Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-27
The Two Troubles.

Slowly they proceeded with detected coun-
tenances, not exchanging word until the one
whom we shall call Smith halted before neat
little house and uulatched the gate. Then
there was such look of utter misery and de-
spair cleaning from his eyes, that bis compan-
ion murmured, 1--WE must trust in God,
Smith"
"Ye.," he asticulated sloomly, and going
to the cradle took up the six weeks old baby,
and sorrowfully pressed it to his heart
al do wish you would put that child down
and get ready for supper" exclaimed his wife,
after enduring his gloominess for some time.
lie slowly obeyed, and then seated himself
at the table with sigh.
"What in the world is the matter with you,
tonight ?" she asked, as she sat down oppo-
site him.
His voice trembledas he replied, " Isuppo'c
YOU might as we'll know first as last. have
been discharged"
"Therew y exclaimed his wife quickly, push
ing back her chair; "just what | might have
expected II like to know what we arc going
to do now. Winter coming on and all. de-
clare, Smith, you will torture me to death"
"Iam very sorry, Lydia, but cannot help
it."
"Sorry No, you are not scrry at all. You
would just as lief see your wife and children
starved as not. It's nothing in the world but
your poor managing"
Lydia, you are cruel. Instead of helping
me to endure my great trouble, which is bear
ing me down to the very earth, you make it
ten times harder for me to bear. was not
the only one discharged. There was jim
Hawley and ever SO many others. Business
is dull"
Business is dull |" sue mimicked after him.
Always an excuse for worthless man. To
think that you should be discharged now, just
as our rent is due; and then we are out OF
wood and look at my shoes, won't you my
feet almost on the ground. l wish | had new
er married you" and dark look accompanied
the last words. The poor husband now cov-
cred his face with his hands and groaned
aloud. This seemed to encourage bis wife to
90 on: for she uttered words moro and more
bitter, until at last, driven almost to state Of
frenzy. the wretched man rushed from the
house to tho tavern, and there sought to bury
the thoughts of the past and future in the rum
cup.
In the meantime James Hawey, his compan-
ion in labor, entered bis home with very sad
countenance But before he had stepped over
the threshold loving pair Of arms were thrown
around his neck and pair Of sweet lips were
pressing to his. lie returned the salutation
sadly, and then inquired for the baby.
"She is sleeping sweetly in her cradle. She
has been perfect little darling all day. Sup
per is waiting SO make haste. Here is warm
water and towel Are you not later than
usual, to-night2'
"Yes, Mary l bring bad news to you"
" Bad newsw she exclaimed, turning pale
as for the first time, she noticed that something
was wrong.
"Yes, was discharged tonight, and do
not know as can get anything to do before
spring. Business is dull"
Is that all ?" asked his wife with Sigh Of
relief. "I thought it was something terrible,
the way you looked"
"And is it not terrible enough What will
become Of us this winter if am out Of en-
ployment ?"
The same God who feeds the sparrow and
clothes the lilies in the field will not let US
suffer, dear James"
"God bless you, dear Mary. There is sweet
comfort in your words"
And now let us have supper" exclaimed
his wife, cheerfully. See, have your fayo-
rite dish-shortcake and toast. Do not let
your troubles impair your appetite, and then,
everything for the best And as our day, so
shall our strength be-"
In the evening it was determined that the
quarters rent should be paid Immediately,
new supply Of coal obtained and the remain
ing portion Of the money placed in the wife's
hands to be dealt out as sparingly as possible.
Then Mary suggested that all her pretty
paror furniture should be put away in the
garret, and the front room let out. Further
than this they could lay no plans, and as the
husband went out to pay the 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 shen her husband re-
turned, and little did be know that during all
that night long, while be and his baby were
soundly sleeping, his wife lay awake planning
for the future.
Three months have passed without days
work all that time, and now another quarters
rent is due. In vain the laborer thrusts his
hand, into his empty pockets, and in vain
racks his brain for some solution Of the prob
lem bow the rent is to be paid. Tie lOdser
had paid his money monthly, but then that
was not enough to meet the sum, if hs hal it,
and Of course his wife had spent that as fast as
she had received it, and il was ar everyday
wonder to James how Mary managed so well.