The southern aegis, and Harford County intelligencer. (Bel Air, Md.) 1862-1864, 1862-09-06
BEL AIR. MD. SATURDAY MORNING,

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The whole evening passed without the
occurrence of single incident that gave
healthful pulsation to the sick heart of
Mr. Walcott. No thoughtfhl kindness
was manifested by any member of the
family; but on the contrary, narrow re-
gard for self, and looking to him only
that he might supply the means of self
qualification.
No wonder, from the pressure which
was on him, that Mr.. Walcott felt utterly
discouraged. He retired early, and
sought to find that relief from mental dis
quietude in sleep which he had vainly
hoped in the bosom of his family. But
the whole night passed in broken SUM
Der 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 -four that were
out, and of the necessity of supplying
Mrs. Walcott's empty purse, he went forth
to meet the difficulties of another day,
faint at heart, almost hopeless of success.
A confident spirit, sustained by home af-
tections, would have carried him through
but unsupported as he was, the burden
was too heavy for him, and he sank under
it. The day that opened so unpropitious-
ly closed upon him ruined man
Let us look in for few moments upon
Mr.. Freeman, the friend and neighbor of
Mr.. Walcott. He, also, had come home
weary, dispirited, and almost sick. The
trials of the day had been unusually Sc
we're, and when he looked anxiously for
ward to scan the future, not even a CLEAN
OF light was seen along the black horizon.
AS he stepped across the threshold of
his dwelling, pang shot through his
heart, for the thought came-"How slight
the present hold upon all these comforts"
Not for himself, but for his wife and chill
dren was the pain.
"Father's come!' cried glad little
voice on the stairs the moment bis football
sounded in the passage, then quick, pat
tering feet were heard-an1 then tiny
form was springing into his arms. Before
reaching the sitting room above, Alice, the
eldest daughter, was by his side, her arm
drawn fondly within his, and her loving
eyes lifted to his face.
"Are you not late, dear ?" 1t was the
gentle voice of Mrs. Freeman.
Mr.. Freeman could not trust himself to
answer He was TOP deeply troubled in
spirit to assume at the moment cheerful
tone, and lie had no wish to sadden the
hearts that loved him by letting the de-
preston from which he was suffering be-
come too clearly apparent But the eyes
OF Mrs. Freeman saw quickly below the
surface.
care you not we'll, Robert ?" she in
quired, tenderly, as she drew his large
armchair toward the centre of the room.
"a little headache" he answered, with
a slight evasion.
Scarce was Mr.. Freeman seated ere O
pair of of hands was busy with each foot,
removing gaiter aud shoes, and supplying
their place with soft slipper There was
not one in the household who did not feel
happier for his return, nor one who did
not seek to render him some kind office.
1t was impossible, under such burst
of heart sunshine, for the spirit of Mr..
Freeman long to remain shrouded. AL
most imperceptibly to himself gloomy
thoughts gave place to more cheerful ones,
and by the time tea was ready, he had
half forgotten the fears which had SO
haunted him through the day
But they could not be held back alto
gether, and their existence was marked
during the evening by an unusual silence
and abstraction of mind This was OBJ
served by Mrs. Freeman, who more than
half suspectipg the cause, kept back from
her husband the knowledge of certain
matters about which she had intended to
speak to him, for she feared they would
add to his mental disquietude. During
the evening she CLEANED from something
he said the real cause of his changed as
pect. AT once her thoughts commenced
running in new channel. BY few
leading remarks she drew her husband
into conversation on the subject of home
expenses and the properiety Of restriction
in various points. Many things were mu-
tually pronounced superfuous and easily to
be dispensed with, and before sleep fell
'soothingly on the heavy eyelids of Mr..
Freeman that night, an entire change in
their style of living had been determined
upon--a change that would reduce their
expenses at least one-half.
81 see light ahead" were the hope