The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1875-03-25
The Two Pictures! !!

1t was a cold, dismal evening il
November, that two neighbors nigh
have been seen vending their wa.
along the streets of a large manufac
turing town.
Slowly they proceeded with defect
ed countenances, not exchanging .
word until the enc we shall call Smitl
halted before a neat little house ant
unlatched the gate. Then there wa
such look of utter misery and des
pair cleaning from his eyes that hi.
companion murmured:
"We must trust in God, Smith,"
The words were unheeded, and his
companion passed on, wkile Smith en-.
tered the house.
A tall dark woman was fitting
about getting supper. She gazea up
as he entered. exclaiming:
You are late Tonight"
ayes !"h he articulated gloomily, and
going to the cradle he took up the six
weeks old baby, and sorrowfully
pressed it to his heart.
81 do wish you would put thai child
down and get ready for support" ex-
claimed the wife after enduring his
gloominess for some time in silence.
He slowly obeyed, and then seated
himself at the table with deep sigh.
"What In the world is the matter
with you tonight ?" she exclaimed, as
she sat down opposite him.
His voice trembled as he replied:
II suppose you might as we'll know
first as last. have been discharged"
"There" exclaimed his wife. quick
ly pushing back her chair. Just
what might have expected, I'd like
to know what we are going to donow.
Winter coming Oh and all. l declare,
Smith, you will torment me TO death -
IL am sorry, Lydia, but L cannot
help it,"
"Sorry! No you are not sorry at
all! You would as lief see your wife
and child starve as not. It's nothing
in this world but poor managing"
"Lydia. you are cruel. Instead of
helping me to endure my great trouble
which is bearing me down to the very
earth, you make it ten times harder
for me to bear. | was not the only
one discharged. There was Jim Haw-
ley and ever so many others. Business
is dull"
"Business dull !" she mimick ed after
him. always an excuse for a worth
less man. To think that you should
be discharged now, just as our rent is
due, and when we are needing coal !;
look at my shoes, won't you? Ny
feet are almost out OIL the ground. 1
wish l had never seen you'll" and
look accompanied the last words.
The poor husband covered his face
with his hands and groaned Moud.
This seemed to encourage his wife to
60 ON; for she uttered words more
and more bitter until, at last, almost
in state of frenzy, the wretched man
rushed from the house, to the nearest
public house, and there sought to bury
thoughts of the past and future in the
bottom of the rum cup.
In the meantime James Hawley, his
companion in labor, entered his home
with a very sad countenance. But
before he had stepped over the thres-
hold loving pair of arms were thrown
around his neck and pair OF sweet
lips pressed to his.
lie returned the salutation sadly,
and then inquired for the baby.
''She is sleeping sweetly in the era
die. She has been a perfect little dar-
ling to-day. Supper is waiting; so
make haste. Here is warm water and
towels. Are you not later than usual
to-night?"
"Yes, Mary and 1 bring bad news
tor you"
bad news!" she exclaimed, turning
pale, as, for the first time she noticed
that something was wrong.
"Yes, was discharged tonight, and
do not know that can get anything
more to do until spring. Business is
so dull"
sis that all 2" exclaimed his wife,
with sigh of relief. 81 thought it
was something terrible, the way you
looked"
"And is it not terrible enough
What will become of us this winter,
if am out of employment!I
"The same God who feeds the spar
row and clothes the lily of the field,
will not let us suffer, dear James"
"God bless you, Mary! There is
sweet comfort in your words"
"And now, let us have supper" ex-
claimed his wife, cheerfully. "See, l
have your favorite dish-short cake