The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-05-04

Ci tnC ACVCiSCy % H. thOy WCf0 WothtuR up
Efrom a low rank of life to higher.
Hooked around the room. 1t was the
bedroom. Every thing in it was perfect
ly 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 1t looked!
The white window curtains were shilling
muslin, 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. knew had not cost,
plumbers bill and all, more than ten dol
lars. The toilet table of,an elegant form,
and completely covered, had no doubt
was white pine. and cost half dollar.
The pictures on the wall were beautifully
tinted lithographs-better, far better than
| oil paintings have seen in the houses of
lmillionares; yet they can be bought for
from three to five shillings, and dollar a
lpiece had framed them. The floor had
Icarpet that seemed to match everything,
with its small, neat figure and alight cham
Der color. II was a jewel of room, in as
perfect keeping in all its parts as if an ar
| tist 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. It might have answered
for parlor, only il had cooking stove,
or an artists studio, ora dining room. 1t
was hung with pictures historical
pieces and landscapes; ali such as man
OF taste could select, and buy cheap; but
which, like good books. are invaluable.
And, speaking Of books, there was ahang-
ing library on one side of the chimney,
which single glance assured me con-
tanned the very choicest treasures of the
English tongue.
The man went to bureau, opened a
drawer and took out some money.
sWfat is your fee. doctor?' he asked.
holding the bills so as to select one to pay
me.
Now, ] had made up my mind, before /
had got halfway up the stairs that might
have to wait for my pay-pefhaps never
get it, but all this had changed. | could
not, as Iosten do. inquire into the circum-
stances 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 wealthy. had moth
ing 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 at more trouble than to merely
write q prescription s
DO you work for your livingg I said,
hoping to solve the mystery,
He smiled and held out his hand which
showed the upsuestionahle marks of hons
est toll
you are mechanc2' said, willing to
know more d him. % !. assYs ), ~ II
.tTake shas he said, placing a two dob
lar note in my hand. with q not Ito -Bs- re-
fused air, and win crafty your curiosi-
ty; for. there is no use in pretending that
you are not q little curious M
There was q hearty, respectful freedom
about this that was irresistible. put the
note in my pocket, and the man going to
q door, opened into q closet Of moderate
size, and displayed the bench and tools Of
q shoemaker. ~ $50 g esss8 Ws'i
You must be an extraordinary work.
man. said |, looking around the room
which seemed almost luxurious; but when
| looked at each item found it cost very
little
mo, nothing extra, barely manage to
earn a little over a dollar a day. Mary
helps me some. With the housework to
do, and our boy to look after. she earns
enough to, make our wages average eight
dollars q week, We began with nothing
1--WE live as you see.'
|. All this comfort. this respectability, this
almost luxury, for eight dollars week.
/ expressed my surprise.
81 should be very sorry if we spent so
much said he. I'VE have not only man
aged to live on that, but have something
laid up in the savings bank
twin you have the goodness said 1,
.just to explain to me how you do it!' for
I was really anxious TO know how shoe
maker and his wife, earning but eight dol
lars week. could live in comfort and ele-
gance, and lay up money. S.
with pleasure he replied, for you may
persuade, others, no better off than am,
| to make the best of their situation
took chair which he handed me.
We were seated, and his wife, after GO
I ing to listen a moment. to the soft and
measured breathings of little Willie. sal
down to her sewing.
Ny name,' he said, SIS William Carter
Ny father died when was young, and
was bound out an apprentice to a shoe
maker, with the usual provisions Of school,
ling. | did as well as boys do generally
at schpol; and as ! was very fond ofread.
4 ing. / made the most of nv spare time