Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1875-12-04


eyes," he said, "my coat must go.
know not how shall get on without
it; but cannot see the children starve
before my eyes,"
He was not in general an envious
man; but when he saw the sleek, we'll
fed citizens, buttoned up to the throat
in warm overcoats, come out of brilliant
ly-lighted shops, provided with presents
for happy children at home while his
were starving, he suffered some bitter
thoughts upon the inequality of for
tunes gifts to come to his mind. Why
should they be so happy, while he was
SO miserable9
There was time, he remembered it
well, when he, too, suffered not the
Christmas eve to pass without buying
some little gifts for Jimmy and Agnes.
How little he dreamed that they should
ever want bread9
There was one man, shorter than him
self, warmly clad, who passed him with
his hands thrust deep in the pockets of
his overcoat. There was pleasant
smile upon his face. He was, doubtless,
thinking of the happy circle at home.
Robert knew him to be rich cabinet
maker and upholsterer, whose ample
warehouse he often passed. He had ap-
piled to this man only two days before
for employment, and been refused. 1t
was, perhaps, the thought of the wide
difference between them, so far as out
ward circumstances were, that led
Robert to follow him.
After awhile the tradesman, Mr..
Grimes, drew bis 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, It was not.
Mr.. Grimes went on, unheeding his
loss. .-
"This will buy bread Tor my wife and
children, " thought Robert, instantly.
A vision of the comfort which the
money would bring that cheerless room
lighted up his heart for an instant, but
then-for he was Lot dishonest there
came another thought. The money was
not his, much as he wanted it.
But cannot see my wife and chill
dren starye," he thought again. eff 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 starvation.
1t was his wife who said this just before
he came out. Gould he meet her gaze
when he returned with food so obtained2
GIVE lived honest SO far, +" he thought;
"I won't turn thief now."
It was with an effort he came to this
decision, for all the while there was be-
fore his eyes that vision of cherries
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, and
extended the hand that held the pocket
book. .'
Thank you, said Mr.. Grimes, turn
ing round 81 hadn't perceived my
loss. am am much obliged to you. ~
You have reason to be-" said Robert,
in low voice i" I was very near keep
ing it."
"That would have been dishonest"
said Mr.. Grimes, his tone altering
slightly. ...s.-a.. 4ulu r -ur
eyes, 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 p said the tradesman,
earnestly. ...... ..... .....
eyes," said Robert, "it is only too
true. For two months I have vainly
sought for work. I applied to you two
days since"
remember you now. I thought I
had seen you before. You still want
work"
81 should feel grateful for it"
"My foreman left me yesterday.
Will you take his place at twenty-five
dollars week2"
Thankfully, sir; I would for half
that" tstfEt tf#stte.
"Then come tomorrow morning, or,
rather, as tomorrow will be 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
dollars p said Robert, in amazement.
81 know it. The pocketbook con-
tainod five thousand dollars. But for
you, 1 should have lost the whole. I
wish you merry Christmas
It will, indeed, be merry Christ
mas" said Robert, with emotion.
"Heaven bless you, sir Goodnight.
Goodnight"
Jennie waited for her husband in the
cold and cheerless room, which for
few days longer she might call her home.
o1 L. n.