Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1858-09-21

idently surprised at the refusal of Mrs.
Bennett to do any work for her; but as
great pressure Of business was pleaded as
an excuse, there was nothing to be said,
and she soon took leave. Another appli-
cation proved equally unsuccessful. 1t
was strange how busy the village dress7
makers had suddenly become. b,
On her return home, the poor shoe
makers wife met the teacher of small
school in the neigliborhood, where two Of
her children attended. - ~
Ali Mrs. Thompson, Lam glad 70 see
lyo9,'s was the salutaaon r's1 was about
calling at your house. Would it be con-
venient TO settle our little account this af-
| ternoon?' 4
"Our accoupt!" was the surprised re.
ply. "Surely the term has not yet ex
piIed" #
"Only half of it; but my present rule is
to collect my money at that time. 1t is
plan which many teachers have adopted
of late"
II was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and have made
arrangements to meet the bill at the usual
time. fear it would not be in my power
TO do so sooner"
The countenance of the teacher showed
great disappointment, and as she passed
on in different direction she muttered to
herself: t-...
"Just as had expected. I shall never
get cent. Everybody says they are go
ing down hill. must get rid of the
children in some way. Perhaps may
get pair of shoes or two for payment for
half quarter, if manage right; but it will
never do to go on in this way"
A little discomposed by her interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped
into a grocery store to purchase some
trifling article of family stores.
al have little account against you.
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thompson to
settle it this evening"" asked the civil
shopkeeper, as he produced the desired
article.
''Is it his usual time for settlingp was
again the surprised inquiry.
"Well, not exactly, but money is very
tight just now, and am anxious to get in
all that is due me- In future, l intend
keeping short accounts. Here is your
little bill, if you would like 70 look at it.
will call around this evening. It's but
small affair."
"Thirty dollars is no small sum to us
Just now," thought Mrs. Thompson, as
she thoughtfully pursued her way toward
home.
"It seems strange that all these pay
ments must be met just now, while we are
struggling to recover from the heavy ex-
penses of the winter. l cannot under
stand it," ..... .....-. ..
Her pcrplexity was increased upon
| finding her husband with two bills in his
hand, and a countenance expressive of
anxiety and concern.
"Look, Mary" he said, as she entered.
Here are two unexpected calls for money;
ore from the doctor, and the other from
the dealer in leather from whom pur-
chased my last stock. They are both very
urgent for immediate payment. although
they have always been willing to wait
few months until could make arrange
ments to meet their claims. But misfor-
tunes never come singly. and if man
once gets a little behind hand, trouble
seems TO pour in upon him." ..
'Just So" replied the wife. "The
neighbors think we are going down hill,
and every one is ready to give us a push;
here are two more bills for you-one from
the grocer, and the other from the teach
er."
Reply was prevented by knock at the
door, and the appearance of lad, who
presented a neatly folded paper and dis
appeared.
"The butchers account, as live!" ex-
claimed the astonished shoemaker. "What
| ic to ho 81 60
be paiG out, and very little coming in; for
some Of my best customers have left me,
although my work as always given salts
faction. If L could only have as much
employment as usual, and the usual credit
allowed me, could soon satisfy these
claims; but to meet them now is mpos-
sible; and the acknowledgement of my ina
bility will send us still further on the
downward path"
1--WE must do our best, and trust in
Providence was the consolatory remark
of his wife, as a second knock at the door
aroused the fear that another claimant was
about to appear.
But the benevelent countenance of I'm
Gle Joshua, a rare but welcome vis-
itor. presented ITSELF Seating himself in
the comfortable chair which Mary hastened
to hand him, he said, in his somewhat
eccentric but friendly manner:
"Well, good folks, understand that
the world does not go quite rs well with
you as formerly. What is the troubIe?"
"There need be no trouble, SIR" was
the reply, "if man would not try to add
to the affections which the Almighty sees
to be necessary for us. The winter was
trying one; we met with sickness and mis-
fortunes, which we endeavored to bear
with patience. All would now go well,
| if those around me were not determined to
push me into the downward path"
but there lies the difficulty, friend
Thompson. This is selfish world; every
body, or. at least, great majority, care
only for number one. If they see poor
neighbor going down hill, their rsl