The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-09-02

The words but added another pressure tt
the heavy burden which he was alrcad,
staggering. After a silence of some MON
ents, Mrs. Walcoit said
The Goals are all gone
Impossible!' Mr.. Walcott raised his
head and looked increduIous. Il laid in
sixteen tons'
1 can't help it if there were sixty tons
instead Of sixteen they are all gone. The
girls had work to-day TO scrape up enough,
to keep the fire in
There's been a shameful waste some.
where said Mr.. Wacott, with strong en-
Phasls, starting up and moving about the
room with very disturbed manner.
so you always say, when anything runs
out answered Mrs. Walcott rather tartly.
Tue barrel of flour is gone also; but
suppose you have done your part, with the
rest, in using it up
MIR. Walcott returned to 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 bur-
dens Of the day had seemed almost too
heavy for him; but he had borne up
bravely. To gather strength for a renewed
struggle with adverse circumstances, he had
come home. Alas! that the process Of ex-
haustion should still 60 on-that where
only strength could be looked for on earth,
no strength was given.
When the tea bell was rung, Mr.. Wal
colt made no movement TO obey the sum-
mons. Come to SUPPER said his wife,
coldly. But he did not stir.
Are you not coming to supper g she
called TO him as she was leaving the room.
4 don't wish anything this evening. My
head aches very mucl,' he answered. In
the dumps again, muttered Mrs. Walcott
to herself Its as much as ones life is
worth to ask for money, or to say anything
is wanted.' And she kept on her way to
the dinng-room. When she returned, her
husband was still sitting where she had
left him.
Shall bring you cup of tea!' she
asked.
No, ! don't wish for anything d..
Whats the matter, Mr.. Walcott? What
do you look so troubled about, as if you
hadn't a friend in the world What have
[ done to you?'
There was no answer, for there was not
a shade of real sympathy in the voice that
made the queries. but rather Of querulous
A few moments Mrs. Wal
colt stood behind her husband, but as lie
did not seem inclined to answer questions,
she turned away from him, and resumed
the employment which had been interrupt
ed by the ringing of the tea bell.
The whole evening passed without the
occurrence Of a single incident that gave
healthful pulsation to the sick heart of Mr..
WaIcott. No thoughtful kindness was
manifested by any member of the family;
but. on the contrary, narrow regard for
self, and looking to him only, that he
might supply the means Of selfgratifcation.
No wonder, from the pressure which was
on him, that Mr.. Walcott felt utterly dis
couraged. Hc retired early. and sought to
find that relief from mental d,squiet1de in
sleep which he had vainly hoped for in the
bosom Of his family. But the whole night
passed in broken slumber and disturbing
Dreams From the cherries morning meal
at which he was reminded of the quarters
bill that must be paid, of the Goals and flour
that were out and of the necessity Of suppy-
ing Mrs. Walcott's empty purse, he went
forth to meet the difficulties Of another day
faint at heart, almost hopless of success.
A confident spirit, sustained by home affec.
lions, would have carried bin through ; but
unsupported as he was, the burden was too
heavy for him and he sank under it. The
lay that opened so unpropitiously, closed
upon him ruined mani
Let us look in for a few minutes upon
Mr.. Freeman, a friend and neighbor of Mr..
Walcott. He also bad come home weary,
d'spirited, and almost sick. The trials Of
the day had been ubusvally severe, and
when he looked anxiously forward to scan
the future not even. a gIean of light, was
seen along the black horizo1Y
AS ne stepped acrossthe threshold Of his
apang shot through his heart
tor the thought came ;sHow, slight the
present h2s spsR all fhess coa9 No. Not
Icr' g bitss sht for his wHs sanJ Children,
easlhe pain. -
athar, Z come + cride a glad little voiIsss viIss
On the stab sbe bsh hatshs feetfall sound. ~ a.
I'd iR tagassags; sben quick, pst.oriup.
Eeets sMers bsasdAs-and then tiny form was
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