The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-09-23
i'll, aud it is a chance if l ever get my

was the reply.
"True; but that was in the days of
her prosperity. | cannot afford to run
any fisk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-.
vented further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the
refusal of Mrs. Bennett TO do work for
her; but as a great pressure Of bust.
ness was pleaded rs an excuse, there
was nothing to be said, and she soon
took her leave. Another application
proved equally unsuccessful It was
strange how busy the village dress max
ers had suddenly become.
On the way home the poor shoemak
crs wife met the teacher of a small
school in the reighborhood, where two
Of her children attended.
"Ah, Mrs Thompson, | am glad to
see you was the salutation. II was
about calling at your house. Would it
be convenient to settle our account this
afternoon ?"
"Our account 2" was the surprised
reply. "Surely the term has not yet
expired ?"
"OnIy half of it, but my present rule
is to collect my money at any time. 1t
is plan which many teachers have
adopted of late"
'' | was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and | have
made arrangements to meet your bill at
the usual time, l fear that it will not
be in my power to do SO sooner"
The countenance of the teacher show
cd great disappointment, aud as she
passed on in different direction, he
muttcred to himself:
"Just as expected. I shall never
see cent. Everybody says they are
going down hill. must get rid of the
children in some way. Perhaps / may
get pair of shoes or two in payment
for the half quarter, if | manage right;
but it will never do to go on this way"
a little diseomposed by her interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson
stepped into a neighbOriug grocery to
purchase some triiling articles of family
stores.
81 have little account against you
Would it be convenient for Mr.. Thomp.
son to settle it this EVENING"" asked the
polite shopkceper, as he produced the
desired article.
els it his usual time for scttlingY
was again the surprised inquiry.
"Well, not exactly; but money is
very tight just now, and am anxious
to get all that is due me. Iu future
intend to keep short accounts. There is
a little bill, if you would like to look al
it. l will call around this evening. /,
is but small affair"
"Thirty dollars is no small sum to us
just now" thought Mrs. Thompson, as
she thoughtfully pursued her way to.
wards home. r sf
at seems strange that all these pay
ments must be just now, while we arc
struggling to recover from the heavy
expenses ofthe winter. cannot under.
stand it,"
Her perplexity was increased by find
ing her husband with two bills in hi,
hand aud couutenance expressive oI
anxiety and concern.
"Look, Mary" he said, rs she enter
ed, there are two unexpected calls fol
money; one from the doctor, and tn.
other from the dealer in leather, from
whom purchased my last stock. The,
are both very urgent for immediate pay
ment, although they have always beer
willing to wait few months until
could make arrangements to meet theil
claims. But misfortunes never com,
singly, and if a man gets little bchint
hand, trouble seems to pour in upor
him."
"Just so," replied the wife; 9Th,
ncighbors think We are going down hill
and every one is ready to give US push
Here are two more bills for you, on,
from the grocer, and the other from th,
teacher"
Reply was prevented by knock a
the door, and the appearance of a Ia,
who presented neatly folded pape
and disappeared.
Inc butchers account, as | live =
exclaimed the astonished shoemaker. =
"What is to be done, Mary? So mucl
money to bo paid out and very littl
coming 10, for some Of my best custom
ers have left me, although my work ha
always given satisfaction. If | coul,
only have as much employment as usu
al, and the usual credit allowed mo,