True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-12-29

we're ouk aud of the necessity Of supply.
ing Mrs. Waloots's empty purse, be went
forth 10 meet the difficulties Of another
day faint Of heart, and almost hopeless Of
success. A confident spirit sustained by
home affections. would have carried him
lhrough; but unsupported as hewas, the
burden was too heavy for him, and be
sank under IL The day thai opened SO
unProPitiouslY, closed upon him ruined
man.
Let us look in a few moments upon
Mr.. Freeman, friend and neighbor OF
Mr.. Walcott, He also, had come home
weary. dispirited and almost sick. The
trials Of the day had been unusually Sc
we're, and when he looked anxiously for
ward 10 scan the future not even a gleam
Of light was seen along the horizon,
as he stepped across the Threshold of his
dwelling, pang shot thro' his heart, for
the thought came. "How slight the
present holds upon all these comforts ?"
Not for himself but for his wife and chill
dren, was the pain.
"Father's come !" cried a glad little
voice on the stairs, the moment his foot
fall sounded in the passage, then quick
pattering feet we're heard-and then a
Tiny form was springing into his arms.
Before reaching the sitting room above,
Alice, the eldest daughter was by his side,
her arm drawn fcndly within his, and
her loving eyes lifted to his face.
care you not late, dear" 1t was the
gentle voice of Mrs. freeman.
Mr.. freeman could mol trust himself to
answer. He was too deeply troubled in
spirit 10 assume at The moment, cheerful
tone, and he had no wish to sadden the
hearts that loved him. by letting the de-
preston from which he was suffering,
become too closely apparent. But the
eyes Of Mrs. Freeman saw quickly below
the surface.
care you not we'll :" che inquired ten.
derly, as she drew his large arm chair
toward the centre of the room.
GA little headache" he answered, with
slight evasion.
Scarcely was Mr.. Freeman seated ere
a pair of hands were busy with each foot,
removing gaiter and shoe, and supplying
their place with a soft slipper. There
was not one in The household who did
not feel happier for his return, nor one
who did not seek to render him some
kind Office. zee.
1t was impossible under such burst
of heart.snnshine for the spirit Of Mr..
Freeman long to remain shrouded. AL.
most imperceptibly TO himself gloomy
thoughts gave place to more cheerful
ones, and by the time tea was ready he
had forgotten the fears which had so
haunted him through the day,
But they could not be held back allo-
gelher, and their existence was marked,
during The evening, by an unusual silence
and abstraction Of mind. This was OBJ,
served by Mrs. Freeman, who, MOI than
half suspecIing the cause, kept back from
her husband the knowledge of certain
matters about which she had intended to
speak TO him, for she feared they would
add 10 his mental dis1uietule. During
the evening, she CLEANED from something
he said, the real cause Of his changed as.
pect AT once her thoughts commenced
running in new channel. By a few
leading remarks she drew her husband
into conversation on the subject of home
expenses, and the Propriety of restricting
in various points.
Many things were naturally pronounced
superauous, and easily dispensed with {;
and before sleep fell soothingly on the
heavy eyelids ofMr. Freeman that night,
an entire change in their style ofliving had
been determined upon-a change that
would reduce their expenses at least one
half. ".
IL see light ahead" were the hope
fol words of Mr.. f., as be resigned hin.
self to slumber. H
With renewed strength of mind and
body, and a con6den, spirit, be went forth
the next day-a day that he had looked
forward 10 with fear and trembling. And
it was only through this renewed strength
and con6den! spirit that he was able to
overcome the duties that Ioomed up,
mountains high, before him. Weak des.
pondency would have ruined all. Home
had proved his tower of streng,h-his
walled city. Strengthened for the conflict,
he had gone forth again into the world,
and conquered in the struggle. "
II see light ahead' gave place to the
"morning breaketh y