True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-12-29
VOL. NO. So.

been sent on coming home, punished the
boy severely, and this without listening
TO the explanation whisk the poor child
tried TO make him hear.
Father" said the boy with forced
calmness, after the cruel stripes had ceas.
ed. ~ was not 10 blame /; II you will
60 with me to the teacher, can prove
myself innocent" a.s,a
d" Very well-we'll see about that" he
answered with forced sternness; and
leaving the room, he went down stairs,
feeling much more uncomfortable than
when he wen. up, Again be seated him
self in his large chair, and leaned back
his weary head, and closed his heavy
eyelids. Sadder was his face than before.
As he sat thus, his eldest daughter, in her
sixteenth year, came in and stood by him.
She held paper in her hand .9
Father "-he opened his eyes.
Here's my quarters bill can't I
have the money 10 take 10 school with
me in the morning!"
"rm afraid not" answered Mr.. Wal.
colt, half in despair. ...
"Nearly oil the girls will bring their
money tomorrow, and it mortifes me to
be behind the others. "The daughter
spoke fretfully. Mr.. Walcott waved her
her aside with his hand, and she went of
mu!tering and pouling.
at is notifying" said Mrs. Walcott,
little sharply; q don't wonder that
Helen feels annoyed about it. The bill
has 10 be paid, and | don't see why it may
not as we'll be done first as last"
To this Mr. Walcott made no answer.
The words but added another pressure TO
the heavy burden under which he was
already staggering. After silence Of
some moments, Mrs. Walcott said:
"The Goals are all gone"
Impossible !" Mr.. Walcott raised his
head and looked incredulous. 81 laid
in sixteen TONS" .. .rsf
~ can't help il, if there were sixty
tons instead of sixteen, they are all gone.
The girls had hard work to-day to scraps
enough to keep the fire in"
"There has been a shameful waste
somewhere" said Mr.. Walcott, with
strong emphasis, starting up and moving
about the room in very disturbed man.
ner. .t..
$50 you always say when anything
runs out" answered Mrs. Walcott rather
tartly. "The barrel Of -four is gone, but
| suppose you have done your part, with
the rest in using it up"
! Mr.. Walcoit returned 10 his chair and
again seating himself, leaned back his
head and closed his eyes as at first. How
sad, and weary and hopeless he felt -
The burthens Of the day had seemed
almost too heavy for him; but he had
borne up bravely. To gaher strength
for renewed struggle with adverse cir.
cumstances he had come home. Alas
that the process Of exhaustion should still
60 on--that where only strength could be
looked for on earth, no strength was Civ.
en-. ..... ....
When the tea bell rung, Mr.. Walcott
made no movement to obpy the summons.
"Come to supper" said his wife cold
hy.
But he did no. stir.
"Are you coming to supper Z" che
J called to him as she was leaving the room.
"l don't wish for anything this eve.
ming. My head aches very badly" the
answered. "S
I" In the dumps again p. muttered Mrs.
, Walcott to herself. Its as much as ones
life is worth to ask for money, or say any
thing is wanted" And she kept on her
way to the dining room. When she re.
turned, her husband was still sitting
where she had left him.
: "Shall bring you Gu? Of tea !" she
asked. "..'
"No; don't wish for anything"
"What's the matter, Mr.. WaIcotti--
Wha. do you look so troubled about, as
if you hadn't friend in the world I
What have | done to youi"
There was no answer, for there was
not a shade Of real sympathy in the voice
D that made the queries, but rather Of que.
/ rulous dissatisfaction. A few moments
Mrs. Walcott stood behind her husband,
but as he did not seem to be inclined to
E answer her question, she turned away
/ from him, and resumed the employment
!, which had been interrupted by the ringing
Of the tea.bell.
The whole evening passed of withou,
the occurrence Of single incident that
gave healthful pulsaiion 10 the sick
y heart Of Mr.. Wslcoit. No thoughtful
Q kindness was manifested by any member
of the family; but on the contrary. a
narrow regard for self, and looking to
him only that he might supply the means
{; Of self:gratilication.
No wonder, from the pressure which
s was on him that Mr.. WalcotI felt utterly
o discouraged. lie retired early, and
d sought to find that relief from mental dis
4 qnieiude in sleep which be had vainly
hoped for in the bosom Of his family
Q But the whole night passed In broken
Q slumber and disturbed dreams. Fiou,
!. the cherries morning meal q; which lie
!, was reminded Of the quarters bill iha,
d must be paid, Of the Goals and -four that
I "A