Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-10-10

!
The countenance Of the teacher showed
great disappointment, and as she passed
on in different direction, he muttered to
himself
"Just as expected. shall never see
a cent. Everybody says they are going
down hill. Imust get rid of the children
in some way. Perhaps | may get pair
of shoes or two for payment for the half
quarter, if [ manage right but it will
never do to 60 on in this way"
A little discomposed by her interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped
into neighboring grocery to purchase
some tritiing article of family stores.
81 have little account against you.
viii it be convenient for Mr.. Thompson
to settle it this evening 2" asked the polite
shopkeeper, as he produced the desired
article.
Is it his usual time for settling 2"
was again the surprised inquiry.
Well, not exactly: but money is very
tight just now, and am anxious to get
all that is due me. In future intend to
keep short accounts. There is little
bill, if you you would like to look at it.
| will call around this evening. 1t is but
a small affair"
Thirty dollars is no small sum to us
just now" thought Mrs. Thompson. as
she thoughfully pursued her way toward
home.
1t seems strange that all these pay
mcnts must be met Just now, while we
are struggling to recover from the heavy
expenses of the winter | cannot under
stand it,"
Her perplexity was increased by find
ing her husband with two bills in bis
hand and countenancc expressive of
anxiety and concern.
"Look, Mary, he said, as she entered,
Is Here are retwounexpectedc calls for money;
one from the doctor and the other from
the dealer in leather from whom purch-
ased 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 misfor-
tune never come single, and if a man
gets little behindhand, trouble seems to
pour in upon him"
Just so, replied the wife. The
nelshEors think we arc 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
disappeared.
" 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 COM
ing iii: for some of my best customers
have left me, although my work has al
ways given satisfaction. If could only
have as much employment as usual, and
the usual credit allowed me, could soon
satisfy all these claims; but to meet them
now is impossible, and the acknowledg-
ment of my inability would send us still
on the downward path"
1--WE must do our best and trust in
Providence" was the consoling remark
of his wife, as second knock at the door
aroused the fear that another claimant
was about to appear.
But the benevolent countenance of
| Uncle Joshua, rare, but ever welcome
visitor, presented itself. Seating himself
in the comfortable chair that Mary
| haStened to hand him, he said, in his
eccentric, but friendly manner:
We'll, good folks, | understand the
world does not 60 as well with you as
formerly. What is the trouble z"
''There need &c 10 trouble" was the
reply, If men would not try TO add to
the Affections which the Almighty sees to
be necessary for us. The winter was
trying one. We met with sickness and
misfortunes, which we endeavored to bear
with patience. All would now go we'll if
those around me were not determined to
push me in the downward path"
| q But there lies the difficulty, friend
| Thompson. This is selfish world.
Everybody, or at least, great majority,
care only for number one. If they see a
| poor neighbor going down hill, their first
| thought is whether it will affect their own
| interests, and provided they can secure
| themselves, they care not how soon he
goes to the bottom. The only way is to
keep up appearances. Show no signs of
going behindhand, and all will 60 well
with you"
Very true, Uncle Joshua, but how is
this to be done? Bills which did not
expect to be called upon to meet for the
next three months are pouring in upon
me. My best customers are leaving me
for a more fortunate rival. In short,
am Oh the brink of ruin, and nought but
miracle can save me-"
"Amiracle whichis very easily wrought
then, [ imagine, my good friend. What
is the amount Of your debts which press
| so heavily upon YOU, and how soon in the