The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-03-05


Thornton was preparing to leave. Then she
renewed her request for donation towards
furnishing the church.
Yesterday should probably nave given
you handsome sum, Sarah," replied Mr..
Ashland, "but have now decided to use that
amount otherwise. Tomorrow, 1 intended
that Ann shall be placed in pleasant house
shall give certain sum for that purpose,
and If you are going home 1 will walk with
you, for wish TO give Thornton an opportu.
nitv OF sharing with me in this work.
The ladies exchanged glances, but made no
reply. Both knew that Mr.. Ashland's sense
of justice was large, aud that his character was
determined. But his wife did not turn from
his proiiered kiss before he left the house. and
Mrs Thornton accepted his escort most will
ingly. ..-
Both these worldly women had deep re-
spect for The sterling worth Of George Ash
land, and would gladly have initiated him had
not selfshness and love Of admiration increas-
ed an each of their hearts, through the inf
ence of wealth and luxury.
Mr.. Thornton was at home, and. as usual in
his library. He was an indoient man, a lover
OF books, and in delicate health, and gladly
left everything to his bustling, energetic wife.
He had seldom seen Ann Stanley, since her
misfortunes, and he supposed his wife was do
ing all that was necessary and Kind for her
afflicted sister. Mr.. Ashland did not unde-
ceive him, but when he had laid before him
project he had formed for the widows benefit,
Mr.. Thornton gladly acquiesced in every
thing and gave his brother-in-law carte blanche
to extend, in his name, sum equal TO the one
by himself.
A week afterwards a fine, well-stoc ed
store in one Of the avenues bore the name of
Mrs Stanley upon its sign, while the widow
and her family were ocsupying cheerful, COM
fortably furnished apartments in the same
building. The goods were paid for, as well as
the furniture. the rent secured, and Mr.. Ash
land had the receipted bills in his pocket. At
the same hour three families sat down at their
respective tables; The widow to frugal sup
per, the rich men to sumptuous dinners.
The widow addressed her children in words
OF thankfulness, and received their cheerful
promise 10 aid her in deserving the kndDe IS
bestowed upon them, and in adding to the
store provided. With the assistance already
received tuey well knew that :heir own indus
try and integrity would secure them at least
competence.
Mrs. Thornton had that day finished her
cahvassing tour. She displayed the pile of
bank notes and checks which she had received
and Informed her husband that she should next
day give orders to a fashionable upholsterer to
commence the removal of the old furniture,
and substitution of new in the church where
the families Of the two brothers -in-la law wor-
shipped. She reproached her husband play
fully for the smallness of his subscription;
whereupon, he showed her the vouchers which
Mr.. Ashland had sent him for his expendi-
tnre for the Benefit of Mrs. Stanley, and in
formed her that having agreed to pay half the
amount, which was conside rabie, he had not
felt inclised 10 give more to the church.
Il am sorry that you should have thrown
away SO much money, 10 that way, Mr.. Thorn
ton" said his wife. This scheme of Geor ge's
is perfectly Quixotic: What does Ann know
ct business? l have no doubt she will fail
within year, and then you having beco me re-
sPonsible for her expenses and goods, will
have pretty sum to pay, besides having tn.
family upon your hands again. l have no pa
tience with George or-
.'Or with me either, l suppose, you would
I say. Never mind, my dear. The time NAV
come when YOU will be glad of the gratitude
and even of the assistance of Ann Stanley
We hold all our blessings on an uncertain ten
ure. You, too, may be widow and perhaps
poor"
He looked down at his attenuated hands,
sighed gently, and remained silent He knew
that his powers of life were failing, while his
wife, robust in health, and unbroken in spirit,
laughed at the idea Of ipfrmity or DEATH
She smiled scornfully now, for she had no
premonitions of her husbands death, and no
fears of poverty. But she allowed the subject
to drop, as one she did not care to discuss in
the presence Of her children.
MIR. Ashland came home late, and only en-
tered the drawing-room as the bell rang Or
dinner. He escorted his wife to the dining
room, and as soon as they were seated, COM
menced the story Of his weeks 'abors. He
saw that She was displeased, but determined
not to observe her unnatural feelings. he asked
her to accompany him to visit her sister in her
new home, that evening. She declined some
what ungraciously, on the plea Of some en-
gagement, and added giaa
81 presume l shall see her often enough; for
] must now, suppose, buy everything in that
line at AIMS store, instead Of in Broadway, as
have always done heretofore
"of course, my dear. p replied Mr.. Ashland,
81 hoped ysur sisterly feelings would hav led
you to aid your sister 50 much at least.
And,p added he earnestly, edo not let
Inc see you displeased at what i have dons.-
Let it be no reproach to you that Thornton and
have done the duty, which, as rich men, we
owe to our poor sister. Only let it stimulate
and encourage you in doing right, and show
ing kindness to one who has more than usual
the claims Of afflicted humanity upon you, in
asmuch as she is the sister of your blood
Besides, it may be but the casting of 'our bread
upon the waters, and we shall find 1t after many
days.