Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-04-22

ries, that WILL
Mary WAS much pleased TO see him return
even sooner than the week before for reasons
known to our readcrs), aud soon placed the tea
before him. and while she was bustliug about
the room, and doing her best to keep thechildrcn
quiet. she felt almost inclined to say how pleas
cd she was, but checked herself, lest he might
when giving her the money, stop some for the
last weeks mistake.
When he had nearly finished his meal, he
said, "Here, Mary, you'll he wanting to 90
marketing directly suppose, there's the mo-
ney," throwing it into her lap.
Her heart was ready to sink when she felt
the money in her hand. "Ah,' she thought,
she has soon stopped the overplus OF last
week" but, thinking by the light of the fire,
it looked rather yellow, she went to the win
dow, flor it was narrow court in which they
lived, where the daylight never entered the
room except by accident or when streak shot
its ray down among theml. "Can it be posi-
ble ?" she thought, ga sovereign and half !
and an utterance Of surprise escaped from her,
as she said almost in whisper, "1s all this
for me, John ?"
EYES," said John, and hope you'll spend
it well'
al Ihope," said Mary trembling, "you haven't
done anything wrong to get SO much John"
"No, my lass" said John. while his heart
trembled with emotion, ." have done wrong
long enough, and am going to do right for
the future"
"But," said Mary
"Never mind now" said John, get your
bonnet and shawl, and lets both go to market
Mary did not need second order to get
ready, all the while wondering how it was to
be accounted for; resolving however while Sue
was tying her strings, that she would quietly
wait until John thought proper to give her an
explanation; so after bidding Sally and Tom
nv take care Of the other children and the hous',
they went on their way John then briefly
told her the decision be had come to, and hoped
she would forgive him for the past, and help
him to do better for the time TO come; to all
of which Mary listened with trembling yet joy
| full interest. Their conversation was soon in
terrupted ly their approaching the first place
they should call at, which was the butchers
who, when he saw them coming together, ceased
crying. What will you buy?' for thought
he, they won't want much, small joint that
verybody else leaves, or some pieces in yon-
der corner at i'd pound, so lie continued Look
ing at his stock Of meat with his back towards
John and Mary.
lie was soon aroused, however, 10y hearing
Johns voice ''say, guyerner, what's this leg OF
mutton pound 2" and looking round he saw
John in the act of handling piece of meat OF
that description.
"Thc idea your asking such question: J
thought the butcher; but in moment he said,
"Eight-pence !"
Take it down and see what it weighs" said
John.
YES" said the butcher, thinking to himself,
an weigh it, and that will be enough for you,
know"
1T weighs just lbs, and comes to 5 shil-
lings and 4d." Now you are done, be thinks.
"Ill have it" says John.
YES" thinks the butcher, when you've
paid for it"
Here Mary" said John, give him the mo-
ney" So Mary pushed her finger inside her
old glove, and brought out the sovereign, and
laid it on the butchers block SO carefully as il
she was afraid of rubbing the gold dust off.
The butcher watched every movement,
thinking that all this care was TO be regarded
as a sign of deception, and that the money
was bad; SO taking it up quickly, he bounced
it hard upon the block to test its quality, but
when its ring assured him that all was right,
in a moment his face changed its expression
and his voice its tone, willie he said with great
politeness -
"Can send it home for you, sir and is
there any other article, beef, pork, &C., while
the change rested between his fingers.
"No," said John, feeling rather yexed. I" no.
thing else tonight"
Thank you sir-let me see, you live at No
20 Broad street, don't you ?"
YES" said John, and upon Mary taking ul
the change, they passed out from the shop.
1t is not necessary for lis to follow them
round to the other places; it is only right to
say that each shopkeeper was surprised and
pleased to receive large orders and more money
and as matter Of course, showed an extra a.
mount Of politeness.
Meanwhile the children at home had their
talk about the matter.
GLOW funny" said Tommy, "to see father
and mother 20 out to market together"
"Yes." said Sally, "isn't it%
81 wonder" said Tommy. whether anybo-
dv that father knows has died and left him
some money ?" And with similar child-like
talk they were engaged when sharp rap came
at the door aud disturbed them.
Sally went to the door, and there stood a
butcher boy with basket aud leg Of mutton
in il.
Docs Mister Lewis live here ?" said the boy.
"No." said Sally, "there is no one Of that
name lives here"
"It's strange !" said the boy. Il was told
! .h;s vas the bouse isn't this No. o0?'