the term has not ye, ex
pirsdw
"Uni, half Of ii; but my present rule is
to collect my money at that time. II Is d
plan which many teachers have adopted
OF late.'' es
81 was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and have
made arrangements to meet yoIr bill at
the usual time. le!ear that it will not be
in my power to do so sooner.''
The countenance of the teacher showed
|7great DISAPPOINTMENT, and as she passed
on in a different direction, he muttered to
himself 7
.'Jus, as expected. shall never see
cent. Everybody says they are going
down hill. lmus, get rid of the children
in some way. Perhaps | may get pair
Of shoes or two for payment for the half
quarter. if Imanage right; but it will nev-;
er do to go on in this way" "a 59sea9g
A little discomposed by her interview
with the teacher. Mrs. Thompson stepped
into neighboring grocery to purchase
some trifling article Of family stores.
81 have little account against you.
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thompson
to settle il this eyening?" asked the polite
shopkeeper, as he produced the desired
article. ee - @a
sis it his usual time for setliagY' was
again the surprised inquiry esF .
.'Well. not exactly; but monay is very
tigh, just now. and | am anxious to get
all that is due me. In future intend to
keep short accounts. There is the little bill, ;
if you would like to look at il. will call
around this evening. It's but small
affair"
"Thirty dollars is no small sum to US
just now" thought Mrs. Thompson, as
she though,fully pursued her way toward
home tts3 ~ t
at seems strange that all these pay.
rnents must be met just now, while we are
struggling to recover from the heavy ex-
penses of the winter. | cannot under.
stand it''
Her perplexity was increased by finding
her husband with two bills in his hand
and countenance expressive of anxiety
and concern.
"Look, Mary he said, as she. entered,
"llefe are two unexpected calls for money;
one from the doctor, and the other from
the dealer in leather from whom purchas-
ed my last stock. They are both very ur-
gent for imme diate payment although they
have always been willing to wait few
months until could make arrangements
to meet their claims. But misfortune nev-
er comes single, and if man gets little
behind-hand, trouble seems 10 pour in up
on him.
"Just so," replied the wife. "The
neigh5ors 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.
Reply was prevented by knock at the
door. and the appearance of lad, who
presented neatly folded paper, and dis.
appeared. As
"The butchers account, as | live!"
exclaimed the astonished shoemaker
"What is to be done, Mary? So much
money to be paid out and very little CON-
ing in; for some of my best customers
have left me, although my work has al.
ways given satisfaction. II could only
have as much employment as usual, and
| the usual credit allowed ma could soon