Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-05-07

: a venture. Every one says they are run
ming down hill, and it's chance if lever
get my pay"
"She has always paid promptly" was
the reply.
True. that was in the days of pros
perity. can't afford TO run any risks.
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 a
great pressure of business was plead as
an excuse, there was nothing TO be said,
and she took her leave. Another APP
plication proved equally unsuccessful.
On the return home, the poor shoe
makers wife met the teacher of small
school in the neiGhborhood, where two o!
her children went.
"Ah! Mrs. Thompson, am glad to see
YOU" was the salutation, Il was about
calling at your home. Would it be con-
venient to settle our account this after
noon?'
"Our account" was the surprised reply.
.'Surcly, the term has not expired"
"One-half Of it has but my present
rule is to collect my money at that time.
1t is plan which many Of the teachers
have adopted of late"
IL was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and | have
made arrangements to meet the bill at the
usual time. fear it will not be in my
power to do ii sooner"
The countenance of the teacher showed
great disappointment as she passed on in
a different direction, muttering to herself:
Just as expected. shall never get 4
cent. Everybody says they are going
down hill. l must get rid Of their
children in some way. Perhaps may
get A pair Of shoes for payment fot the
quarter, if manage right; but it will
never do to 90 on in this way"
\ little troubled BY her interview with
the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into
a grocery shop to purchase some triaing
articles of family stores
II have little account against you.
VIII il be convenient Tor Mr. Thompson
to settle it this evening"" asked the civil
shopkeeper, as he produced the desired
articles.
is it not an unusual time for settling2"
WAS again the surprised inquiry.
"Well, not exactly; but money is very
tight just now, and I'm anxious to get al
that s due me- In future. intend keep
! ing short accounts. Here is your bill. if
vou would like to look AT it. will call
around this evening. It's but small ai
fair"
Thirty dollars is no mean sum just
now" thought Mrs. Thompson, as she
pursued her way towards home. lit
seems strange that al these payments
mus, be met Just now. while We are
struggling TO escape from the heavy
expense of the winter. | cannot under
stand it,
Her perpleNity was increased by finding
her husband with two bills in his hand,
and a countenance expressive of concern.
Look, Mary" he said. as she entered.
here are two unexpected bills for money
ono from the doctor and one from the
dealer in leather from whom | purchased
my last stock. They are both urgent for
| immediate payment, although they have
always been willing TO wait a few months
until could meet their claims. But mis-
fortune never somes singly; and if man
once gets behindhand, trouble seems to
pour in upon him.
Just SO, replied his wife. The
neighbors think We are going down hill,
and every one is ready to give US push.
Here are two for you.-one from the
grocer, and the other from the teacher.
Reply was prevented by knock at the
door, and the appearance OF lad, who
presented neatly folded paper and dis
appeared.
The butchers account, as live eX-
claimed the astoniShed shoemaker. What
is to be done, Mary. So much money to
be paid out, and very little ones coming
in, and some of my best customers have
left me, although my work has given
satisfaction. Ii | could have rs much
employment as formerly, aud the usual
credit allowed me, | could soon satisfy
their claims; but to meet them now is
| impossible and the acknowledgement OF
my inability will send me still further on
in the downward path.
Eve must do our best, and trust in
| Providence" was the cOnsolatory remark
of his wife, as knock at the door aroused
the fear that another claimant was about
to appear.
But the benevolent countenance OF
Uncle Joshua, a rare but eyer-welcome
visitor, presented itself. Seating himself
in the comfortable chair which Mary
hastened to hand him, he said, in his
somewhat eccentric but friendly manner:
well, good folks, | understand that
the world does not 70 quite as we'll with
YOU as formerly What is the trouble'
There need be no trouble, sir" was
the reply, ..if man would not try to add
TO the afilictions which the Almighty
sees to be necessary for us. The winter