Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-11-09

some things worse than starvation. II was
his wife who h.a said this Just before he
came out Cou ne meet her gaze, when he
returned with food 20 obtained ?
" I've lived honest, 30 far" be thought
" | won't turn thief now"
II was with an effort be came to this de-.
cision 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
and placed his hand on the merchants shout
der, and extended the hand that held the
pocket book.
THANK you said the merchant, turning
round, " | hadn't perceived my loss
You dropped it when you took out your
handkerchief "
And you saw it and picked it up. am
much obliged to you.
You have reason to be, said Robert in
low voice. came near keeping it.
That would have been dishonest said
Mr. Grimes, his tone altering slightly.
Yes, it would but it's hard on man
to be honest when he is pcnnilcss. and his
wife and children without crust 80
Surely you and your family arc not in
that condition ?' said the merchant, earnestly.
/ Yes, " said Robert. it is only true
And you are out Of work ?"
For two months | have vainly sought
for work. | applied to you two days since.
| remember you now. thought had
seen your face before. You still want work
! should feel grateful for it.
a porter left me yesterday. VIII you
take his place for twelve dollars a week 2'
Thankfully, sir | would for half that.
"Then come tomorrow morning. or rather
as tomorrow will be a holiday, the day sue
ceeding. Meantime take this for your pres
ent necessities"
lie drew from his pocket-book bank.uot,
and put it into Roberts hand.
It's fifty dollars said Robert, it
amazement.
know it. The pocket-book contains
thousand dollars. But for you should hay,
lost the whole wish you a merry Christ
mas
" 1t will indeed, be a merry Christmas,
said Robert, with emotion God bless you
sir. Good night
4" Good night
Jane waited for her husband, in the colt
and cherries room, which for few days Ion
ger she might call her home.
" Do you think father will bring som
bread ? " said little Jimmy, as he nestled i
J her lap.
81 hope so, darling" she said but be
heart msgave her She feared it was dc
usive hope
An hour passed there was step on tn
stair her husbands 1t could not be, 70
this was a cheerful, elastic step, coming u
! two stairs at time. She looked eagerly t
the door.
Yes, it was he. The door opened. Robor
rad liant with joy, entered with basket ful
, of substantial provisions.
5 Have you got some bread father ?
asked Jimmy, hopefully.
, Yes, Jimmy, some bread and meat lrol
a restaurant and here's littletea aud sugar
Q There's little wood left, Jane Let's hay
@ bright fire and a comfortable meal, 70
. please God. this shall be a merry Christmas.
! How did it happen Tell me- Robert.
c SO Robert told his WIFE and soon brgf
fire lit up the before cheerless room an
t there were four happy hearts that waited
d joyful hope for the dawn of a Merry Chris
G mas Day"
= The next week they moved to bett,
j home. They have never since known whit
?. it is to want. Robert found firm friend
u the merchant, and has an account in Il
e savings bank, and has reason to remembe
s with grateful heart, Gods goodness on TIL
It Christmas Eve.