Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1858-01-14

told that the husband and father was in
sight. In few moments he was among
them, enjoying and returning their caress-
es, and in no way disturbed by the clamol
of their happy little voices; while the moth
er stood by, gazing with delight upon the
innocent happiness of her beloved ones.
And soon all was hushed. The fond
goodnight had been said each little head
was upon its pillow, and the parents were
left to the quiet enjoyment Of the evening
meal. q
Ever alive to the slightest variation in
her husbands feelings, Mrs. Camden had
perceived cloud upon his brow, even while
he sported joyfully with his children. But
with woman's tact, she took no notice Of
it, but cheered him with pleasing anecdotes
on the passing events of the day-evidences
of the improvement of the elder children,
and funny little sayings and doings Of the
younger ones -trifing details, but amusing
and interesting to the fathers heart.
But when, after the evening meal, the
sleeping children had been.visited, and the
parents were seated once more by their fire.
side, the wife afectionately inquired the
reason of the cloud that still hung on hel
husbands brow Mr.. Camden replied al
once, with perfect frankness.
s'sOur business affairs look rather dark at
present dear Ellen; but I trust the cloud
will soon pass away. We have, however,
good reason to fear heavy loss, owing to
the failure of house with which our firm
is connected. It will putus to much present
Inconvenience, and some retrenchment will
be necessary in all our expenses; but I
think all will ultimately go well again. D
II have no doubt of it, was the cheer
full though sympathising reply; 'sand there
are many ways in which we can live eco
nomically, if it should be desirable, for a
time. A little more exertion on my part
would enable us to dispense with at least
one servant; our proposed summer excur-
sion can be given up; it is always expen-
sive and not necessary, for we have an a.
bundance of fresh country air in our own
pleasant home Indeed, I have no doubt
that we can retrench in a hundred ways,
without the least inconvenience
~ EapfR fRs HfFf Gasbaha ks sEae
Eve poor men would not so often be driven
to distraction by trouble in our business af-
fairs A cheerful home is the greatest bless
ing man can possess. Poor Henry has
returned to his family this evening, COM
pletely bowed down with fear of approach
ing calamity. He can see no bright side to
the affair." He is confident that ruin is in
evitable. My most powerful arguments
failed to convince him that heavy loss, oc-
casioning temporary inconvenience. is all
we have to apprehend. His tender-hearted
wife will sympathise with him most truly,
but no cheering word will escape his lips !;
she, too, will take the same gloomy view of
affairs. The poor children will 60 to rest
with sad hearts tonight
Mrs. Camden sighed as she replied
:. Il will step over and see Clara in, the
morning, and will lendeavor to make her look
at things in more cheerful light. ssi
That will pass even your power, | fear;
but COME, Ellen, let us resume the book
which we. commenced last evening. My
mind is wearied by close attention to busi-
ness during the day; and it will be relief
to read a few pages from our favorite au-
thor" ts @E .e.t. - sa...4.
An hour or two passed pleasantly away !;
and then, comforted and calmed, the hus-
band and wife sought repose. They could,
indeed, realise the cloud which, for time,
might obscure their sky. But in their even
ing devotions, they thought of the many
blessings which surrounded them, and pray
ed for willing hearts to impart those bless
ings to those who we're suffering and needy.
Trouble passed slightly over them for with
in their own hearts they carried what the
poet appropriately calls the stoutest of all
armor. The keenest and surest weapon is
a bold and cheerful spirit. 49,
Leaving the sunshine abode, we must beg
the reader to return with us to the twilight
hour, and accompany Henry Camden to his
home. Here, too, the little ones were i'm
patiently awaiting their fathers return
Something must have happened to ia
ther," remarked Mary, the eldest Of the
children, with wise shake of the head
The child but echoed the, anxious express
sion of the mothers countenance, as she
gazed uneasily from the window. -et'' =
He never stays so late, she murmured.
stThere must have been some accident on
their return from the city," and visions OF
fractured skulls and broken bones passed
rapidly before her.. $ ay~3r.f t: ..<fYE r
The children appealed to her for leave to
remain up beyond their usual hour, but they
were unheeded.a Her whole soul was alb
sorbed in the thought Of impending misfor-
tune. 49s9s.ti zt.I3a ssga5g sDi s.ri 80 - ~.
Judging from the appearance of her mis-
tress, that the little ones would be better of
out of the way, the nursemaid endeavored
to enforce her demands, when fortunately
the father entered. ites
The children sprung to his arms He