The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-08-20
Mothers Rent.

Mothers Rent.
The old house by the mill stream
looked very pleasant that hot June
morning. The birds were singing in
the trees. the insects were buzzing about
in the sultry air, the stream was making
gentle music as it took its way to the
river, and the children playing among
the daisies were as happy as early youth
and innocence could make them; but
poor Mrs. Meadows was sad at heart.
! She had much to trouble her that warm
June morning.
A year before Mr.. Meadows died sud-
denly, and all his widow now possessed
was an annuity of fifty pounds a year,
and that wasn't much for q widow with
seven children.
True, her eldest boy Robert was no
longer burden to his mother. He was
in m office in town some six miles dis
tant, and only came home now and then
On a Sunday. Though but sixteen,
Robert was earning eighteen shillings a
week; but rs he had to pay for his
board and lodging, and dress respect
ably, Mrs. Meadows could not expect
any help from him at present.
The widow tried to increase her in
come by little plain sewing, but as
she did all the homework herself, and
had seven children under twelve to
! look after, there was not much time for
that.
What troubled her most was the rent.
To the little house by the mill stream
Mrs. Meadows had been brought when a
bride and it would break her heart to
leave it. But oh, that rent quarter
day seemed always coming round. The
money was saved up, but something was
sure to be wanted, and then the money
had to be spent.
81 don't know what to do" said Mrs.
Meadows to herself that warm June
morning. Here's the rent due again,
and L hare no ready money. l have
written twice to my brother in India,
and have received no answer; poor AL
fred may be dead. And Mr.. Melton has
no pity unless pay him he's sure to
turn me out L must try to move his
heart, otherwise some of the furniture
will have 10 be sold"
Then Mrs. Meadows put on her bon
net and shawl, told Kitty to be careful
that her younger brothers and sisters did
not fall INTO the stream, and set out to
walk to the town. She was not young,
and far from strong, and the long walk
under the hot sun greatly fatigued her,
and when she reached the office of Mr..
Melton, her landlord, the poor widow
felt almost exhausted.
To the surprise of Mrs. Meadows, Mr..
Melton was really polite.
Al Mrc NaoJows - he ayclaiD,a1
Didn't expect to see You so soon. Sit
down, madam, you must be tired after
your long walk"
Mr.. Melton" said the widow, 1--WE
come to ask favor"
"Want the roof mended, eh 2" always
something the matter with your roof"
mo, I've come about the rent"
"The what 2"
"The rent. For many years I've
paid you on the very day
"And if you always send the money
as readily as you did this very morn
ing"
"What do you mean p
"My clerk has just posted the receipt
to your house, and next time l go your
way, I'll see what is the matter with the
roof"
"But, Mr.. Melton"
Excuse me, madam, but here's a
gentleman on more important business. F"
Once more Mrs. Meadows found her.
self in the crowded city street. Then
the rent was paid But who had paid
itl Some kind friend But Mrs.
Meadows, who had only lived for her
husband and children, knew of no &C
quaintances in the neighborhood who
would be so kind as to pay her rent.
} 1t was now three o'clock, ana the
,, widow went to Roberts lodging to wait
) until her boy came home from business.
, She had long time to wait, for it was
! nearly six when Robert came in. He
i was pleased to see his mother, and said
: "Now what can L get you nice for tea 7
and then I'll walk part of the way back
3 with you"
elm not hungry" remarked Mrs.
) Meadows beside, we mustn't be ex.
; travagant these bad times. Oh, Robert
your coat does look so shabby. L thought
= you had saved enough to get new one.
Robert Meadows blushed.
4 hope vow haven't wasted the money!"
. said his mother. cts rather tempta
ton for youth like you to live by your
Q self in this city"
"I've spent the money, but it has not
0 been wasted"
Q Robert !" exclaimed Mrs. Meadows,
1 suddenly remembering her surprise in
2 Mr.. Meltons Office. at can't he Won
that's"
! "What motherf"
4 "Paid my rent"
o As you know the secret, it's secret
no longer. l hope you are not angry r.