The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1860-11-08

of his going down hill, and the best way
of giving him push.
In another part of the village similar
scenes were passing. ~
81 declared" exclaimed Mrs Bennett,
the dress-maker, to favorite, as she
hastily drew her head from the window,
whence she had been gazing on the
passers by, if there isn't Mrs. Thomp-
son, the shoemaker's wife, coming up
the steps with parcel in her hand.
She wants to engage me to do her
spring work, l suppose, but / think it
would be venture. Every one says
they are running down hill, and it's
chance if l ever get my pay"
."She has always paid up promptly"
was the reply.
"True, bat that was in the days of
her prosperity. Ican't afford to run
any risk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-
vented further conversation. She was
evidently surprised at the refusal of
Mrs. Bennett to do any work for her !;
but as great pressure of business was
pleaded as an excuse there was moth
ing to be said, and she took her leave.
Another application proved equally un-
successful. 1t was strange how busy
the village dress-makers had suddenly
become.
When returning to her home, the
poor shoemaker's wife met the teacher
of small school in the immediate
neighborhood, where two of her child
rem attended.
"Ah Mrs. Thompson, 1 am glad to
see you," vas the salutatiOn. "I was
about calling at your house. Would it
be convenient to settle our little account
this afternoon ?"
"Our account!" was the surprising
reply. "Surely the term has not ex-
pired yet!''
"Only half of it, but my present rule
is to collect my money at that time. 1,
is plan which many teachers have
adopted of late"
"I was not aware that there haG
been any change in your rules. and
J have made arrangements to meet the
, bill at the usual time. / fear it woulG
not be in my power to do so sooner"
: The countenance of the teacher
showed great disappointment as sh'
passed on in different direction NUT
tering to herself
"Just as 1 expected. Everybod,
says they are going down hill. / mus
T, get rid of the children some way. Per
haps l may get pair of shoes or tw
j for payment for the quarter, if l man
3 age right; but it will never do to g
| on in this way" A little troubled b
r her interview with the teacher, Mrs
e Thompson stepped into grocery stor
: to purchase some trifing articles {
o family stores.
81 have little account agaist yol
d Will it be convenient for Mr.. ThomE
r son to settle it this evening ?" aske
i the civil shopkeeper, as he produce
It the desired articles.
: els it not an unusual time for Sc
tling?" was the surprised inquiry.
g swell. not exactly, but money
e very tight just now, and ! am anxio'
II to get in all that is due me. In futu1
e l intend to keep short accounts. He
y is your bill if you would like to look
it. / will call around this evenin
70 It's but small affair.
d "Thirty dollars is no small sum to
= just now," thought Mrs. Thompson,
? she thoughtfully pursued her way HON
- ward.
"a "It seems strange that all these pa
II ments must be made just now, VIII
5, we are struggling to escape from I
III heavy expenses of the winter. / ca
In not understand %
40 Her perplexity was increased by fin
ing her husband with two bills in
IL hand, and countenance expressive
'' anxiety and concern.
"Look Mary" he said as he enters
ny "here are two unexpected calls for me
ey, one from the doctor, and the otf
from the dealer in leather from whom
;" purchased my last stock. They :
no both very urgent for immediate p;
ment, although they have always be
ny willing to wait few months unit
eo could make arrangements to meet tn
'or claims. But misfortune never con
q. singly, and if a man once gets beIi
no hand, troubles seem to pour in fast uI
OF him."
"Just so," replied his wife. "1
a." neighbors think we are going do
ed hill, and every one is ready to give
Ill, a push here are two more bills for
r.