The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-12-10
THE DARK HOUR.

u can't stand it any longer, Jane, I'll 60
out. and perhaps something will turn up for
u.s."
Its a cold night, Robert"
"Cold, yes! But it's not much colder out
side than in. 1t would have been much bet
ter for you, if you hal married John Ire
MAN," he said, bitterly.
"Don't say that, Robert, Pve never regret
ted my choice"
mot even now, when there is not a loaf of
bread in tie house for you and the children p
mot even now, Robert. Don't be discour-
aged. God has not forsaken us. Perhaps
this Christmas eve the tide will turn, better
davs may dawn upon us Tomorrow
Robert Brce shock his head despondingly
You are more hopeful than l, Jane. Day
after day have been in search of employ
ment, l have called at fifty places, only to
receive the same answer everywhere"
just then little Jimmy, who had been
asleep, woke up.
Mother" he pleaded, won't you give me
piece of bread? am SO hungry
"There is no bread, Jimmy darling" said
the mother with an acting heart
"When will there be some?" asked the
child, piteously.
Tears came to the mothers eyes. She
knew not what to say.
Jimmy, I'll bring you some Bread" said
the father hoarsely, and he siezed his hat and
went to the door.
His wife alarmed, laid her hand upon his
sleeve. She saw the look in his eyes, and she
feared to what step desperation might lead
him.
Remember, Robert" she said soemnly.
"it is hard to starve, but there are things that
are worse"
He shook off her hand, but not roughly.
and without word passed out.
"Out in the cold streets! There would be
their only home next. For brief time long
er he had the shelter of cherries room in a
cold tenement house, but the rent would be-
come due at the end of the month, and he
had nothing to meet it.
Robert Brlce was mechanic, competent
and skill!ul. Three years since he lived in
country village where his expenses were mod
crate, and he found no difficulty in meeting
them. But in an evil hour he grew tired Of
his village home and removed to the city,
Here he vainly hoped to do better. For a
while he met with very good success, but he
found his tenement house in which he was
obliged to live, poor substitute for the neat
cottage which he occupied in the country.
He saw his mistake, but he was too proud to
go back.
"Of course 1 can't have as good accommo:
dations here as in the country he said, "but
1t IS something to live in, and be in the midst
of things"
"Id rather he back again." said his wife;
somehow the city does't seem like home;
there L used to run in and take tea with
neighpor, and have pleasant social time;
mere know scarcely anybody"
You,ll ge5 used to it after whe," said
her husband.
She did not think so but did not like TO
complain.
But time of great depression came, and
with 1t suspension of business enterprises
Work ceased for Robert Brice and MANY others
If he had been in his old home, he could have
turned bis hands to something else, and at the
worst could have borrowed of his neghbors
till better times. But the friendly relations
arising from neighborhood do not exist in the
city to the same extent as in the country
30 day by day he went out to seek work, only
TO md himself one of large number, all of
whom were doomed to disappointment. If he
had been alone, he could have got along some
how, but it was sore trial to come to cheer
less room and pale wife and hungry children
with no relief to offer them.
When on that Christmas eve Robert Brice
went into the streets, he hardly knew how he
was going to redeem the promise he had made
little Jimmy. He was absolutely penniless
and had been SO for three days. There was
nothing that he was likely to get to do that
night.
Il will pawn my coat" he said at last. 81
cannot see my wife and children starve"
1t was well worn overcoat, and that cold
winter night he needed something more to
keep him warm. Weakened by enforced fast
ing, he was more sensitive to the cold, and
shivered as he walked along the pavement.
YES" he said,' my coat must go. I know
not now shall get along without it, but l
cannot see the children starve before nv
eyes,"
ne was not in general an envious man. but
when he saw sleek, well fed citizens buttoned
up to the throat in warm overcoats. come out
OF the brilliantly lighted shops, provided with
presents for happy children at home, while his
were starving. he suffered some bitter thoughts
upon the inequality of fortunes gifts to come
to his mind.
Why should they be so happy, he so mser-
able?
There was time, he remembered it WE'LL
when he too suffered not the Christmas eve
10 pass without buying some little gift for
Jimmy and Agnes. How little he dreamed
then that they would ever want bread.
mere was one man, shorter than himself,
warmly clad. who passed him with his hands
thrust deep into the pockets OF his overcoat.
lhere was pleasant smile upon his face He
was doubtless thinking of the happy circle at
home.
Robert knew him as a itch merchant.
whose ample warehouse he often passed. He
nao applied to this man only two days before
Ior employment and been refused. 1t was,
perhaps, lhe thought of the wide difference
between them, SO far as outward circum-
him. 0"
After while, the merchant-Mr cr;rnos
drew his handkerchief swiftly from his nocko+
As he did So he did not perceive that bic
pocket book came with it and fell to the side
walk.
He did not perceive it, but Robert did, His
heart leaped into his mouth, and sudden
thought entered his mind. He bent quickly
down and picked up the pocket book. He
raised his eyes hastily to see if the movement
was noticed. 1t was not. The merchant
went on, unheeding his loss.
"This will buy bread for my wife and chill
dren,' thought Robert, instantly,
a vision OF the comfort which the money
would bring that cherries room, lighted up
us heart Tor an instant, but then, for he was
not I dishonest, there came another thought
dit. --''' 20 much % he "an'-
but cannot see my wife and children
s.alVe, he thought again. IF it is wrong to |
Keep the money, God will nardon the offa'co
he Will understand nv motiven
All ms was sophistIy and he know If Tn
moment lie lelt 1t to be SO. There wore
some things worse than starvation II MS
his wife who had said this just before he came
out. Could ne meet her gaze, when he 70.
turned with food so obtained?
1--WE lived honest, so far," he thought; cpl
not turn thief now"
1t was with an effort he came to this decis-
ion, for all the while there was before his
eyes that vision of cherries home, and he
could hear Jimmy vainly asking for food. 1t
was with an effort that he stepped forward
ana placed his hand on the merchants shout
md hoo IL
pocket book. 'NN
THANK you. said the merchant turning |
round, Il hadn't perceived my loss"
lou cropped it when you took out your |