The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-04-17

employer II nc dared trust MIN Win oo
lar.
why, you have earned three reptile
Manly.
And will you pay me three dollars
dayr
'Ifyou are as faithful as you have bee
to-day, for you will savo mo money ut that
The poor man could not speak his thank
in words, hut his looks spoke for him, On
Manly understood them. He received hi
three dollars, and on his way home be stop
ed and bought FIRST basket, then thrc
loaves Of bread, q pound Of butter, some ten
sugar, and piece Of bcecstcak, and ho ha'
just one dollar and seventy.fve cents left
With this load no went homo. It was som
time before ho could compose himself to en-
ter the house, but at last ho went in and 70
the basket upon the table.
yOouc, Mary ho said, u have brough
-sl&, ding hvmo iOr s.ppsr' ue-s, Molly
you tako tho pail and run over TO Mr.
Browns and get couple quarts Of milk
He handed tho child shilling as he
spoke, and in q half bcwildcrod state sh'
took the money and hurried away.
The wife started when she raised the GOV
er e the basket, but she dared not speak
She moved about like one in dream, ant
ever and anon she would cast furtivt
glance at her husband. He had not been
drinkiug-shs knew it-and yct no had
money to buy rum with If he wanted it.
What could Il mean? Had her prayer
been answered7 o, how fovcntly she prayed
then.
Soon Nelly returned with tho milk, and
Mrs. Nelson had the table out. After sup
per Charles arose, and said to his wife,
i must 20 up to Mr.. Manly's of6c0 te
help him arrange some plans for his new
house, but I'll be home carly
A pang shot through the yifo's heart al
she saw her husband turn away. but still
she was far happier than she Ind been DO
fore for n long while. There was something
in his manner that assured her and gave hel
hope. ..
Just as tho clock struck nine the we'll
known football was heard, strong and
steady. The door opened, and Charles en-
tered. His wife cast quick, keen glance
into bis face, and sho almost uttered q CT!
of Joy when she saw how he was changes
for tho better. He had been to the barber
and to the hatter's. Yet nothing was sai'
upon tho subject. Charles wished to rctir
early, and his wife went with him. In tn
morning the husband arose 6rst and. bull
tho FIRE. Mary had not slept until long af
ter midnight, having been kept awake BY
the tumultuous emotions that had startct
up 10 her bosom, and hence she awoko mo-
so ell as usual. But she came out just Al
thcS q tcttic and POTATOES 'begaH to boil
and breakfast was soon ready.
After the meal was eaten, Charles arose
put on his hat, und then turning to his wifi
he asked:
What do you to-day?
Il must wash for Mrs. BiIby.'
Are you willing to obey me once moro'
'0-yes.' rr
Then work for me to-day. Send Nelly
over to tell Mrs. Bixby that you are mo-
we'll enough to wash, for you arc not. Here
is dollar, and do with it as you please
Buy something that will keep you busy fol
yourself and children
Mr.. Nelson turned towards the door, and
his hand was upon the latch. lie hesitatet
and then turned back. He did not speak
but he opened his arms, and his wife sanl
upon his bosom. lie kissed her, and then
having gently placed her in q scat, he left
the house. When hc went to his work thai
morning he felt well, and very happy. Mr
Manly was by to cheer him, and this ho did
by talking and acting rs though Charles
had never been unfortunate at oil.
1T was Saturday evening, and Nelson had
been almost week without rum. Ho had
earned fifteen dollars, ten Of which he bad
now in his pocket.
Mary ho said, after tho supper table
had been cleared away. 'here are ten dollar
for you, and l want you to expond 1t in
dothing for yourself and children. I have
arned fifteen dollars during the last fv'
days. lam tobuild Squire Manly's grca
house, and no pays me throeo dollars q day
A good job, isn't it?'
Mary looked up, and her lips moved, bu
ho could not speak word. She struggled
4 few moments, and then burst into tears
ls husband took her by the arm and drew
irr upon his lap, and pressed her to his Boz
r-y
r. Mary he whispered, while tears rau
down his own checks, you are not deceived
| am Charley Nelson oncc more, and will b
while live. Not by any act Of mine shal
aiothcr cloud cross your BROW And ther
he told her of tho words he had heard on th'
prviOus Monday, whilo no lay behind tn
wall.
Never before said he, did fully real
ize how low / had fallen. but the scale
dr,pped from my eyes then, as though som
on. had struck them of with slcdgc. NJ,
sotl started up to standing point fror
which all tho tcmpter Of earth cannot NOV
1t. Your prayers arc surely answered. m
wife,
Timo rasscd on, and tho cottage ono
more assumed Its garb Of pure white, an
Its whole windows and green blinds. III
roses in the garden smiled, and every wa
did the improvement work. Once agai
Al L. <,fN q