Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-11-18
Selett storp.
THE DARK HOUR.

go out, and perhaps something will turn
up for us"
ats cool night. Robert"
Gold, yes, But its not much colder
outside than in. 1t would have been
better for YOU il you had married John
rremain." lie said bitterly.
Don't say that, Robert, I've never re-
grctted my choice"
Not even Eow, when thero is not q
loaf of bread in the house for you and
The children?"
Not even now, Robert. Don't be dis
couragcd. God has not forsaken u.s.
Perhaps this Christmas eve the tide will
turn, better days may dawn upon us to-
morrow
Robert Brice shook his head despond-
ngly.
"You are more hopeful than /. Jane.
/ Day after day | have been in search OF
employment, have called at fifty places.
only to receive the same answer every
where.
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 aching heart.
When will there be some," asked the
child, pileousy.
Tears came 10 the mothers eyes. She
lnew not what to say.
Jimmy. I'll bring YOU some bread said
the father hoarsely, and he seized his hat
and went to tho door.
His wife alarmed, laid her hand upon
lis sleeve. She saw the look in his eyes,
and she feared to what step desperation
might lead him.
Remember, Robert" she said solemn
Is. "It is hard to s,aryc. but there are
things that are worse"
He shook of her hand, but not roughly
and without word passed out,
Out in the cold streets They would be
their only homo next. For brief time
longer he had the shelter of chcerleSs
loom in cold tenement house, but the
rent would become due nj the end OF the
month. and he had nothing TO meet it.
tent and skillful. Three years since be
lived in country village where his ex-
penses were moderate. and he found no
difficulty in meeting them. But in an
ovil hour he grew tired oi his village
home and removed to the city. Here he
cainly hoped to do better. For n while
he found the tenement house in which he
vas obliged 10 live, u poor substitute for
the neat cottage which he had occupied
in the country. Hero was his mistake
md he was too proud 10 go back.
"Of course can't have rs good ac.
,ommola.ions here ~ in the county
lie said, "bul ii is something TO live IN,
md be in th, midst Of things"
I'D rather be back again" said his
wife. somehow the city doesn't seem
ike home; there used to run in and
axe tea with 4 neighbor, and have a
pleasant, social time. Here | know
scarcely any body"
you'll get used to it after while,
said her husband.
She did not think so:Lut did not like
10 complain.
But time OF great depression came
and with it a suspension oil business en-
terprises. Work ceased lor Robert Brice
and many others. ii he had been in his
old home, he could have turned his hands
10 something else, and at the worst could
lave borrowed of his neighbOrs until bet
Ter times. But the friendly relations
arising among neighbors DO not exist in
! the city TO the same extent rs in tho conn-
Try. So day by day he went out to seek
1 work. only to find himself one OF the
| large number, all Of whom were doomed
/ 10 disappointment. II he had been alone
/ he could have got along somehow, but II
vas sore trial to come to a cherries
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. lie
was absolutely penniless and had been SO
for three days. There was nothing Inc
was likely TO find to do that night
Il will pawn my coat" he said at last
Il cannot see my wife and children
starye."
Ii was well worn overcoat, and that
cold winter night he needed something
more to keep him warm. Weakened by
enforced fasting, he was more sensitive
10 the cold, and shivered as he walked
along the pavement
Yes" he said, my coat must 90.
know not how | shall get along without
il. but cannot see the children starve
before my eyes"
He was not in general an cnvieus man.
hut when he saw sleek and well fed cili-
zens button up to the throat in warm
overcoats, come out of the brilliantly
lighted shops, provided with presents Tor
happy children at home, while his were
starving, he suffered some bitter thoughts
unon the ineouality of fortunes gifts 10