The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-11-22


ness was pleaded as an excuse, the
was nothing. to be said, and che soc
took her leave. An other applicatio
proved equally unsuccessful. 1t W:
strange how very busy the villas
dressmakers had suddenly become.
On her way home the poor sho'
makers wife met the teachar of sma
school in the neighbour ood w here W
of her children attended.
'Ah, Mrs. Thompson. am glad I
see you,' was the salutation. Il we
: about calling this afternoon at you
house. Would it be convenient to sci
tie our little account today?'
Our accountv was the surprised re
ply. Surely the term has not yet ex
pired?'
Only half of it, but my present rul
is to collect my money at that time. l
is plan which many teachers hay
adopted of late.
Il was not aware that there had beel
any change in your rules, and 1 hav
made arrangements to meet the bill
at the usual time. l fear it will! not b,
in my power to do SO sooner
The countenance of the teache
showed great disappointment. and al
she passed on. she muttered to her
self:
Just as expected! l shall never
get cent. Everybody says they are
going down hill. l must get rid o.
the children in some way. Perhaps
can get pair of shoes or two in pay.
ment Tor the half quarter, if l manage
right. but 1t will never do 10 90 on in
this way
A little discomposed by her inter
view with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson
stepped into neighboring grocery, to
purchase some trifling articles of fam
lily stores.
Il have little account against you
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thomp-
son to settle it this EVENING" asked
the civil shopkeeper, as he produced
the desired articles.
is it his usual time for settling /?
was again the surprised inquiry.
well, not exactly. but money is very
tight just now, and l am anxious to
get in all that is due me. In the fu-
ture l intend to keep short accounts.
There is your little bill, if you would
like to look at it. will call around
this evening. 1t is but small affair."
Thirty dollars Is no small sum to us
just now,' thought Mrs. Thompson, as
she pursued her way toward home.
1T seems strange that all these accounts
must be met just now, while we are
to recover from the heavy
expenses of the winter. l cannot un-
derstand it.
Her perplexity was increased by
finding her husband with two bills in
his hand, and a countenance express
sive ofanxiety and concern.
Look, Mary he said, as she enter
ed, here arc two unexpected calls for
from the doctor and the
other from the dealer in leather of
whom purchased my last stock. They
ire both very urgent for immediate
payment, always been willing to wait
! few months until 1 could make ar
to meet their claims. But
never come singly, and if
! man once gets a little behindhand,
ronble seems to pour in upon him.
just so,' replied the wife. The
leighbors think we are going down
ill, and every one is ready to give US
push. Here are two more bills for
from the grocer and the 9TH
r from the school teacher
Reply was prevented by knock at
be door, and the appearance of lad
Who presented neatly-folded paper
nd disappeared.
The butchers account, as 1 live!
the shoemaker. 'What is to
G done, Mary? So much money TO
G paid out, and very little coming
}, for some of my best customers have
,ft me, although my work has always
iven satisfaction. If l could have as
luch employment as usual, aud the
sual credit allowed me, l could soon
ltisfy all these claims; but to meet
lem now is impossible, and the ac-
of my liability will
md us further OH the downward
ath.'
we must do our best aud trust iu
was the consOlatery re-
ark Of his wife, as another knock at
&c door aroused the fear that another
aimant was about to appear.
But the benevolent countcnance of
ncle Joshua, a rare but ever " elcome
sitor, presented himself.
Seating himself in the comfortable
lair which Mary fastened to hand
III, he said, in his somewhat eccen- ,
ic but friendly manner:
'Well' good folks, understand that
e world does not go quite as well ,
lth you as formerly. What ls the
ouble?' +;
There need be no trouble, SIR was I
e reply, If men would not try TO add r
the aftlicti Ons which the Almighty ;
es to be necessary for US. The win r
r was trying one. We met with ,
,kness aud misfortunes, which we
deayored TO bear with patience. All q
ould now go well, if those around I
e were not determined to push me ,
the downward path Z
But there lies the difficulty, friend t
lompson. This is selfish world. +
very body. or at least a great majori- 4
, care only for number one. Ii they |
e poor neighbor going down hill, c
cir first thought is whether it will t