Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1874-01-15

her prosperity. / cannot afford to run
any risks
The entrance Of Mrs. Thompson pre-
v.nted further conversation.
She was evidently surprised 1t the
refusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any work
for her; but as great pressore of bust
ness was pleaded as au excuse, there
was nothing to BE- said, and she soon
took leave. Another application prov.
ed equally Unsuccessful. 1t was strange
how busy the dress makers had sudden
ly become.
op the way home the poor shoemak-
ers wifs met the teacher of small
schoea in the neighborhood where two
OF lner children attended.
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson, l am glad to
see you, was the salutation. Il was
about calling at your house. Would it
be convenient to settle our little account
this afternoon
"Our acconnt!'' was the surprised re-
ply ''Surely the term has not yet ex-
PRED p eH tea 1;-a'is
"Only half but my present rule is to
! collect my money at that time 1t is a
plan which many teachers have adopted
| of late |
II was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and | made
arrangements to meet the bill at the
usual time fear it will not be in my
power to meet the bill any sooner.
The countenance of the teacher show
ed great disappointment, and as she
passed on in q different direction, she
mutered to herself:
Just as I expected. l shall never
get cent. Every body says they are
going down hill. must get rid of the
children in some way. Perhaps | may
get pair of shoes or two for payment,
for the half quarter if | manage right,
but it will never do to 90 on this way y
A little discomposed with her inter-
| view with the teacher, Mrs Thompson
stepped into neighboring grocery to
purchase some trifiing article of family
stores
81 have little account against you
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thomp
son to settle it this EVENING" asked
the civil shopkeeper, as he produced
the desired article
'Is it his usual time for settling =
was again the surprised inquiry.
"Well, not exactly, but money is
very tight just now, and am anxious
to get in all that is due. In future |
intend keeping short accounts. There
is your bill, If you would like to look
at it. I will call around this evening.
1t is but small affair"
"Thirty dollars is no small amount
to us now thought Mrs Thompson,
as she thoughtfnlIy pursued her way
toward home. it seems strange that
these payments must be met just now.
while we are struggling to recover
from the heavy expenses of the winter.
| cannot understand it."
Her perplexity was increased upon
finding her husband with two bills in
his hand, and countenence expressive
Of anxiety and concern.
'Leok, Mary said he said, as she
entered. ''Here are two unexpected
calls for money-one from the doctor,
and the other from the dealer in leather
from whom purchased my last stock
They are both very urgent for i'm
mediate payment, although they have
always been willing to wait a few
months until could make arrange-
ments to meet their claims But mis-
fortunes never come singly; and if a
man once gets a little behindhahd
trouble seems to pour in upon him."
"Just so, replied his wife. ''rhe
neighbors think we are going down
bill, and every one is ready to give us
a push. Here are two more bills for
you-one from the grocer and the
other from the teacher"
Reply was prevented by knock at
the door, and the appearance ola lad
who presented neatly folded paper
and disappeared.
Ssfhe butchers account, as I live!"
exclaimed the astonished shoemaker.
"N hat is to be done, Mary?' SO much
money to be paid out, and very little
coming in; for some of my best GUS
toners have left me, although my work
has always given satisfaction If I
could only have as much employment
as usual, and the usual credit allowed
me, could soon satisfy all these claims
but to meet them now is impossible,
and the acknowledgement of my
inability would send us still farther on
the downward path
eve must do our best, and trust in
Providence" was the consolatory reply
of his wife, as a second knock at the
door aroused the fear, that another
claimant was aboutto appear.
| But the benevolent countenance of
! Uncle Joshua, rare but ever Welcome