Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1875-12-27


was, perhaps, the thought of the wide
difference between them, so far as out
ward circumstances were, that led Rob-
ert to follow him.
After awhile. the tradesman, Mr.. |
Grimes, drew his handkerchief from his
pocket. AS he did so. he did not per-
ceive that his pocketbook came with it.
and fell on the pavement. He did not
perceive it, but Robert did His heart
leaped into his mouth. and sudden
thought entered his mind. He bent
quickly down and picked up the pocket
book He, raised his eyes to see if the
movement was noticed. 1t was not Mr.
Grimes went on. unheeding his loss.
"This will buy bread for my wife and
children. thought Robert, instantly.
A vision of the comfort which the
money would bring that cherries room
lighted up his heart for an instant, but
then-for he was not dishonest-there
came another thought. The money was
not his, much as he wanted it.
"But cannot see my wife and chill
dren starve," he thought again. 'If it
is wrong to keep the money, God will
pardon the offense. He will understand
my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he knew
it. In moment he felt it to be so.
There were some things worse than star
walton. 1t was his wife who said this
just before he came out. Could he meet
her gaze when he returned with food SO
obtained? 4?
1--WE lived honest SO far" he tho't;
81 won't turn thief now." ..r
1t was with an effort he came to this
decision, for all the while there was be-
fore his eyes that vision of cheerless
home, and he could hear Jimmy vainly
asking for food 1t was with an effort
that he stepped forward and placed his
hand on the tradesman's shoulder, aud
extended the hand that held the pocket
book.
THANK you." said Mr.. Grimes. turn
ing around; 81 hadn't perceived my
loss. am much,obliged to you."
"You have reason to be- said Robert,
in low voice. ii was very near keep
ing it.
THAT would have been dishonest,
said Mr. Grimes, his tone altering
slightly. a
"Yes, it would; but it is hard to be
honest when one is penniless, and his
wife and children without crust"
Surely you and your children are
not in that condition ?" said the trades
man, earnestly.
"Yes," said Robert, ..it is only too
true For two months / have vainly
sought for work. I applied to you two
days since" t-r.g .-- F.--r 5..-a.
II remember you now. / thought /
had seen you before. You stlll want
work ?'' t.# ta%I. fal 2
II should feel grateful for it"
"My foreman left me yesterday. Will
you take his place at twenty-five dollars
a week ?" 9 Th
Thankfully, sir; l would for half
that
.'Then come tomorrow morning, or,
rather, as tomorrow will be a holiday,
the day succeeding. Meantime, take
this for your present necessities" &
He drew from his pocket some notes,
and handed them to Robert.
"Why, you have given me thirty dol
lars % said Robert, in amazement.
II know it. The pocketbook contain
cd FIVE thousand dollars. But for you. |
should have lost the whole. i wish you
q merry OhAi5Sndo.
"It will indeed be merry Christ
mas" said Robert, with emotion.
"Heaven bless you, sir Goodnight"
Goodnight" a
; Jennie waited for her husband in the
cold and cherries room, which for few
days longer she might call her home
d, An hour passed; there was a step Oh
, the stairs-her husbands. Itcould not
be, for this was cheerful, elastic step
coming up two steps at a time Shs
. looked eagerly to the door. Yes, it wal
, he. The door opened. Robert, radian
with Joy, entered with basket full o
T substantial provisions.
slave you got some bread. father 2
asked Jimmy. hopefully.
"Yes. Jimmy. some bread and mea
: from cooks shop; and here's littl'
tea and sugar. There's few Goals left
+. Let's have a bright FIRE and comforta
bic meal. for. please God. this shall b
= a merry Christmas"
! "HOw did it happen? Tell me. Rob
ert."
: So Robert told his wife and soon
4 bright FIRE lit up the before cherries
room. and there were four happy heart
that waited in joyful hope for the dawl
:, of ''merry Christmas day"
!. The next week they moved to bette
,o rooms. They have never since know
what it is to want Robert found FRI
~ a