The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-02-21

Christmas Eve to pass without buying
some little gift for Jimmy and Agnes.
How little did he dream that they
would ever want for bread.
There was one man, shorter than him
self, warmly clad, who passed him with
his hands thrust deep into the pockets of
his overcoat. There was a pleasant smile
upon his face He was doubtless think
ing of the happy circle at home.
Robert knew him as rich merchant,
whose ample warehouse he often passed.
He had applied to this man only two days
before for employment, and been refused.
1t was, perhaps, the thought of the wide
difference between them so far as outward
circumstances went, that led Robert
Brice to follow him.
After while the merchant-Mr.
Grimes-drew his handkerchief quickly
from his pocket. AS he did so, he did
not perceive that his pocketbook came
with it and fell to the sidewalk.
He did not perceive it, but Robert did.
His heart leaped into his mouth, and
a sudden thought entered his mind.
lie bent quickly down and picked up the
the pocketbook. He raised his eyes
hastily to see if the movement was OBJ
served. 1t was not
The merchant went on unheeding his
loss.
"This will buy bread for my wife and
children" thought Robert instantly.
A vision of the comfort which the
money would bring that cheerless room
lighted up his heart for moment, but
then, for he was not dishonest, there came
another thought The money was not
his however much he might want it.
"But / cannot see my wife and chill
dren starve," he thought again. off it
is wrong to keep this money, God will
pardon the offence. He will understand
my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he knew it.
In moment he felt it to be so. There
was something worse than starvation,
1t was his wife that had said this Just
before he came out. Could he meet her
gaze, when he returned with food so OBJ
tanned. "l've lived honest, so far" he
thought 81 won't turn thief now"
1t was with an effort he came to this
decision, for all the while before his eyes
there was 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 shoulder, and extended
the hand that held the pocketbook
"Sir," he said hoarsely, "you have
dropped your pocketbook."
"Thank you" said the merchant,
turning round, 81 hadn't perceived my
loss"
You dropped it when you pulled out
your handkerchief"
" And you saw it and picked it up, l
am very much obliged to you.
"You have reason to be" said Robert
in low voice. | came very near keep
ing it."
"That would have been dishonest"
said Mr.. Grimes, his tone altering slight
ly.
Yes, it would, but it's hard on a
man to be honest when he is penni-
less, and his wife and children without
crust"
Surely you and your family re-not
in that condition said the merchant,
earnestly.
eyes," said Robert ait is only too
true"
"And you are out of work ?"
For two months | have vainly sought
for work. | applied to you two days
since"
" l remember you now. | thought |
had seen your face before. You still
! want work?
/ should feel grateful for it."
A porter left me yesterday will you
take his place at $l2 week
Thankfully, sir. | would for half
that w
"Then come tomorrow morning or
rather as tomorrow will be a holiday, the
day succeeding. Meantime, take this
for your present necessities"
He drew from his pocketbook a bank
note and put it into Roberts hand.
cts $50" said Robert, amazed.
81 know it. This book contains
$1,000 But for you should have lost
the whole wish you merry Christ
mas"
at will indeed be merry Christ
mas" said Robert, with emotion, "God
bless you sir" Good night"
"Good night"
Jane waited for her husband in the
cold and cherries room, which for a few
days longer she might call her home.