The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1878-09-05
WITHOUT A HOME.
BY LEON VANCE.

Near the close Of bitterly colo No.
vemb.r day, many years ago, number
of men were assembled in the office or
an hotel in a Pennsylvania town. One
of the number sat alone, some distance
from the rest, apparently deeply inter,
ested in the contents of newspaper
which be held before his face. There
was that in his countenance which told
that he was an intelligent man, and pos
sessed a naughty spirit: sono were
smoking, some doing, and others laugh.
ing and talking; but, james Rice--for
such was The gentleman's iuame-was
quiet and reserved. Presently his at
tsntion was attracted from the paper
By a question asked oy ono near him,
addressed to q companion with whom
the speaker was conversing.
I say, Tom, have you heard the latest
scandal 2
: No; what is it3' was bis companions
rejoinder. ,
The listener again apparently resumed
his reading, and seemed unconscious OF
what was going on about bin.
They say Dr.. Pierce was seen on the
street late at nigh. with Rice's wife, and
that the doctors attentions to the lady
during her husbands absence have ere.
steS quite a talk. The town is full OF
scandals and reports, but this seems to
attract every ones particular attention.
why should it 7
Because Mrs. Rice was poor sewing
girl when her husband married her
and every one is shocked by her In
gratitude
. The speaker leaned back in his chair
puffed vigorously at his Cigar, and re-
iapsed into silence.
Mr.. Rice had again dropped his paper
and was gazing at the speaker with q
set, rigid face. Not muscle of hi' face
moved to betray the fierce passion thai
WIS raging within him. His heart bea,
wildly. So great WAS bis rage thar, hac
he given way to it, he would have tori
the : man to pieces with tho ferocity of I
lion. He knew neither of the speakers
and it was evident they did not kno'
him Their conversation was carried OF
in a low tone. and was probably no
heard by any but hipself.
No more was said 90 the subject, ane
both meu presently arose and quitts'
the room James Rice arose too, snt
stepped out Of the hotel int" the cold
A strong gust Of wind swept agalDs
him, nearly throwing him from his feet
but be braced himself against it, AMI
with hurried, quick strides, walked il
the direction Of his home, he sool
reached it, stung to madness, and hi
heart full of bitterness. A pleasant
cheerful voice addressed him as he en-
tered. .,
Rather cold, is it not James &? hi
wife chez, fully remarked.
Yes, / should cay so, was inc shof
reply. , :,
A look Of surprise passed over pc
face IS she noticed his strange tone; on
.,sout paying any further heed to !
wiz, o :. to assist him to divest h'msei
she ar0s, b.. ;,oat. He quickly repulse'
her, sayip : .Tdo mt need you
assistapca.' -. mapuo
ard M tone. she reseated herself, and ags'
hra broacbed the subject of the Weather.
This This will be a night of sufsriOg' 'h
s.;d. and who can tell how many poo
sufferers will go to their final aoeoan
| S.sors SaybreaksS . :. = 4 &9 { !.
II would to God I had gone to min NJ
before I ever saw this day! he rep'lee
bitterly. mao, ,T
'Everythipg-to me ! ;
selling the house, James ?
No; tho bargain was good enous'
The house is sold. and We must 500
leave it. Well, no matter. Life 10 70
s.reat, or in a poor house, were 1t nece'
sa,-y. would be more acceptable % "A 2
E5a a1n u tie he most costly dwelling IN u
/ II