The Van Buren press., 1873-11-04

care oil them
ITS great undertaking, l know,
answered the husband, meekly, yet with a
new quality in his voice that did not cs
cape the quick ear VI his wife, land the
burden must fall on you
81 don't mind that so much, but"
She kept back the sentence that was on
her tongue
I" But what ?" asked her husband.
Jehn, said Mrs Wheaton, drawing
herself up in resoute manner, and look
steadily into her husbands face, las
things are going on"
Things shall 90 on differently in
terrupted Wheaton, I've thought that
all over. H."
"How differently, Johni"
"Oh in every way. III turn ever a
new leaf -
Wheaton saw light fash into his
wifo's face.
First and foremost, Pm not going to
loose any moro. DAYS Last month
had six days docked from NY wages, "
"Why, John"
It's true-more's the shame for me,
That was eighteen dollars, you see, not
counting the money | fooled away in idle
company-enough to pay for all these
babies would eat and wear twice over. ="
"Oh, Jshnv' There was something
eager and hopeful in his wife's face as
she leaned toward bin.
I'm IN downright earnest, Jane, he
answered. "If you'll take the babies,
I'll do my part I'll turn over new
leaf There shall be no more lost days; ;
no more foolish wasting of money; no
spending of evenings at McBride's.
"Oh, John In her surprise and de-
light, she could only repeat the cxclama-
ton. AS she did so this time, she rose,
and putting her hands on his shoulders,
bent and kissed him on the forehead.
"You'll take the babies :" said he,
"Yss, and twenty more, If you keep
to this and say 50, answered Jane,
laughing through her tears.
"All right, then It's a bargain.
And Wheaton caught his wife's hand and
shook it by way Of confirmation.
From that time Wheaton really "turn-
ed over a new leaf " Neighbors ex.
pressed surprise when it was told that
Jane Wheaton had adopted the two or
phan children Fellow workmen taunt-
ed John, calling him soft hearted, and a
.'vui, Tor taking other mems brsts.
One said to him: "Are four mouths
easier to fill than twoi'
Another: You'll be sick Of all this
before the years out.
And another: "Tll see you sold out
bv the constable in less than six months"
But john had little to say in reply
only maintaining an air OF quiet good
hnmor. and exhibiting more interest IN
his work.
For three weeks John Wheaton had
not lost day-something very unusual
and not one evening during that time had
he spent at McBride's drinking saloon.
His poor little home, which had come to
have a neglected look, was putting on a
new appearance The gate that for
NJ onths had hobbled on one hinge, now
hung smoothly. and the mended latch
held it shut. Rank weeds no longer fill.
cd the door. yard; the broken steps we're
mendcd, and clean panes OF glass filled
many place in tho sashes where had
been unsightly rags and sheets of paper.
A neglected running rose was trimmed,
and trained to Its proper place over the
doorway, aud was pushing out young
green leaves and buds.
Within, pleasant changes we're also ap-
parent. Various new but inexpensive ar.
ticles Of furniture wore to be found. Old
things we're mended, polished up and
wonderfully improved With all this,
to relate, Wheaten's earnings
had not only been equal to the increased
expenditure, but there was an actual sur
plus of ten dollars in hand.
II never would have believed it, said
ohm, as he and his wife sat one evening
talking over their Improved condition,
after the babies-lovod now almost as if
their ewn-wcro asleep. "Its just as
old Brown used to say--'Waste takes
more than want declare I've got
heart in me again, thought we should
have to let the place go that Id never
be able to pay off the mortgage. But
here wo are, Ten 1c!...s a!..s c:hesd in lasa than
, month; anu sv..s on at this rate we'll
have all clear in eighteen months "
Next day a fellsw. workman said to
Wheaton, half in banter: Didn't | see
Tho constable down your way yestsr
day ?"
81 shouldn't wonder, replied Whea-
ton, with more gravity OF manner than
his questionsr expected.
ii thought / saw him looking around
after things, and counting his fees on his
fingers.
Likely as not, said Wheaton. 81
know Of n good many rents not paid up
last quarter Money gone to McBride's,
instead Of to the landlord-eh p
The man WINGED a little.
"How are the babies ?" be asked.
First rate, Wheaton answered, and
with smile so real that his follow work
man could not pursue his banter. =
Time went on, and TO tho surprise OF
all, Wheaton's circumstances kept i'm
proving. The babies had brought a
blessing on his house. In less than eish
Teen months he had paid off the light
mortgage that had for years rested on
his little home; and not only this, but
had improved it in various ways, even to
the putting up Of a small addition, 50 as
10 give them neat broakfastroom.
The children grew fnely-there were
three Of them now, for their hearts and
home had opened to another orphan ba-
by-and, being carefully trained BY Mrs.