The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-12-10


said Charles. eta
Thanksgiring' And suppose it is. What
has that to do with their being out of money?
What business have poor people to go to un-
necessary expense in making preparations for
holiday IL they cannot afford it That is
principle despise in the working class. They
must follow the fashion, and have their turkey
on Thanksgiving because the rich have ore.
All wrong, all wrong"
eyes, Pa" said Charlie, "but the working
class require holiday as well as those in good
circumstances, and of course like to have some
thing better than usual when their friends call
on them, as well as we. And, Pa, is it true
ton this evening? Stewart tells me 1t was by
your orders.
8 Mr.. Stewart is paid to execute my orders,
not to repeat them; and If l choose to discharge
one or all my clerks, tits no business of Stew
arts, or yoais either.v And with a heavy
frown he passed into the street, closing the
door violently after him.
"Charlie, what have you been saying to Pap,
said Ada. 81 wish you would mind your owr
business. Now, you have put him in a bad
humor. l intended to ask him to get box at
the Opera for tomorrow night, but it is no
use now" ....a
The spoiled beauty pouted her rosy lips and
looked contemptuously at her brother.
swell, Ada, you ought to be ashamed of
yourself to keep poor Mrs. Castleton waiting
for her money when you know her husband
was discharged this very evening. Nc doubt
she needs it. will step round and pay it for
you.o
$50, then, and pay her if you choose; but
remember tits on your own responsibility"
We will now look il upon the family Of Mr..
| Castleton on the Thanksgiving eve. In small
yet neat apartment, sat pale but handsome
woman, bending over the cradle of sleeping
child. The bright tears dropping from her
eyes as she gazed upon the altered face of
the sleeper. The table, covered with coarse
but snowy cloth, stood with the frugal supper
| upon il, near which sat little girl of eigf or
nine summers, turning over the plates of juve-
nile toy book. AT length, growing tired Of
the hook, she arose and sat down upon a low
stool at The mothers feet
6 Mother, don't you think Miss Atwood
money. And o. you just ought to see the nice
things they have there; and the biggest
turkeys you ever saw! The girl says they are
to have dinner party tomorrow. Don't
wish we were rich. Mother, what are we GO
g to have? Is papa going to get turkey to-
| night?o
Hush, Lizzie, hush; here comes papa.o
Mrs. Castle on arose and opened he door
Her husband catered dripping with the rain.
"Oh, Fred, you aIe wet. Let me help yon
off with your coat, and take off those wet boots.
Here, Lizzie, get papa dry shoes"
"There Ellen, that will do. You make o
complete child of me-"
After Castleton's wet garments had been re-
moved, his wife replenished the fire, and they
took their seats at the table.
go, Ellen Ihave been so worried almost
forgot to ask how the baby is.'
Poor little fellow, he sleeps now, but the
Doctor does rot think him much better.n
| Mr.. Castleton arose and looked at the child.
On, Ellen this Is gloomy Thanksgiving
Eve to US. fear the baby will not see the
light OF another day."
i His wife's only answer was in tears.
The meal was partaken of in silence. Mr..
Castleton sighed heavily, and ate but little.
will you not take another cup of tea2u
urged his wife. You look tired and coldo
"No. Ellen, L cannot eat. Tell me, do YOU
think our coal will last this week"
am afraid it will not"
"Well, Ellen, do not see how we are to
get along through this gloomy winter, and we
owe two months rent nowp'
"Papa, amt you going to get my new shoes
tonight for Thanksgiving? Ellie Boon is 60
ing to have alittle party tomorrow, and moth
er said If got my shoes might go.o
Mr. Castei'on covered his race with his
nanos.
"fred'N SAID his Wife' Il hate TO ask you'
o." u you would ash Mr. Atwood to advance
US hVe doiiafs 10 geS some coal, It would
oe such an accommodation to US. Tie baby
oeing SICK mas nindered me so much that |
could not nnish Miss Ada's dress, and she will
not settle the bill now standing until ii Is sent