The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1869-11-18
Jhe @edfora Gazette.
THE DIscoNTENTED COUPLE.


An old discontented couple, who had
hard work to procure the necessaries
of life, were constantly complaining of
the faults and failings of others, instead
of seeking by Divine help to rectify
their own.
"AIl this trouble and sorrow in the
world is through Adam and Eve,"
the old man would exclaim. "If had
been Adam i never would have allow
ed a woman to lead me in such
scrape."
A wealthy and pious lady lived
near, who had frequently relieved the
old man and his wife. One day, in
passing, she heard them grumbling as
usual about Adam and Eve. She felt
anxious to convince them of the inn
portance of being contented with the
station in which Providence had placed
them, and how wrong it was to be thus
constantly murmuring at their lot in
life.
The next morning the lady's SER
want in livery came to the cottage
with a message from her mistress for
the old couple to go to the mansion.
The looks of discontentment vanish
ed for once, as the old folks were de-
lighted with such mark of distinc-
ton from one so very rich.
On arriving at the mansion the lady
received them most kindly, and thus
addressed them:
81 have set you apart two rooms in
my house, and so long as you attend
to my wishes you will be allowed to
remain here, and have everything
needful for your comfort. But if you
disobey any of my rules you will be
Immediately turned out and sent back
to your old mud cottage"
"Thank you, thank you kindly" re-
sponded the old man.
"Nevcr fear we will do anything a.
gainst your wishes, ma'am," added
the old woman.
every WE'LL" said the lady, "then
you will find home here for life"
Everything necessary for their COM
fort was provided, and all went on
well for some time. There was one
thing that somehow puzzled them.
For several days there was placed
upon their dinner table covered dish,
which they were desired not to touch.
"My lady desires me to say that ev-
cry dish is at your service, except that
one," said the servant.
On one day, having nearly finished
their hearty repast, the curiosity of the
old woman was greatly excited as to
the contents of the forbidden dish, and
She said to her husband:
"What can it be-"
Never mind" said the old man,
we've had a capital dinner without
it,"
"As the lady was doing US good, she
might as well let us taste every dish" ;"
added the old woman.
"Why, yes, she might as well have
done HANDSOMELY rejoined the old
man.
"There can be no harm in looking"
continued the old woman, "the lady
will never be the wiser for that"
The old man was silent, and silence
serves to give consent. He was al
most as curious as his wife about the
strange dish. The temptation was so
strong, and the longer it was parried
with the stronger it became.
ooh !! oh oh !" exclaimed the ter
rifed old woman, as she started back
and upset the dish on the floor.
Out jumped mouse.
The uproar reused the lady of the
house who suspected what was the
matter, and she was quickly at the
door.
"What, is this the return you make
for my kindness? You, who were so
ready to blame Adam and Eve for eat
ing the forbidden fruit, could not obey
my triding request? ? You have now
forfeited the privileges l conferred on
you, and you must therefore leave my
house Immediately, and return to your
mud cottage. Never blame Adam and
Eve for what you would evidently
have done yourself, had you been in
their places"