The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-06-30

a child in the world and he longing for
a crown to buy his little ones some gift.
Was there any truth in his boyhood's
lessons, in his manhood's beliefs? He had
never turned his face from any poor man;
he had been so glad to help one and an
other to send gifts at this festive season.
Was there any heaven that took these
things into account? Was there on this
earth good will to mem?
He was not congratulating himself
upon his past good deeds. His mood
was too bitter just now, and he had done
his from the delight of giving pleasure
rather than settled principles. For ten
years he had been a happy and prosper
GUS man, comfortable in circumstances,
generous in heart. During that time he
had married, and three children had been
born to him. Then came misfortunes,
losses, adversely. He had paid his
| debts, given up his home and its pretty,
simple luXuries, and retired to a lodging.
" Evening paper" sang out a shrill
little voice at his elbow. "Oh, please, l
want little money so much"
So do l, child" he answered, almost
roughly, pushing him away.
A hundred pounds. A few years ago
it would have appeared such a tritie. A
few years ago he would have thrust a
shilling into the little beggar's cold
fingers. Not penny now for pleasure
or charity. He had been so scrupulously
honest, so careful of his good name-what
| had it brought him? Next week there
! would be quantities of money coming in.
Old Gale was slow at figures, and be
could manipulate the books a little, ar
range it 50 that several weeks would
elapse before the fraud would be discov-
cred, resign next Friday, and be Off to
more prosperous life. Why, how easy it
was to be a thief! This one hundred
pounds in his pocket had paved the way.
He would consider it loan merely, and
presently pay it back to old Gale.
Well, here he was. He stamped his
feet and stumbled up the stairs. The
family on the lower floor never INDUCED
in a hall light save when they expected
company. But Bessie opened her door.
80 joel thought something had hap
pened. Why, how cold and wet you are, j."
and she kissed the frosty face.
q walked up"
" In this storm? o Joe"
Yes; l spent my last siXpence for
lunch
He uttered this in a moody, despairing
manner.
But why did you not take some
change this morning."
Bessie Yates looked so bright and
CHEEKY in her crimson merino gown, with
crimped cambria rutfles at throat and
wrists, and few geranium leaves in her
fair hair. And the room was so coy
and inviting with the unstable relics of
former prosperity, and Bessie's quick eye
and fairy fingers. His slippers were
warming in the freight, and his chintz.
covered easy-chair gave him a welcome.
" You are very tired"
The soft cheek was pressed against
his, and the loving arm was round his
neck. He made no answer to the ques-
tion of voice, or still more tender ques-
ton of eyes
Has it been very hard day."
Rather" in slow, weary tone.
Then you have earned your holiday
Come and have cup of tea, and we will
talk it over"
Earned it! Yes. But man like
Gale thinks you a mere engine. Not
pleasant word tonight, not cordial
wish If he could have his way there
wouldn't ever be a Sunday. 1t is true
and honorable souls that suffer, and
whose place can no more be found.
Why, we have dropped out of memory
and love and friendship as completely
as if we had committed some fearful
crime. If had paid half my debts, kept
my house and taken a fresh start, the
world would have thought better OF me
today."
You are tired and discouraged.
Come and have some supper, and then
you shall see what | have made for the
little ones holiday presents"
Poor babiesr'
con, we have planned to be merry
enough, and she laughed gleefully.
Many time she had beguiled him with
her pretty WAYS, but tonight he could
not smile. She broiled him some slices
of rare beef, toasted his bread, gave him
saucer of canned fruit, and chatted
pleasantly.
Bessie" he began abruptly, as he
rose from the table, "let me run over
your house account book. How do we
stand?"
Don't bother your head with it to-
night. l want to show you the children's
gifts"
She studied his face for a moment.
Something quite new had come to it, A
kind of hard, desperate resolve, Swallowed
by a secret gloom. Seldom had she seen
him in such a reticent mood.
g 1t has been a hard month with u.s."
and her smile was unconsciously sad
There was the coal and the doctors
bill for little Bits"-the baby's pet name
land the barrel of fiour-one gets so
much nicer flour by the barrel for the
same money"
She said this lingeringly as she brought
him her small household journal He
look over the entries and disbursements
for three months back.
You have no washerwoman, Bessie"
No; | can wash very we'll myself.
1t makes less trouble and saves some.
thing"
He groaned aloud. His darling Bessie,
of whom he used to be 50 tender.
We shall owe nearly six pounds out
of the months wages"