Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1859-08-19
5elette6 AlisfeIlanp.
THE TRADEsMAN,s CRISIS.
"Then let us begin at nnce.-


1t will be sufficient for the readers
purpose, if passing over the heroine's
early history, we observe that, at the Pc
Rod our narrative commences, Mary Nor
ton, the soul and sunshine of her parental
home, was entertaining the very serious
intention Of leaving it. How her ia
Their and mother will ever bring their
minds to part with her, i can't think !"
was the somewhat concerned remark of
a neighbor, and (here our story must
proceed in the words Of the narrator)
"poor Mary herself felt that it would be
a very, very hard thing to leave the dear
little cottage in which she bad passed so
many happy days, and above all, to live
no longer under the same roof with her
parents. But then she loved Edward
Norris very much, and she was sure he
would be good. kind husband. for he
had always been so steady. and such a
dutiful son and affectionate brother."-
And so hope chased the tear from Mary's
eye and the passing pang from her heart
1t was the eve of her weddiug-day,
and she was sitting in the arbor, talking
with Edward about their future plans
and prospects. They were quite alone,
too; for Mrs. Norton was in the house,
busily making preparations for the next
day, and Mr.. Norton was out.
" Mary, dear p said Edward, I'm so
afraid you won't be able to reconcile
yourself to living in town, after being
used, all your life, to this pretty quiet
cottage. c. is such busting place,
too; a great deal more so than L..
1t will seem such chnnger'
Never fear, Edward, replied Mary
81 think l could make myself happy
anywhere, with some one to love; and
besides, | shall 6ud SO much to do that
shall have no time to waste upon discon-
tented musings" And Mary's eyes
looked so bright and hopeful that Ed
wards misgiyings passed away, and he
thought if love could make her happy,
it should not be wanting He was ra-
Their disposed to be responding, and cast
Down by difficulties; but, since his en-
gagement with Mary, he had been often
treasured by her calm, hopeful spirit and
cheered by her encouraging words.
The next day they were settled in their
new home tic. There Mary found
(as she had said) plenty to employ Der
time and thoughts Edward, who had
served his apprenticeship to bookseller
and stationer, was now shopman in the
establishment, and was much esteemed
by the principal of the concern, for his
uniform steadiness and attention to bust
ness. His house was near his shop, 50
that he always came home to his meals ;
and very comfortable meals they we're,
for Mary was an excellent housewife,
and, as they had only slender income.
she was determined that what they had
should be laid out TO the best advantage.
as far as she was concerned. Edward
loved his wife dearly and increasingly,
and he had reason to do SO for good
wife is from the Lord" and is among
the most precious and valuable of his
earthly gifts And Mary ,cas good
wife, in the hest sense of the word, for
she was a Christian, and had learned to
make the Word Of God her guide and
counsellor, believing that the Lord alone
could enable her faithfully and diligently
to perform her new duties Regulated
and controlled by Divine grace, her ma
turally cheerful temper was constant
source of enjoyment, both to herself and
her husband, and to all who came within
the sphere of its influence.
Five years passed away, and Mary was
tho mother Of three children, while death
had deprived her Of her kind, good pa
rents. Edward had taken small shop
in country town, few miles from
G., and had commenced business for
himself. But be soon found that young
tradesman has many difficulties to sur
mount before he can be fairly established.
Instead Of the small but certain salary
which he had hitherto punctually rsceiv-
ed, be found that there we're considerable
expenses to meet in stocking and alter
ing the shop. while at the same time the
returns we're scapty aud uncertain
What could he doY He dreaded getting
ipto dept, which be had hitherto scrupu-
iously avoided The only alternative