Litchfield enquirer., 1871-04-06
II wouldn't mind that so much, bHt---'' She kept back the sentence that was on

wouldn't mind that so much, but,
 She kept back the sentence that was on her tongns.
 !" But what ?'' asked her husband,
 "John." said Mrs. Wheaton, drawing herself up in resolute manner. and look ing steadily into her husbands face, 'sa as things are going on" -.A e- l5-.Is S.t sl.
 Things shall go on differently" inter rupted Wheaton. I've thought that all over." .t .e
 How. differently, John ?" e
 "Oh, in every way. I'll turn over a new leaf"
 Wheaton saw light flash into his wife's face.
 "First and foremost, I'm not going to lose any more days. Last month I had six days docked from my wages"
 It's true-more the shame for me- That was eighteen dollars, you see, not counting the money fooled away in idle company enough to pay for all these ba- bies would eat and wear twice over." Oh John ]" There was something ca ger and hopeful in his wife's face as she leaned toward him. .-.. | answered. If you'll take the babies, I'll do my part. I'll turn over a new leaf There shall be no more lost days no more foolish wasting of money no spending of evenings at McBride's. D
 ''Oh, Johnp In her surprise and de- light she could only repeat the exclamation. As she did so this time she rose, and part. ting her hands on her shoulders, bent and kissed him on the forehead. ao2#t You'll take the babies ?" said he. 2 Yes, and twenty more, if you keep to this, and say so. answered Jane, laughing through her tears. a a1 eo7
 "All right, then. It's bargain" And Wheaton caught his wife's hand and shook it by way of confirmation.
 From that time Wheaton turned over new leaf. Neighbors expressed surprise when it was told that Jane Wheaton had adopted the two orphan children. Fellow workmen taunted John, called him soft hearted, and fool for taking care of oth- CT mems brats.
 One said to him, Are four mouths easi CT to fill than two ?"
 Another, You'll be sick of this before the years out"
 And another. I'll see you sold out by the constable in less than six months"
 But John had little to say in reply, only maintaining an air of quiet, good humor, and exhibiting more interest in his work.
 For three weeks John Wheaton had not lost day-something very unusual and not one evening during that time had he spent at McBride's drinking saloon. His poor little home, which had come to have 8 neglected look. was pntting on new ap- pearance. The gate that for months had hobbled on one hinge, now swung smooth ly, and the mended latch held it shut.- Rank weeds no longer filled the door. yard i; the broken steps were mended, and clean panes of glass filled many places in the sashes where had been unsightly rags and sheets. of paper. A neglected running rose was trimmed and trained to it's proper place over the doorway, and was now push ing out young green leaves and bnds
 Within, pleasant changes were also ap. parent. Various new but inexpensive ar- ticles of furniture were to be found. Old things were mended, polished up, and wonderfully improved. With all this, marvellous to relate, Wheaton's earnings had not only been equal to the increased expenditure, but there was an actual sur plus of ten dollars in hand. -
 "l never would have believed it." said John, as he and his wife sat one evening talking over their improved condition, af- ter the babies-loved now almost as if their own-were asleep. "Its just as old Brown used to say Waste takes more than want I declare I've got heart in me again. thought we should have to let the place go that I'd never be able to pay off the mortgage. But here we are ten dollars ahead in less than month and going on at this rate. we'll have all clear in eighteen months
 Next day a fellow workman said to Wheaton, half in banter. "DidntI see the constable down your way yesterday P
 II shouldn't wonder," replied Wheaton, with more gravity of manner than his questioner had expected.
 "I thought saw him looking around after things, and counting his fees on his fingers .. :. '' Likely as not" said Wheaton; II know of good many rents not paid up. last quarter. Money gone to McBrides instead of to the landlord-eh 9
 The man winced a little.
 How are the babies ?" he asked.
 First-rate," Wheaton answered, and with smile so real that his astonished companion could not pursue his banter.
 Time went on, and, to the surprise of all, Wheaton's circumstances kept improving. The babies had brought blessing to his house. In less than eighteen months he had paid of the little mortgage that for years had rested upon his little home and not only this, but had improved it in vari-- ous ways even to the putting up of small addition so as to give them neat break fast room.
 The children grew fnely-there were three of them now, for their hearts and home had opened to another orphan baby being carefully trained by Mrs. Wheaton, were light and joy to the house.
 At the end of ten years we will introduce them briefly to the reader. Wheaton is a master workman, and employs ten mem He has enlarged his house. and made it one of the neatest in the village. Among his men is the very one who bantered him most about the children and prophesied that he would soon be sold out by the con. stable. Poor man i? it was not long before the constable had him in charge. He had wasted his money at McBrides instead of paying it to the landlord.
 Walking home one evening after work was over. Wheaton and his journeyman took the same way. They were silent un- til they came near the formers pretty dwelling, when the journeyman said, half in jest. yet with undisguised bitterness, II guess we'll have to take baby or two. D
 "Whyp asked Wheaton, not preceiving what were in the mans thoughts.
 ':For good luck, said the journeyman.
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