Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-02-25

cit is, indeed, hard" exclaimed the
husband, as he hurriedly paced the apart
ment; "but there is no remedy, and we
must eudeavor to submit. William want
ed to persuade me that the case is not
so desperate as imagine; but it is use
less to deceive myself with hopes which
can never be realized. Better to look
our troubles full in the face at once"
"Far better" rejoined his wife. evil
liam always talks to us about looking
on the bright side; but for my part, l
think it better to be prspaEsd-foF the
worst a. so tor
They seated themselves at the table;
but the husband partook of the food
which was placed before him without
relish, and Clara felt choking sensation
in her throat which prevented her from
swallowing one mouthful.
The evening passed in mournful 81
lence; and at an early hour, with sad
hearts, they sought repose.
Morning found the brothers again at
their post; the one invigorated and
strengthened for whatever might befal;
the other depressed, harrassed, and anx-
ious.
Next morning, after despatching her
rosy children to school as usual, cheer
full little Ellen set out on her visit of con-
dolencc to her sister-in law.
A short and pleasant walk brought
her to the house of Henry Camden.
Four sweet children were playing in
the yard, and they joyfully few to well
come Aunt Ellen"
"How comes it that you are not at
school, dear Mary p she asked, as she
afectionately returned their greeting.
A shade passed over the child's coun-
tenance as she replied
"Mother did not get us ready as US
ual. 1 asked her once if it was not
school time, but she said that it made
little difference now, for we should not
be able to go to school long. Something
is the matter with poor mother. She
has cried ali the morning, and father was
very sad too. am glad you have come,
Aunt Ellen"
This is worse than 1 anticipated"
thought Mrs. Camden. Il fear Clara
has some afHiction of which l am igno
rant" and with ready sympathy she en-
tered at once.
"Mrs Camden is in her own room,
ma am" said the servant. Il presume
| you can see her, although she desired
me to tell any one who called that she
was not we'll, and did not feel able to see
company"
II will go up to her room,' was the
reply; and the gentle tap at the door was
answered by request to walk in.
'Good morning Clara. am grieved
to hear that you are not well this morn
ing" was the salutation Of the visitor,
to which greeting pressure of the hand
and shower of tears was the only re-
sponse. You alarm me, Clara. Has
anything occurred of which I am un-
informed? Your husband, is he well.
"Alas, my poor husband 1t is for
him that I grieve most deeply sobbed
Clara. "Surely, Ellen, William has
told you of our mutual misfortunes p
:sHe has told ME that there is danger
of heavy loss in their business, which
will, for while, embarrass them, aud
render economy on our part necessary;
but l do assure you my dear sister, there
is no cause for this extreme anxiety and
alarm If your husband is Responding,
there is more need that you should be
calm and cheerful. - .. IT,.
".5urely should sympathise with his
griefs,' was the almost indignant reply.
:Would you have the smile when Hen
ry is sad? My heart must becold in
decd" ...-.....
"Yes-but if we would give consola-
ton, we must endeavor to keep our own
minds in a quiet, cheerful state; and,
if pos sible, present brighter side of the
picture to him whom we are endeavoring
to console
But there can be no brighter side,
Ellen. The prospect is, that we are
penniless."
80 no, no, Clarai not so bad as that,
Il but even if we were, we should be thank
full that our husbands are still compare
lively young men, with good health and
undiminished energies; and we have tai
ents and accomplishments which might
add materially to our diminished in
comes. So checrup, my dear sister, and
above all, remember that our Affections,
as we'll as our blessings, are from a
Fathers hand and are designed for the
same great end. The loss of worldly
riches cannot dim our hopes of eternal
happiness and while these hopes re-
main, is not the future bright before
us?'
The better feelings and deeper princi-
pies of Clara responded to this appeal
and for time she made some effort to
F rise above the grief which she had al
lowed to overwhelm her.
With her husbands return, however,
the dark shadow returned also. There
was no vigorous effort to raise him from
the slough Of despond into which he
had fallen. A slight attempt at smi-
ling welcome was instantly checked by
the despairins expression of his coun-
tenance.
A week passed before matters were
decided and then Henry Camden was
forced to announce the superiority of
his brothers judgment. There was in
deed a heavy loss, and some retrench-
ment was necessary but they were
still in possession of every comfort.
i This removal of their worst fears did
? not however, in Henry Camdens fami-
| ly, produce the relief which might have
been expected. Every economical ar