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

the sleeping children had been visited
and the parents were seated once more
by their fireside; the wife affectionately
inquired the reason of the cloud that
still hung on her husbands brow. Mr..
Camden replied at once, with perfect
frankness.
"Our business affairs look rather dark
at present, dear Ellen; but I trust the
cloud will soon pass away. We have,
however, a good reason to fear a hevay
loss, owing to the failure of house
with which our firm is connected. 1t
will put US to much present inconyen-S
ienee, and some retrenchment will be
necessary in all our expenses; but I
think all will ultimately go we'll again.
81 have no doubt Of it, Il was the
cheerful, though sympathizing reply;
''and there are many ways in which we
can live economically, if it should be
desirable, for time. A little more ex-
ertion on my part would enable US to
dispense with at least one servant; our
proposed summer excursion can be
given up; it is always expensive, and
not necessary, forwe have an abundance
of fresh country air in our pleasant
home Indeed, have no doubt that
we can retrench in a hundred ways,
without the least Inconvenience"
elf all women we're alike you, my
sweet wife" replied the husband, affec-
tionatsly, "we poor men would not so
often be driven to distraction by trouble
in our business affairs. A cheerful
home is the greatest blessing man can
possess. Poor Henry has returned to
his family this evening, completely
bowed down with fear Of approaching
calamity. He can see no bright side to
the affair He is confident that ruin is
inevitable. Ny most powerful argu-
ments failed to convince him that a
heavy loss, occasioniDg temporary in
convenience. is all we have to appre-
hend. His tender hearted vile will
sympathize with him most truly, but no
cheering word will escape her lips; she,
too. will take the same gloomy view of
affairs. The poor children will go to
rest with sad hearts tonight"
Mrs. Camden sighed as she replied
II will step over and see Clara in the
morning, and will endeavor to make her
look at things in a more cheerful light "
"That will pass even your power, l
fear; but come. Ellen, let US resume the
BOOK which We c6fnnienced last evening.
Ny mind is wearied by close attention
to business during the day; and it will,
be relief to read l few pages from our
faYorito author
An hour or two passed pleasantly a
way; and then, comforted and claimed,
the husband and wife sought repose.-
They. could, indeed, realise the cloud
which, for time, might obscure their
sky. But in their evening dcvotions,
they thought of the many blessings
which surrounIc them, and prayed
for willing hearts to impart those bles-
sings to those who were suffering and
needy. Trouble passed slightly over
them; for within their own hearts they
carried what the poetappropriately calls
the Stoutest of all armor. The keenest
and surest weapon is a bold and cheerful
spirit.
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 impatiently awaiting
their fathers return.
Something must have happened to
father" remarked Mary, the eldest of
the children with wise shake Of the
head
The child but echoed the anxious ex-
preston of the mothers countenance,
as she gazed uneasily from the window.
"He never stays so late" she muir
INJURED.
"There must have been some accident
on their return from the city," and Wis
ions of fractured skulls and broken
bones passed rapidly before her.
The children appealed to her for
leave to remain up beyond their usual
hour, but they were unheeded. Her
whole soul was absorbed in the thought
of impending misfortune. ...
Judging from the appearance of her
mistrcss, that the little ones would be
better off out of the way, the nursemaid
endeavored to enforce her demands,
when fortunately the father entered
The children sprung to his arms
He stopped to embrace them, saying
sadly
''Good night, my darlings; go with
Betty. Father cannot talk with you to-
night"
They obeycd quietly, but an express
sion ofsorrow was visi BILE in their inno-
cent faces.
Poor father is ILL.," whispered the
youngest darling, as she pressed her lips
to his check. ''Lizzy will take care OF
him tomorrow.
The mother scarcely waited until the
door was closed ere she approached her
husband, and, with tender pressure of
the hand, exclaimed
4 l felt sure that something had befal-
len US, dear Henry; but feared a per-
sonal accident to yourself. Tell me at
once what is the matter.
"Our business affairs are in a most
critical and alarming condition, Clara
I fear that utter ruin is impending.''-
Tears fell fast from Mrs Camden's eyes.
at will be hard to bear poverty, she
murmured. 81 do not think of myself
dear Henry, but 1 grieve for you, my
poor husband, who has toiled for years
to place US in possession of comforts, OF
which we must now be deprived-and
ourchildren, how sadly they will feel the