Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-02-04
THE HAPPY CALAMITY.

"I have lost my whole fortune" sal,
a merchant, as he returned one evenin!
to his home; 'we can, no longer keep /;
carriage. We must leave this larg
house. The children can no longer g
to expensive schools. Yesterday 1 wa
rich man; today there is nothing cal
call my own
''Dear husband, said the wife, ''w
are still rich in each other and our chill
dren. Money may pass away, but go'
active hands and loving hearts,"
"Dear Father" said the children, d,
not look so sad: we will help you tt
get living" "What can you do, poo
things ?" said he.
"You shall see you shall see!'' an
swered several voices. at is pity il
we have been to school for nothing
How can the father of eight children be
poor? We shall work, and make you
rich again" .. ...- .-...
II shall help" said the younger girl
hardly four years old. 'I.will not have
any new things bought, and shall sell
my great doll " a' a'
They left their stately house. The
servants were dismissed. Pictures and
plate, rich carpets and furniture were
sold; and she who had been the mistress
of the mansion shed no tears.
"Pay every debt" said she let no one
suffer through us, and we may be happy"
He rented neat cottage and small
piece of ground a few miles from the
city. With the aid of his sons he culti-
waited vegetables for the market. He
viewed, with delight and astonishment
and the economy of his wife, nurtured
as she had been in wealth, and the eff
cheney which his daughter soon acquired
under her training.
The eldest one instructed in the house
hold, and also assisted the younger child
rem; besides, they executed various
works, which they had learned as ac-
complishments, but which they found
could be disposed of to advantage
They embroidered with taste some Of
the ornamental parts of female apparel,
which were readily sold to merchant
in the city. ..-.e ..-
They cultivated flowers, sent bouquets
to market in the cart that conveyed the
vegetables; they plated straw, they
painted maps, they executed plain nee,
dIework. Every one was at her post,
busy and cheerful. The little cottage
was like beehive. II never enjoyed
such health before" said the father. I
was never SO happy before" said the
mother. ave never knew how many
things We could do, when we lived in the
great house" said the children, sand
we love each other great deal better
here. You call US your little bees. y
Yes" replied the father, "and you make
just such honey as my heart likes to
feed on" Economy as well as industry
was strictly observed ; nothing was vast
ed nothing unnecessary was purchased.
The eldest daughter became assistant
teacher in distinguished female semi
nary, and the second took her place as
instructress to the family. "We are
now thriving and prosperous, said he;
''shall we return to the city p
s'Oh, mol" was the unanimous reply.
"Let US remain" said the wife, "where
we have sound health and contentment."
Father said the youngest, call we
children hope you are not going to be
rich again; for then" she added, eve
little ones were shut up in the nursery,
and did not see much of you or mother.
Now we all live together, and sister, who
loves US, teaches us, and we learn to be
industrious and useful. We were none
of US SO happy when We were rich, and
did not work. So, father, please not be
rich any more.-IHrs. Siyourncy.