Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-04-30
NEW SERIES. VOL I, NO l8.7

ped and bought first basket, then three
loaves Of bread, pound of butter, some tea,
sugar, and piece of beef-steak, and he had
jusl one dollar and seyenty-6ve cents left
With this load he went home. 1t was some
time before he could compose himself to
enter the house, but at last he went IN and
set the basket upon the table.
"Come, Mary" he said, 81 have brought
something home for supper. Here, Nelly,
you take the pail and run over to Mr.
Browns and get couple of quarts of milk"
He handed the child shilling as he spoke,
and in half bewildered state, she took the
money and hurrie away.
The wife started when she raised the
cover of the basket, but she dared not speak.
She moved about like one in dream, and
ever and anon she would cast furtIve
glance at her husband. He had not been
drinking-she knew it-and vet he had
money to buy rum with if be wanted it.
What could it mean! Had her prayers been
fanswered. o how terventiy she prayed
then.
Soon Nelly returned with the milk, and
Mrs. Nelson had the table out. After sup
per, Charles arose, and said to his wife:
81 must 90 to Mr. Manly's Office to help
him arrange some plans ior his new house,
but will be home early
"a pang shot through the wife's heart as
= she saw her husband turn away, bat still
she was far happier than she had been be-
fore for long while. There was some.
, thing in his manner that assured her and
! gave her hope.
Just as the clock struck nine the we'll
known football was heard, strong and
steady. The door opened, and Charles en-
tered. His wife cast a quick, keen glance
into his face, and she almost uttered cry
of JOY, when she saw how he was changed
for the better. He had been to the barbets
, and to The hatter's. Yet nothing was said
upon the subject. Charles wished to retire
4 early, and his wife went with him. In the
!, morning, the husband arose irstEa and built
d the fire. Mary had not slept until long aite'
: midnight, having been kept awake by the
/; ,umultuous emotions :hat had started up IN
lher bosom, and hence she awoke not Sc
( early as usual. But she came out just al
5 The tea-kettle and potatoes began to boil
and breakfast was soon ready.
/ Alter the meal was eaten, Charles arose
/! put on his hat, and then turning to his witt
S he asked:
e "What do you do to-day!"
S 81 must wash for Mrs. Bixby."
"Are you willing to obey me ence more!'
= "O--yes."
v "Then work for me to-day. Send Nell.
d over to tell Mrs. Bixby that you are not wei
y enough to wash, for you are not. Here
o a dollar. and do with it ss you please. Buy
something that will keep you busy for your
e self or children.
;. Mr.. Nelson turned towards the door, an
his hand was upon the latch. He hesitatet
and then turned back. He did not speak
Il but opened mis- arms, and his wife sank upo
At his bosom. He kissed her, and then havin
id gently placed her in seat, he left tn
IS house. When he went TO his work tina
morning he felt well, and very happy. Nj
Manly was by to cheer him, and this
I'd did by talking and acting as though Charle
- had never been unfortunate at all.
Dr. TWAS Saturday evening, and Nelson ha
been almost week without rum. He ha
of earned fifteen dollars, ten Of which he hi
- now in his pocket.
re "Mary," he said, after the :upper-tab
er had been cleared away, "here are ten do
lars tor you, and want you to eX2eEd 1t
I clothing or yourself and children. ha'
I'm earned fifteen collars during the last n
w. DAYS. | am 10 build Squire Nanly's gre
ay house, aud he pays me three dollars da
A good job, isn't ii!
,ts Mary looked up, and her lips moved, b
nd she could not speak word. She struggl
ed a few moments, and then burst into teal
are Her husband took her by the arm ard DIRE
re. her upon his lap, and pressed her TO his b
by som.
MARY" he whispered, while tears r
his down his cheeks, "you are not deceived.
ted am Charley Nelson once more, and will
ON while live. Not by any act of mine sh
, it another cloud cross your brow" And tn
md he told her OF the words he had heard
Ike the previous Monday, while he lay behI
led the wall.
no. .Never before,'' said he, "did ! fully re
had ize how low | had fallen, but the sea
dropped from my eyes then, as though So
sh- one ad struck them off with sledge.
bed soul started up to a standing point, fr'
ing which all the tempters of earth cannot mt
had it. Your prayers are surely answered.
her wife"
Time passed on, and the cottage ol
not more assumed its garb Of pure white,
;,s u,bolo windows and green blinds. i
like roses in the garden smiled and evefy "
did the improvement work. Once again
ork Mary Nelson the happiest of the happy
The her children choose their own associa