Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-01-06


and the front room let out. Further than
this they could lay no plans; and, as the
husband went out 10 pay his rent, the
future looked so dark to the young wife,
that she could not altogether restrain her
tears; but seeking strength from on high,
her face wore the same cheerful smile
when her husband returned; and little
did he know that during all that long
night, while he and his babe were soundly
sleeping, his wife lay awake planning out
the fu'ure.
Three months have passed, with scarce
" n days work in all that time, and nnw
another quarters rent Is due. In vain
the labolcr thrust his hands away down
into his empty pockets, and in vain lacks
his brain Tor some solution of the problem
how the rent is to be paid. The lodgcl
hal paid his money monthly; but that
was not enough to meet the sum, if he
had it, and of course his wife had spent
rs fast rs she had received ii, and it was
an every day wonder to James how Mary
managed so well.
With feelings OF deep despair he enter
ed the house. The table wa, spread with
his same ftvDritc dishes. There was the
short. cake and toast, faxed with a golden
lump OF butter. Il plate ofhOncy and 2
deep dish ofroastcd apples to be served
with sugar and cream, while at his wiIe's
plate sat the Steaming tea pot. As James
took it all in mt glance, he greatly
wondered Mt the frugal, yet comfortable
way OF living How his wife had been
able to make the small amount of money
last 50 long was mystery to him; ami
yet he could not help wishing inwarIiy
that she bad been more economical; then.
perhaps the rent might have been paid +;
and lie iclt that it would have bcca
better TO have subsistcd on one crust n
day rather than to be turned out OF doors
| homeless.
He refused to sit up ut the table. plead
ing that he had no appetite. And great
large teais arose ia the strong mans eyes
rs he informed his wife that on the nor
row they would be turned from thcil
home, to 90 he knew not whittier, rs he
htd moi a dollar in his pocket TO secure
them even a room c'sew here
"is that il?" exclaimed hi' wife, in soft
ripping tones. And tripping up staiIs 5,
she soon returned, and placed two ten
dollar bills in his hand.
"Wherc did YOU get lhem?' he ex.
claimed eagerly turning them over and
over in his hands, as though TO ascertain
whether they were really genuine or not.
Il earned them" replied his wife
gayly. Il knit afghans, shnwls, chji!!cn'a
sacqucs, hoods and sacks; Mt first only
for those whom proydcntiaily heard
wished articles OF this kind; afterwards,
l wa, employed to furnish Il trimming
establishment with my wo!h.
And kept 1t all 4 secret from me-
Yes; because thought yoU woiLl be
worrying icr fear that was doing too
much, | love to knit dearly, anl con.
slider it morc OF Il pleasant pastimc than
labor.
God be praised for giving me sach a
womau!" cXclaimedher husband, earnest
ly; and pressing his vile and child close.
ly to his bosom, hc said "lIcr children
arise upand call her blessed her husband
also. and he prtiscth her; 'or many
daughters have done iduou>ly; but thou
eXccllcst them all
Twenty years have passed, anl james
lIawlcy is rich man. Bat Joseph
Smith is confirmed druntlrd, while his
wife has long since passed from earth, q
victim Of misery and want.
Why will not all wives assist their
husbands to bear their trials. with help.
ng hands and willing heart, Ii they
would be saved from ruin how many
families would be saved from iuin and
how sweet would be their reward, moi
only upon earth but in Heaven.