The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-04-23

rough and evil Influences, without the
ability wholly to counteract them. Mrs.
Giles remained long time bowed on that
breakfast table, praying with sense of
helplessness and feeling of need, such as
she had never before experienced. A loud
rap at the door startled her. On opening
it she found Mr.. Harris had called to pay
off a note which had long been due; "a note
Mr. Giles had often declared he would not
be able to collect. "The poor wretch"
he insisted, "will never be able to save
enough to pay his honest debts, while his
wife spends all his earnings on such foolish
things as patent washing machines"
Mrs. Giles informed Mr.. Harris of her
husbands absence, but said she would at
tend to the business. Well all was salts
factolily settled, and Mr.. Harris had gone,
Mrs. Giles sat for some time looking at the
roll Of money in her hand. At length
new thought came into her mind. Care
fully placing the bills in her pocket she
went into the kitchen, and hurriedly finish
ing the mornings work, and then dressing
herself she walked down to the railroad
station, which was but quarter of a mile
distant. She was in time for the morning
train for the city, some ten miles away. 1T
was nearly A o'clock in the afternoon when
she returned home. Mr.. Giles was still
absent; Leonard, the eldest son, stood in
the yard with the team. Heigho, mother
said she, 81 was just going to look for
you. l thought it was too bad for you
always to walk" "Well, my son." she
replied, "yOu would not have found me;
| I've been to the city," "The city gee
whitaker" and Leonard gave a prolonged
whistle. "Yes," said Mrs Giles getting
into the wagon, "and now wish you to
go to the station with me, and bring home
my purchases"
Leonard mounted beside her saying:
"And so the old man did shell out for
once in his life, and give you a little money
did he?' Mrs. Giles reproved Leonard for
speaking thus of his father, but he contin-
ued: "Well, / can't help it; think it a
mean shame; he never gives you cent to
spend, but sends you to the store at the
station, with the same old order: "Please
let the bearer have what she needs" I'd
make it convenient to NEED great many
things, if were you" 1t was late when
Mr.. Giles returned. He hastily dismounted
and gave his horse to one of the boys.
Entering the house, he called for his sup
per in no gentle tones. Fortunately sup
per was just ready. Having satisfied his
ravenous appetite, he rose from the table
saying. "Come, boys it's time you we've
in bed; I'll want you up by daybreak in
in the morning." and setting the example,
he went to bed and was soon a sleep.
About II o'clock Mrs. Giles having finished
her work, and preparations for an early
breakfast, retired to rest. Being very
much fatigued by the days excitement,
she soon slept heavily.
After the first nap Mr.. Giles was restless
and uneasy; he tossed and turned from
side to side, but no more sleep for him.
He concluded to get up. Having dressed
himself he took the candle and proceed to
the kitchen. The slender tallow dip threw
| ~ iuiiu ibhO hOuhu thO httOhCh' hCiO
stood new stove, with its black and pol
ished face, smiling upon him, row of
bright and shining tinware was neatly ar
ranged on the shelf behind it. Turning,
his eyes fell upon washing machine with
wringer attached; taking hold of the
crank, and giving it turn or two, he said:
"a sewing machine, by thunder; but how
in the name of common sense they sew
on it is moro than l can tell" Placing the
candle on the table, he came in contact with
a patent churn. "What, another blasted
concern Polly POllyp' he exclaimed,
seizing the candle and hurrying back into
the sleeping room. In his haste, his foot
caught on the frame work of the sewing
machine, and he fell full length into the
middle of the floor while the candle found
resting place on the opposite side of the
room.
Mrs. Giles suddenly reused from sound
sleep, started up in a bewildered manner,
saying: ''What is it, Philip" What's
the matter P'' Matter enough" growled
he, picking himself up and rescuing the
candle from the close proximity to the bed
clothes Who has been filling up the
house with all that trumpery, and who do
you think is going to pay for it? If you
think am you are much mistaken" Mrs.
Giles sprang from the bed and assumed an
air of dignity. "Philip Giles" said she,
81 have always faithfully. endeavored to
perform my part as wife and mother.