Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1873-05-17

Us Suc uaSClIy WICuuIeW Hci uoaA AAOi"
the window, whence she had been gaz-
ing on the passers by; " if there is not
Mrs. Thompson, the shoemaker's wife,
coming up the steps with bundle in
her hand. She wants me to do her
work, I suppose, but think it will be
a venture. Every one says they are
going down hill, and it is chance if
I ever get my pay"
"She always has paid us very prompt
w. was the reply.
"True; but that was in the days of
of her prosperity. I cannot afford to
run any risk
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-
vented further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the
refusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any work
for her; but great pressure of business
was pleaded as an excuse; there was
nothing to be said, SO she took her
leave. Another application proved un-
successful. 1t was strange how busy
the village dressmakers had suddenly
become.
On the way home the poor shoe
makers wife met the teacher of q
small school in the neighborhood,
where her two children attended.
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson, I am glad to
see you;" was the salutation.
II was just about calling at your
house. Would it be convenient to
settle our little account this afternoon"
"Our account?' was the surprised
reply. Surely the term has not yet
expired.
"Only half of it; but my present
rule is to settle at that time. 1t is
plan which many teachers have adopt
ed of late"
II was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and I have
made arrangements to meet your bill
at the usual time"
The countenance of the teacher
showed great disappointment; as she
passed on in different direction, he
muttered to himself:
"Just as I expected; I shall never
see a cent. They say they are going
down hill. I must get rid of the chill
dren in some way. Perhaps I may get
a pair of shoes or two in payment for
the half quarter if I manage right; but
it will never do to go on in this way"
A little discomposed by her interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson
stepped into a neiehboring grocery to
purchase some trifing article of family
necessaries.
4 have little account against you.
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thomp-
son to settle it this EVENING"" asked
the polite shopkeeper, as he produced
the desired article.
SIS it the usual time for settling?"
was again the surprised and anxious in
quiry.
Well, no, not exactly, but money
is very tight just now, and am anxious
to get all that is due me. In the fu-
ture I intend to keep short accounts.
There is the little bill if you would like
to see it. will call around this even
in g. It is but a small sum-"
"Thirty dollars is no small sum to
us just now," thought Mrs. Thompson,
as she thoughtfully pursued her way
toward home. 1t is strange these pay
ments must be made just now, while
we are struggling to recover from the
heavy expense of winter. Icannot un-
derstand it,
Her perplexity was increased by find
ing her husband with two bills in his
hand, and countenance expressive of
anxiety and concern.
"Look, Hattie" he said, as she en-
tered. "Here are two unexpected
calls for money: one from the doctor,
and the other from the dealer in leath-
er, from whom I purchased my last
stock. They are both anxious for i'm
mediate payment, although they have
always been willing to wait a few
months, until I could make arrange
ments to meet their claims. But mis-
fortunes never come single, and if
man gets little behind hand, trouble
seems to pour in upon him."
"Just So" replied his wife, "the
neighbors think we are going down
hill, and every one is ready to give us
a push. Here are two more bills for
you-one from the grocer and one from
the teacher"