The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1870-06-09
know; and never trust IN, man with
money who is evidently going down
i:u -

NIL
"Quite right; and I will send in my
bill this evening. I have only delaye'
on account Of the sickness the poo
man has had in his family all winter
I suppose he must have run behind
little, hut still ! must take care of nun
Der one"
"Speaking of Thompson, are you ?
observed hystander, who appeare'
to take an interest in the conversation
"Going down hill, is he? must lool
out for myself, then. He owes mt
quite = snug sum for leather ! did in
ten'l to give him another month
credit, but on the whole I guess TIN
money will be safer in my pocket"
Here the four worthless separated
each with his mind filed with the af
fairs of neighbor Thompson, the prob
ability that he was going down hil.
and the best way to give him push.
in another part Of the village similar
scenes were passing.
81 declare" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett
the dres,maker, to u lavorite assistant
as che hastily withdrew her head from
the window. whence she had been ga
zng on the passers-hy, "Iithere is no
Mrs. Thompson, the shoemaker's wife
coming up the steps with a parcel ii
her hand. She wants ne to do her
work, but think it would I've venture
Every one says they are running dowI
hill, and it is chance if ever get m,
pay"
"She has always paid us promptly
was the reply.
"True; but that was in the days o.
her prosperity. l cannot afford to rul
any risk"
The entrance Of Mrs. Thompson
prevented any further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the
refusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any worN
for her; hut as great pressure of husi
ness was pleaded as an excuse, ther,
was nothing to be said, and she soor
took her leave. Another applicati or
proved equally unsuccessful. 1t was
strange how busy the village dress
makers had suddenly become.
On the way home, the poor shoema
ker's vile met the teacher of n smal
school in the neighborhooJ, where two
of her children attended.
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson, I am glad to
see YOU" was the salutation. IL was
about calling at your house. Would it
he convenient to settle our account.
this atternoon?''
"Our account was the surprised
reply "Surely, sir, the term has not
expired"
"Only half it, but my present rule is
to collect my money at any time. Ii
is a plan which many teachers have
adopted of late"
II was not aware that there had
been any change in your rules, and l
have made arrangements to meet your
bill at the usual time. I fear it will not
be in my power to do so sooner
The countenance Of the teacher
showed great disappointment, and as
she passed on in different direction.
be muttered to himself:
"Just as I expected; I shall never
see cent. Everybody says they are
going down hill. must get rid ofthe
children some way. Perhaps may
get pair Of shoes or two in payment
of the half quarter, if I manage it right,
hut it will never do to 60 on in this
way"
Alittle discomposed by her Interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson
stepped into neighboring grocery to
purchase some tri6ing articles OF fam-
Iy stores.
II have little account G -ainst You.
would il be convenient for Mr.. Thomp-
son to settle it this evening"" asked
the polite shopkeeper. as he produced
the desired article.
"Is 1t his usual time tor settling r
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-. In future !
intend to keep short accounts. There
is the little bill, il you would like to
look ut it. / will call around this
evening. 1t is but small affair.""
Thirty dollars is no small sum to
Us just now," thought Mrs. Thomp
son, Us she pursued her way toward
home musinsly. at seems strange all
these payments mus, lie net just now,
while we are struggling to recover
from the heavy expenses Of the winter
I Cannot unders' and it."
Her perplrxity was increased by
finding her husband with two bills IN
bis hand, and . countenance expressive
Of anxiety anil concern.