The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1878-03-23

said Mr.. Merton.
:" In that case" said Mr.. Bishop, cit
will, of course, be sold at great sacrifice,
and after all the struggles have made,
my family will again be homeless. 1t is
very hard. |. only wish you had to earn
your money as ! do mine; you might then
know something of the hard life of a poor
man. If you could, only in imagination,
put yourself in my place, think you would
have little mercy on me-
6 1t is useless talking; extended this
one year, and l can do so no longer" re-
piled Mr.. Merton, as he turned to his desk
aud continued writing.
The poor man rose from his seat and
walked sadly out of dr. Merton's office.
His last hope was gone. He had Just re-
covered from a long illness which had swal-
lowed up the means with which he had in:
tended to make the last payment on his
house. True, Mr.. Merton had waited one
year when he had failed TO meet the de-
mand, owing TO Illness in his family, and
he had felt very much obliged to him for
doing so. This year he had been laid up
for seven months, during which time he
could earn nothing, and all his savings
were then needed for the support of his
family Again he failed. and now he would
again be homeless and have to begin the
world anew. Had Heaven forsaken him,
and given him over to the tender mercies
of the wicked !?
A L., L,l Ia. .l,o II
could not drive away from his thoughts the
remark to which the poor man in his grief
gave utterance, II wish you had to earn
your money as | do mine"
In the midst of the row of figures, "Put
yourself in my place intruded.
Once after it bad crossed his mind he
laid down his pen, saying, well, think
] should tiud it rather hard. have mind
to drop in there this afternoon, and see
how 1t fares with his family; that man has
aroused my curiosity"
About five o'clock he put on a gray wig
and some cast off clothes. walked to the
residence of Mr.. Bishop, and knocked at
the door, Mrs. Bishop, pale, weary
looking woman, opened it. The poor old
man requested permission to enter and rest
awhile, saying he had walked macy miles
that day.
! Mrs. Bishop cordially invited him in and
gave him the best seat the room afforded.
She then began TO make preparation for
tea.
The old gentleman watched her atten-
lively. He saw there was no elasticity in
her step, no hope in her movements and
pity for her began to steal into his heart.
When her husband entered, her features
relaxed into smile, and she forced cheer
fitness into her manner. The traveller
noted it all, and he was forced to admire
this woman who could assume cheerful
ness she did not feel for her husbands
sake. After the table was prepared, there
was nothing on it but bread and butter and
tea. They invited the stranger to eat with
them, saying, I'VE have not much to offer
you. but cup of tea will refresh you,
after your long Journey"
He accepted their hospitality, and, as
they discussed the frugal meal, led them,
without seeming to do so, to talk of their
affairs.
~ bought this piece of land" said Mr..
Bishop. . at very low price, and instead
of waiting as | ought to have done until |
saved the money to build, | thought l
would borrow few hundred dollars The
interest on the money would not be near as
much as the rent | was paying. and |
would be saving something by it. | did
not think there would be any difficulty in
paying back the money: but the first year
my wife and one IF my children were i'll,
and the expense left me without means to
pay the debt. Mr.. Merton agreed to wait
another year if would pay the interest,"
which l did. This year | was for seven
months unable to work at my trade and
earn anything. and, of course, when pay
day comes round-and that will be very
soon-I shall be unable to meet the de.
mand.''
But" said the stranger, g will not Mr.
Merton wait another year. if you make all
the circumstances known to him."
" No, SIR replied Mr. Bishop: - saw
him this morning. and he said he must
have the money. and should be obliged to
torecose.
He must be very hard hearted" re-
marked the traveller.
Not necessarily ST" replied Mr.. Bishop.
+" The fact is, these rich men know nothing
of the struggles Of the poor. They are
men just like the rest of mankind, and
and am sure if they had but the faintest
idea of what the poor have to pass through,
their hearts and purses would open. You
know it has passed into IA proverb-. when
a poor man Eet ds assistance, he should APP
ply to the poor The reason is obvious.
Only the poor know the curse of poverty.
They know how heavily it falls, crushing
the heart of man, and Ito use my favorite
expression they can at once put themselves
i'll the unfortunate ones place and appre-
ciate difficulties, and are. therefore, always
ready to render assistance as far as they are
what | and my family had to pass through.
think he would be willing to wait several
years for his money rather than distress
u.s."
With what emotion the stranger listened
may be imagined A new world was being
opened to him. He was passing through
an experience that had never been his be-
fore. Shortly after the conclusion of the
meal, he rose to take his leave, thanking
Mr. and Mrs. Bishop for their kind hos
pitality. They invited him to stay all
night, telling him he was welcome to what
they had.
He thanked them, and said:
Il will trespaSs on your kindness no
longer. | think I can reach the next viii
lage before dark, and be so much further
on my journey"
Mr.. Merton did not sleep much that
night; he lay awake thinking. He had re-
ceieed new revelation. The poor had