The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-01-02
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE, FRIDAY MORNING,

pies troubles directly in the face. 1t Is bad
enough to dwell among their own pains and
annoyances, and they shrink from mcddling
with Ianother's grief. But, in the present
case, Mrs. Caldwell, moved by a sense Of du-
ty and a feeling of interest in Mrs. Brady,
who had years before been faithful domes.
tic in her brothers house, was constrained
to overcome all reluctance and join her friend
in the proposed errand of mercy.
poor Mary! What state she must be
in!"
Three or four times did Mrs. Caldwell re-
peat this sentence, as they walked towards
that part of the town in which Mrs. Brady
resided. 1t makes me sick at heart to think
of it, she added.
At last they stood at tho door Of u small
brick house, in q narrow street. and knocked.
Mrs. Caldwell dreaded to enter, and even
shrunk little behind her friend when she
heard hand on the lock. 1t was Mary who
opened the door-Nlary Brady, with scarce
ly q sign of change in her countenance, ex-
cept that II was trihe paler.
'Oh! come in,' she said, smile Of pleas.
ure Frightening over her face.
But Mrs. Caldwell could not smile in re.
turn. It seemed to her as ifit would be
mockery Of the trouble which had come down
upon that humble dwelling.
'How is your husband, Mary?' she asked
with solemn face, as soon as thoy had en-
tered. l only heard, little while ago, of
this dreadful occurrence
Thank you, ma'am,' replied Mrs. Brady,
her countenancc hardly falling to serious
tone in its expression. Hes quite comfort
able to-day; and it is such q relief to sec him
out ofpain. He suffered considerably through
the night--but fell asleep just at day.dawn,
and slept for several hours. Ho awoke al
most entirely free from pain
There are no internal injuries, believe,
said Mrs. Bland.
None, the doctor says. And I am SO
thankful. Broken bones arc bad enough,
and it is hard to SEQ so kind and good hus-
band as have, suffer'-Mary's eye grew
wet-but they will knit and become strong
again. When think how much worse it
might have been, I am condemned for the
slightest murmur that escapes my lips
what are you going to do Mary?' asked
Mrs. Caldwell. your husband won't be fit
to work in month, and you have got a good
many mouths to FILL
"A woman's wit and woman's will can
do great deal, answered Mrs. Brady, cheer.
fully. You scc,' pointing to table, on
which lay bundle, that I have already been
to the tailors for work; I'm quick sewer,
and not afraid but what can earn sufficient
to keep the pot boiling until John is strong
enough to 60 to work again. Where there's
a will there's way, Mrs. Caldwell. I've
found that true so far, and I reckon it will
be true to the end. John will have good
resting spell, poor man. And, dear knows,
he's right to have it, for he's worked hard,
and with scarcely holiday, since We were
married.
well, we'll, Mary said Mrs. Caldwell, in
a manifest surprise, you beat mo out |
can't understand it. Here you are, under
circumstances that should call ola most
distressing and disheartening nature, almost
as cheerful as if nothing had happened. l
expected to find you overwhelmed with trou-
bic /; but, instead, you are almost as tranquil
as Juno's day.
The truth is,' replied Mrs. Brady, draw.
ing, almost for shame, q veil of sobriety over
her face, I've had no time to bo troubled
lfFd given up, and set myself down with
folded hands, no doubt I should have been
miserable enough. But that isn't my way,
you geo. Thinking about what I shall do,
and then doing it, keep me so we'll employ
cd, that don't got opportunity to look on
the dark side Of thirgs. And what would be
tho use? There's always bright side as
we'll as dark side, and I'm sure it's pleas.
antcr to be on the bright side, If we can get
there; and always try to manage 1t, some
how
Your secret is worth knowing, Mary, said
Mrs. Bland.
There's no secret about It, replied the
poor woman, 'unless it be in always keeping
busy. As I said just now, I've no time to bc
troubled; and so trouble, after knocking q
few minutes at my door, and not gaihing ad-
mittance, passes on to some other that stands
ajar-and there arc great many such. The
fact is, she don't like to crowd in among
busy people, for they jostle her about, and
never give her quiet resting place, and SO
she soon departs and creeps in among tho
idle ones. can't give any better explains
ton, Mrs. Bland
Nor, may bo could the wisest philosopher
that lives returned tho lady.
Tho two friends, after promising to furn-
ish Mrs. Brady with an abundance Of lighter
and moro profitable sewing than she obtain
cd at clother's, and saying and doing what
ever else they felt to bo best under the cir.
cumstances, departed. For the distance Of
n block they walked in silence. Mrs. Cald.
we'll spoke first.
II am rcbuked,' she said, 'rebukcd as we'll