The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1876-12-27
LANfBERTvILLE. N j.. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 81 1876.

dollar week was easily earned at eight
three dollars and in something of that pro
portion up to the eldest.
Does any one think such life, with sucl
an object 10 view, was hard or cruel? Never
was there greater mistake. 1t was of i'm
rnense valuo to these young spirits. They
had something real, that they could under.
stand, to labor for. There was life and true
heroism in it. An education--with here and
there, to be sure, some rough places to pass
over--which was worth more to them than all
the money millionaires bequeathed their sons
and daughters-an education which prepared
them in after life to be courageous and self
helping.
1t is this kind of training that has made
New England's sons and daughters strong
and-seliant, and the lack of which makes
these hard times such horror, that we hear
of so many who seek death by their hands as
preferable to the struggle for better times.
In the long winter evening, when the day
was over, the children home from school, and
the chores all finished, the candles were light
ed and the evening work began. The mother
in her corner was busy making and fnending
for her large family. The doctor, if not with
the sick, smoked and read opposite her. The
children gathered round the middle of the
room where lay the schoolbooks and straw
all ready machiiied for braiding, while the old
! fireplace, heaped with blazing logs of hi6k-
DRY, oak, and fragrant birch, made the room
warm and cheerful. Here with their books
fastened open before them to the next days
lessons, the children, with nimble fingers
plated straw and studied their lessons at tho
same time. For children to be industrious
usually carry the principles thus developed
keep as near the head of the class rs possible.
Such family as this was we'll equipped to
meet and conquer adversely. For several days
DR.. Mason had been unusually grave and si
lent. All noticed it, but no remarks were
made until evening, when he came to supper
so Enthusiastically worried and Respondent that
his wife inquired if he was not well.
" Yes, well enough. But Lucy, l have 50
far been unable to collect money for our quar-
terly payment. SO much is due me that |
had no fears but that enough would be
promptly paid to save me any trouble"
" How much is lackingp"
!" Not quite ahundred dollars but it might
as well be thousands for any chance now SEQ
of getting it in season. There is now so much
sickness about, that, Us you know, | have had
no rest, and little time to collect money. II
not ready before midnight tomorrow we are
ruined. have kept it from you as long as
dared, still hoping that those who ought to
pay me would do so. 2
. Have you told them how very important
it is that you should have money p"
"No; did wish to speak of it, Mr.. II.
is watching greedily for a slip, and expect
no mercy at his hands. Under our hard Ia
Dor and good care this farm has risen greatly
] in value-too much so for him to spare US an
4 hour, if lie can once get hold of it. | am
about discouraged. 1t is the darkest spot we
have seen yet. But must be off and shall
probably be kept out all night. To think
there are not forty. eight hours between us
and ruin And my hands so tied up by
several bad cases that may no find one hour
! to try and make up the little that is needed. ;"
For a few minutes after the doctor left, the
children stood silent and sad, watching their
mother AT last she said
"Children, we can help father through this,
and save our home, If you are willing to sub
nit to some little self-denial. No / should
have said to great self-denial. Each of you
have worked diligently to buy new garments
for winter You need them, and deserve
them, and should be SO happy and proud to
see you all neat and comfortable. But to
help father, are you willing to let me try to
clean, mend, or make over your old clothes,
and use what we have earned to help bright
and what is now due a. the store, is all your
own clothes, and if each one of you are not
perfectly wslljag, don't wish you to give IL
4 up"
1t was beautiful sight to see those eager
faces watching their mother, ready to answer
the moment she had finished for in the olden
time children were taught that it was disre-
spectful to interrupt any one when speaking,
even when, as in this case it was difficult to
keep silent But the reply when given was
prompt, enthusiastic, and what she had con
iidently looked for!
"Thanks, dear children Now, then
hasten. First bring me all your Braid and lei
us see how much it will come to-"
The braid in ten-yard rolls, was brought
and IT'S value estimated.
"With that which is now due us at the
store we have nearly sixty dollars. We'll
done, for all these little fingers But now We
mast devise q way to make up the remainder
Your father spoke last night of a large guam
tity of straw Which, If cut, would bring il
something. He will be away all night. Il
you work well, we can cut many pounds be
fore midnight. Now girls, help me wash thu
dishes, while your brothers bring, before dark
the straw we can cut tonight"
BY the time the candles were lighted, al
wac ready to begin.
The younger children were excused at thei
usual bed time, but the others worked will
their mother till the tall clock in the te&e
struck one Then all retired for few hours
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