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

been seen vending their way along the
streets of Il large manufacturing village.
Slowly they proceeded with detected
countcnances, not exchanging word,
until the one, whom we shall call Smith,
halted before neat little house and nm.
latchcd the gate Then there was such a
look Of utter misery and despair cleaning
from his eyes that his companion mur
INJURED, 1--WE must trust in God, Smilh -
The words were unhceded, and his
companion passed on. while Smith enter
ed the house.
\ tall dark woman was futtering about
getting supper. She gazed up as he en-
tered, oxclaiming You are late tonight !!
"Ycs ."hc alticulatcd gloomily, and go
ing to the cradle he took up The six weeks
old baby, and scrrowluly pressed it to
his heart.
Il do wish that you would put that
child down and get ready for supper,
exclaimed his wife, after enduring lis
gloomincss for some time in silence.
He slowly obeycd, and then seated him
selfa the table, with deep sigh.
"What in tho world is the matter with
You tonight" she exclaimed as she sat
down opposite him.
His voice trcmbled as he replied, II
suppose you might as well know first As
last have been discharged"
There {" exclaimed his wife. quickly
pushing back her chair Just what
might have expected! I'd like to know
what we are going to do now. Winter
coming On, and all. | declare, Smith,
you will torture me to death
II am very sorry, Lydia, but cannot
help it,"
"Sorry! No you are not sorry at all.
You would As .ici see your wife and child
starvc as not. It's nothing IN the world
but your poor managing"
Lydia, yon aIc cruel. Instead of help,
ing me to endure my great trouble which
is bearing me down to the very earth.
YOU make it ten times harder for me to
bear. Twas not the only one discharged.
There WAS Jim uawlcy, and ever 50 many
others. Business is dali. -
Business dull" she mimickcd after
him. always IN excuse fora worthless
man. To think that you would be dis.
charged now, Just when our rent is due
and we are needing coal and look at my
shoes won't you? Ny feet are almost
out on the ground. wish that | had
never seen you :" and dark look &C
companicd the last words.
The poor husband now covered his face
with his hand, and groancd aloud. This
seemed to encourage his wife to go on ;
for she uttered words more, and more
bitter, until, at last, almost in state Of
phrenzy, the wrclched man rushed from
the house to the nearestpuJiic house, and
there sought to bury thoughts Of the past
and the future in the bottom Of the rum
cup.
In the meanwhile James Hawley, his
companion in labor, entered his home
with very sad countenance. But be-
fore he had stepped over the threshold a
loving pair of arms we're thrown around
his neck. and a pair OF sweet lips pressed
to his.
He returned the salutation sadly, and
then inqrired for the baby.
"She is sleeping sweetly in her cradle.
She has been Il perfect little darling to-
day. Supper is waiting so make haste.
here is warm water and towels Are YOU
not later than usual tonight ?"
Yes, Mary; and | bring bad news for
YOU
bad news :" she exclaimed. turning
pale, as, for the first time. she noticed
that something was wrong.
"Ycs was discharged TO night, and
do not know as can get anything more
to DO until spring. Business is SO dull"
"Is that all ?" exclaimed his wife, with
a sigh OF relief. 81 Thought it was some
thing terrible, the way you looked"
"And is it not terrible enough? What
will become OF Us this winter. if am out
of employmcnt?' ?'
"The same God who feeds the sparrow
and clothes the lilies of the field, will not
let us suffer, dear James"
God bless you, Mary! There is sweet
comfort in your words"
"And now let us have supperm ex-
GLAZED his wife checrlully. "See, ] have
your iavorite dish-short. cake and toast.
DO not let your troubles impair your ap
petite and then, after tea, we will talk
it ali over. God doeth everything for the
best And as our day is so shall our
strength be-"
In the evening it was determined that
the quarters rent should be paid immedi-
ately, new supply of coal obtained, AMI
the remaining portion of the money
placed in the wife's hands TO lie dealt out
as sparingly as possible. Then May
suggested that all her pretty parlor furni