Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-04-18
THE TWO TROUBLES.

~ vas Il Null' NlHulaI evening III NOVem-
Der that two laborers might have been seen
vending their way along the streets of a
large manufacturing town.
Slowly they proceeded with detected
countenances, not exchanging word until
the one whom we shall call Smith halted
before neat little house and Unattached
the gate. Then there was such a look of
utter misery and despair cleaning from his
eyes, that his companion murmured, awe
must trust in God. Smith"
eyes" be articulated gloomily, and 20
ing to the cradle took up the six weeks,
old baby, and sorrowfuIly pressed it to
his heart
81 do wish You would put that child
down and get ready for supper" exclaim-
ed his wife, after enduring his g.oomincss
for some time.
He slowly obcyed. and then seated him
elfat the table with sigh.
"What in the world is the matter with
you to night ?" she asked, as she sat down
opposite him.
His voice trembled as he replied, 81
suppose you might as we'll know il first as
last. | have been DISCHARGED"
"There!' exclaimed his wife quickly.
pushing back her chair; "iust what
might have expected! I'd like to know
what we arc gong to do now-winter on
and all. Idcclare, Smith, you will torture
me to death"
am very sorry, Lydia, but I cannot
help it,"
"Sorry! No, You are not sorry 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 ofhelp.
ing me to endure my great trouble. which
Is hearing me down to the very earth. you
makeit 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"
Cuisines is dull " she mimickcd after
him. Always an excuse for worthless
man. To think that you should be dis
charged now, just as cur rent is due; and
then we are out of wood and look at
my shoes, won't you2 my feet on the
ground. | wish | had never married ycu.n
and dark look accompanied the words.
The poor husband now covered his face
with his hands and proaned aloud. This
seemed TO encourage his wife to 90 on ; for
she uttered words moro and more bitter,
until at last, driven almost to a state Of
frenzy, the wretched man rushed from the
house to the tavern. and there sought to
bury the thoughts Of the past and future
tn the rum cup.
In the meantime John Hawlev, his com
pan'on in labor, entered lis home with a
sad countenance. But before he had
stepped over the threshold loving pair
OF arms were thrown around his neck and
a pair of sweet lips were pressed TO his
lie returned the sqlutation sally, aud then
inquired for the baby.
She is sleeping swcctlv in her cradle.
She has been perfect little darling all
day. Supper is waiting, so make haste.
here IS warm waterand towel. Are you
not later than usual tonight ?"
Yes Nary; bring bad news to you."
Bad nrwsm she exclaimed turning
pale, as for the first time she noticed that
souiellilS WAS wrong.
Yes; [ was discharged tonight, and
90 not know rs can get anything to
do before spring. Business is so dull.n
is that all 2" asked his wife, with
sigh of relief ~ thought it was some
thing terrible, the way you looked"
And is it not terrible enough? What
vii! become of us this winter if am out
of employment ?"
The same God who feeds the sparrow
and clothes the lilies CT 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 supper" exclaim
d the wife chccrfully. "See, ] have
your favorite dish-shortcake and toast.
Do not let your troubles impair your az
petite, and then, after tea, we'll talk it
over. God doeth everything for the best.
And as our dav, so shall our strength be-"
In the evening it was determined that
the quart RS rent should be paid mmedi-
ately, and new supply Of coal obtained,
and the remaining portion OF the money
placed in the wiCe's hands to be dealt with
as sparingly as possible.
Then Mary suggested that all her PRETTY
parlor furniture should be put away in the
garrett, and the front room let out Further
than this they could lay no plans, and as
the husband went out to pay tho rent, the
future looked so dark to the young wife
that she could not altogether restrain her
tears; but seeing strength from on high,
her face worl the same cheerful smile when
her husband returned, and little did be
know that during all that night long, while
he and his baby were soundly sleeping, his
vile lay awake planning for the future.
Three months have passed without
days work all that time, ard now another
quarters rent is due. In vain the laborer
thrust his hands into his empty pocke's,
and in vain racks his brain for some solution
of the problem how the rent is going to be
paid. The ledger had paid his money
monthly, but then that was not enough
to meet the sum, if he had it, and OF course
his wife had spent that just as fast as she
had received it. and it was every day
wonder to James how Mary managed so
we'll .
With feeling Of deep despair he entered
the house. The table was spread with. tie
same tavorte dish. There was the short
cake and toast, fabkel with golden lump
of hutter. Olato Of honey and deem dish