Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1865-05-05


plan, and having studied it for a while, he
went out where The men we're at work get
ting the timber together, and Mr. Manly In
aoduced him as their master That day he
worked but little, for he was not strong vet
tut he arranged the timber, and gave direc
tions for framing. Atnight he asked his
employer If he dared trust him with dol
lar
"Why, you have earned three, returned
Manly $50
'And viii you pay me three dollars a
day 2 go.
to-day, for you win save me money at that.
The poor man could not speak his thanks
in words, but his looks spoke them for him,
and Manly understood them. He received
his three dollars, and on his way home he
stopped and boughtfrst basket, then three
loaves of bread, a pound ofbutter, some tea
and sugar, and a piece of beefsteak. and he
had just one dollar and seventy-6ve cents
left. With this load he went home. 1t
was some time before lac could compose HIM
self to enter the house, but at length he
went IN, and sat the basket upon the table
Come, Mary, he said, Il have brought
something home for supper. Here, Nelly,
you take the pail and run over toMr. Brown s
and get two quarts cf milk. !"
He handed the child shilling as he spoke
and in half bewildered state she took it and
hurried away.
The wife started when she raised the COW
er of the basket, but she dared not speak.
She moved about like one in a dream, ard
ever and anon she would cast a furtiye
glance at her husband. He had not been
drinking she knewit- and yethe had money
to buy rum if he wanted ii. What could it
mean? Had her prayers been answered :?
Oh, how fervently she prayed then.
Soon Nelly returned with the milk, and
Mrs. Nelson set the table out. After sun
per, Charles arose and said to his wife:
Il must go to Mr.. Manly Office to help
him to arrange some plans for his new house,
but | viii be at home early.
A pang. shot through the wife's heart as
she saw him turn away, but still she was far
happier than she had been for long time.
There was something In his manner that as
sured her, and gave her hope.
just as the clock struck nine, the we'll
known foot-fallwas heard, strong and steady
The door opened and Charles entered. His
wife cast quick and keen glance into his
face,' and she almost uttered CRY Of 10Y
when she saw how he was changed for the
better He had been to the barber's and
hatter's. Yet nothing was said upon the
all-important subject Charles wished to
retire early, and his wife went with him. In
the morning the husband arose first and
built the fire. Mary had not slept till long
after midnight, having been kept awake by
| the tumultous emotion that had started up
In her bosom, and she awoke not so early as
usual But she came out just as the tea
kettle and potatoes began to boil, and break
| fast was soon ready.
After the meal was eaten, Charles arose,
put on his hat, and then turning to his wife
he asked
What do you do to-day2"
Il must wash for Mrs. Bixby"
| Are you willing TO obey me once more r.
| "Oh, yes
| Then work for me to-day. Send Nell,
over to tell Mrs. Bixby that you are moi
well enough to wash, for you are not Here
is dollar, and you must do with it as you
| please Buy something that will keep YOU
busy for yourself and children.
| Mr.. Nelson turned toward the door and
his hand was upon the latch. He hesitated
and turned back He did not speak, but he
opened his arms and his wife sank upon
his bosom. He kissed her, and then having
| placed her In a seat, he left the house.
When he went to his work that morning he
felt well, and very happy. Mr.. Manly was
| by to cheer him, and this he did by talking
and acting as though Charles had never been
unfortunate at all.
1t was Sunday evening and Nelson had
been almost week without rum. He had
earned fifteen dollars, ten of which he had
in his pocket
Mary = he said, after the supper table
| had been cleared away, there are ten dol
lars for you and l want you to expend it in
clothing for yourself and children. [ have
earned fifteen dollars during the past five
days, | am to build Squire Manly's great
house, and he pays me three dollars day.
A good job, ism it r.
Mary looked up, and her lips moved, but
she could not speak word. She struggled
few moments, and then burst into tears.
| Her husband took her by the arm and drew
her upon his lap, then pressed her to his
| BOSOM
Mary" he whispered, while tears ran
down his cheeks, you are not deceived. /
am Charles Nelson once more, and will be
| while | live. Not by any act of mine shall
! another cloud cross your brow !"
And then he told her of the words he had
heard the previous Monday, whilehe lay be-
hind the wall.
''Never before he said, ''did I fully re-
alize how low had fallen, but the scales
dropped from my eyes then as though some
one had struck them off with a sledge. My
soul started up to stand point from which
all the tempters of earth can not move it.
/ Y ours PRAYERS are answered
Time passed on, and the cottage assumed
| its garb of pure white, and its whole win
dowsand gTeenblinds. The roses in the gar,
| den smile, and In every way did the i'm.
provement work. Once again was Mary
Nelson among the happiest Of the happy,
and her children choose their own associates
now.