Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1875-02-05
Selected a}li5tellanv,
NIGHT AND MORNING.

1t was wild, windy night, and the
light snow filed the air with fine, cut
ting particles; night when good fire
and the society of friends become vitality
essential to mans comfort and happi-
ness.
Margaret Edgarton arose from her
seat at the scanty fire, and, opening the
door, looked out upon the night. She
stood a. moment, then, with shudder,
closed the door and returned to her hus-
bands side.
Heaven pity those who are exposed
to the storm this night" she said, fer
vently
Amenl" responded her husband, in
deep, solemn voice Though we are
very, very poor, Margaret, there are
many even poorer than We"
The man raised his dark, serious eyes
devoutly upward, and the fair, youthful
head Of his pale wife leaned down to his
shoulder.
"Yes, William, | tremble to think Of
the future. The rent due, our stay here
only an act of mercy on our landlords
part-oh, Willie?"
The feeble voice broke down in tears.
Take no thought for the morrow,
what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink,
Margaret. If it hadn't been for mis-
fortune" and he glanced at the mutila-
ted and bandaged arm which hung pow
erless at his side, we might have been
enjoying the fruits and comforts of my
labor, but it is for the best, | suppose.
There was a short silence in the room,
which was interrupted by a rap at the
door.
"Who can be out on such night p
and Mrs. Edgarton started up hastily to
admit the visitor.
He was an old, weather-beaten man,
of three-score years, stability dressed,
and carrying in his hand lean, meagre
bundle.
In reply to her kind invitation, be fol-
lowed Mrs. Edgarton into the house,
and took seat by the smouldering fire.
After few commonplace remarks, the
stranger said:
" It's rough night, friends, and the
travelling is none the best--can you let
me stay all night? A man has just told
me that it is good four miles to the vii
lage" Mr.. Edgarton looked at his wife,
and in her sympathizing face read her
consent.
g Yes, my good man." he replied i'm
mediately, "you can stay if you will,
but I'm afraid you will find our accom-.
nodations none Of the best. We arc
very poor and destitute, but such as we
have we offer you freely"
Could you give me something to
eat? | have travelled far to-day, and
have not tasted food since yesterday
night Food cannot be got nowadays
without money"
The eyes of Mrs Edgarton filled with
tears as she thought of the quarter loaf
of bread-their earthly all-which she
had reserved for breakfast.
Heaven will take care ofus," she
said, thoughtfully, and rising, she placed
the scanty store upon the table.
The stranger ate the bread without
comment, and when he had finished he
seemed wonderfully iDvigorated, and con-
versed quite intelligently with Mr.. Ed
Carton.
:" You have bad arm there, sir;
may ask how it happened 2"
" Certainly, an unlucky fall from a
high building has crippled me for life. !"
g You were at work on the building :?
A mechanic, eh p
"A bricklaycr The staging on a
new warehouse where was at work gave
way, and was precipitated some twenty
feet"
1.-The warehouse of Mr.. Morgan 2"
The same, sir. 1t was sad acct
dent for me. but have tried hard to be
reconciled."
"Well. well, this is hard life, hard
for us all ! but as I'm to stay with you
tonight. | may as well retire. It's get
ting towards eleven"
The poor but clean bed appropriated
to the stranger guest was made much
more comfortable by additional clothing
taken from the couch Of the poor couple
and the man, in apparent thankfulness,
bid them good night and retired.