Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1874-12-25


man had waited one year. when he had
failed to meet the demand, owing to i'll
ness in his family, and he felt very much
obliged to him for doing SO. This year
he had been laid up for several months,
during which time he had earned moth
ing, and his savings were then needed
for the support of himself and family.
Again he had failed, and now he would
again be homeless. aud have to begin the
world anew Had heaven forsaken him
and given him over 70 the tender mercies
of the wicked?
After he had left the office Mr. Merton
could not drive away from his thoughts,
that remark to which the poor man in
his grief had given uttcrance, " wish
you had to earn your money as do
mine"
In the midst of row of figures, F" Pat
yourself in my place" intruded.
Once after it had crossed his mind, he
laid down his pen, saying, Well, |
think | should find it rather hard. |
have a mind to drop in there this after
noon, and see how it fares with bis fami-
ly; that man has aroused my curiosity"
About five o'clock he put on II gray
wig and some old cast-of clothes, walked
to the residence of Mr.. Bishop, and
knocked at the door. Mrs. Bishop a
pale, wcary-looking woman, opened it.;
tho poor old man requested permission
to enter and rest awhile, saying he was
very tired with his long journey, for be
had walked many miles that day.
Mrs Bishop cordially invited him in,
and gave him the best seat the room af-
forded. She then began TO make prepa-
ra,ions for tea. The old gentleman
watched her attentively. He saw there
was no elasticity in their step, no hope
in her movements and pity for her be-
gan to steal into his heart. When her
husband entered, her features relaxed
into smile. aud she forced cheerful
ness into her manner. The traveller
noted it all and he felt himself forced
to admire this woman who could assume
cheerfuness she did not feel for her
husbands sake. After the table was
prepared, there was nothing upon il but
bread, butter and tea They invited the
stranger to eat with them, saying" We
have not much to offer you. but cup Of
tea will refresh you after your long jour
ncy."
lie accepted their hospitality, and as
they discussed their frugal meal, he led
them, without seeming to do SO, to talk
of their affairs.
Il bought this piece of land" said
Mr.. Bishop, cat very low price, and
instead of waiting as ought to have done
until | had saved the money to build, !
thought | would borrow two hundred
dollars. The interest on the money
would not be nearly as much as tho rent
! was paying, and would be saving
something by doing it. | did not
think there would be any difficulty in
paying back the borrowed money. But
the first year my wife and one of my
children were i'll, and the expense left me
without the means to pay the debt. Mr..
Merton agreed to wait another year, if !
would pay the interest. | did that.
This year | was seven months unable to
work at my trade and earn anything;
and of course when pay day comes
round, and this is very soon, ! shall
again be unable to meet the demand
g But" said the stranger, "wiIl not
Mr.. Merton wait another year, if yon
make all circumstances known to him :"
No. sir" replied Mr.. Bishop, " !
saw him this morning, and be said he
must have the money, and should be
obliged to foreclose."
He must be very hard-heartcd," re-
piled the traveller.
"Not necessarily SO, /" said Mr.. Bishop
1.-THE fact is, these rich men know moth
ing of the struggles of the poor. They
are men just like the rest Of mankind,
and | am sure if they had but the faintest
idea of what the poor have to pass through
their hearts and their purses would open.
You know it has passed into proyerb,
when poor man needs assistance, he
should apply to the poor The reason IS
obvious. The poor only know the curse
of poverty They know how heavily It
falls, crushing the spirit out Of man; and
to use my favorite expression, they can
at oEce put themselves in the unfortunate
ones place aud appreciate difficulties,
and therefore always ready to render as
sistance as far as they are able; and if
Mr.. Merton bad the least idea Of what |
and nv family had to pass through, ]
think lie would be willing to wait sever
al years for his money, rather than dis
tress us"
With what emotion the stranger listen
ed may be imagined a new world was
being opened to him. He was passing
through an experience that had never
been his before. Shortly after the con
clusion Of the meal, be rose to take his
leave, thanking Mr. and Mrs Bishop for
their kind hospitality. They invited him
to stay all night, telling him he was well
come to what they had.
He thanked them and said. II will tres
pass on your kindness no longer.
think can reach the next village be-
fore dark. and be so much further on my
journey"
Mr.. Merton did not sleep much that
night. He lay awake thinking. He had
received a new revelation. The poor
bad always been associated in bis mind
with stupidity and ignorance, and the
first poor family he bad visited he had
found far in advance, in intelligence,
sympathy and real politeness. Of the ex-
quisites and fashionable butterflies Of the
day.