Smyrna times., 1876-12-06


true heroism in it. An education-with
mere and there, to be sure, some rough
places to pass over-which was worth more
10 them than all the money millionaires
oequeath their sons and daughters-an
education which prepared them in after
lie to be courageous and selfhelping.
1t is this kind of training that has made
New England's sons and daughters strong
and selt-reliant, 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 homo from
schooL, and the chores all finished, the
candles were lighted and the evening work
began. The mother in her corner was busy
making and mending for her large family
The doctor, if not with the sick.
smoked and read opposite her. The child
ren gathered round the middle of the room
where lay the school-boozs and straw all
ready machjned for braiding, while the old
fireplace, heaped with blazing logs of
hickory, 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
nlmble fingers plated straw and studied
their lessons at the same time. For chill
uren taught to be industrious usually carry
the principles thus developed into the
school room, and are ambitious to keen ne
near the head of the class as possible.
Such family as this was well eouipped
TO meet and conquer adversely. For several
days DIR. Mason had been unusually grave
and silent. All noticed it, but no remarks
were made until evening, when he came to
supper so Enthusiastically worried and des-
pondent that his wife inquired if he was
not well.
"Yes, well enough. But, Lucy. I bave
so far been unable to collect money for our
quarterly payment. So much is due me
that l had no fears but that enoneb
would be promptly paid to save me any
trouble"
How much is lacking?"
Not quite a hundred dollars: but II
might as well be thousands for any chance
now see of getting it in season. There is
now SO much sickness about, that, as you
know, l have had no rest, and little time
10 collect money. If not ready before mid.
night tomorrow, we are ruined. I have
Kept 1t from you as long as 1 dared, still
hoping that those who ought to pay me
would do So"
Have you told them how very important
1t IS that you should have the money Pn
No; | did not wish to speak of it. Mr..
d. is watching greedily for Slip, and we
expect no mercy at his hands. Under our
hard labor and good care this farm has
risen greatly in value-too much so for him
to spare us an hour, if he can once get hold
OF it. l am about discouraged. It 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
H'ay not find one hour to try and make
up the little that is needed"
For 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 submit to some little selfdeniaI. No: |
should have said to great selfdenial. Each
of you has 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 comfor. |
table. 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 brighten this dark day
The braid you have on hand, and what is
now due at the store, is all your own, or to
be expended for your own clothes, and if
each one of you is not perfectly ,oiling, I
don't wish you to give it 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 disrespectful 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 confidently looked for.
Thanks, dear childrenl Now, then,
hasten. First bring me all your braid and
let 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. Well
done. for all these little fingers But now
we must devise way to make up the re-
Your father spoke last night of
a large quantity Of straw which, if cut,
would bring in something. He will be
away all night. If you work well, we can
cut many pounds before midnight Now,
girls, help me wash the dishes, while your
brothers bring, before dark, the straw we
can cut tonight"