The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-07-13

"Are you not coming to supperY'
she called to him, as she was leaving the
room.
I" l don't wish for anything this even
ing. My head aches very much," he
answered
In the dumps again." muttered Mrs.
Walcott TO herself, " It's as much as
ones life Is worth to ask for money, or
say anything Is wanted" And she
kept on her way to the dining room.
When she returned, her husband was
still sitting where she had left him.
"Shall bring you cup of tea 7" she
asked.
"No, don't,wish for anything"
What's the matter, Mr.. Walcottp
What do you look so troubled about, as
IL you hadn'ta friend in the world '
What have done to you ?"
There was no answer, for there was
not shade OF real sympathy in her
voice that made the queries, but rather
of quarreous dissatisfaction. A few
moments Mrs. Walcott stood behind her
husband, but az he did not seem inclin-
ed to answer questions, she turned
away from him, and resumed the enjoy
ment which had been interrupted by the
ringing of the tea bell.
The whole evening passed without the
occurrence of single incident, that
gave a healthful pulsation to the sick
heart of Mr.. Walcott. No thoughtful
kindness was manifested by any men,
Der of the family but on the contrary,
narrow regard for self, and looking
to him only that he might supply the
means of self-gratincation.
No wonder, from the pressure which
was on him, that Mr. Walcott felt utter
ly discouraged. He retired early, and
sought to find that relief from mental
disquletude in sleep which he had vain
ly hoped for in the bosom of his family.
But the whole night passed In broken
slumber and disturbing dreams. From
the cheerless morning meal, at which
he was reminded of the quarters bill
that must be paid, of the Goals and flour
that were out, and of the necessity of
supplying Mrs. Walcott's empty purse,
he went forth to meet the difficulties Of
another day, faint of heart, almost hope
less of success A confident spirit, sus-
tanned by home affections would have
carried him through; but unsupported
as he was, the burden was too heavy
for him, and he sank under It, The day
that opened upon him so unpropitiously
closed upon him ruined man.
Let us look in for q few moments
neighbor of Mr.. Walcott. He, also, has
come home weary, dispirited and almost
sick. The trials of the day had been
unusually severe, and when he looked
anxiously forward to scan the future,
not even gleam of light was seen along
the black horizon.
AS he stepped across the threshold of
his dwelling, pang shot through his
heart, for the thought came: How
slight the present hold upon all these
comforts" Not for himself, but for his
wife and children was the pain.
Fathers come |" cried q glad little
voice on the stairs, the moment his foot
fall sounded in the passage; then quick,
pattering feet were heard-and then q
tiny form was springing into his arms.
Before reaching the sitting room above,
Alice, the eldest daughter was by his
side, her arm drawn fondly within his,
and her loving eyes lifted to his face.
care you not late, dear ?" 1t was
the'gentle voice of Mrs. Freeman.
Mr.. Freeman could not trust himself
to answer. He was too deeply troubled
in spirit to assume at the moment q
cheerful tone, and he had no wish to
sadden the hearts that loved him, by
letting the depression from which he
was suffering, become too clearly appar-
ent But the eye of Mrs. Freeman saw
quickly below the surface.
"Are you not well, Robert? ?' she in
quired tenderly, as she drew his large
arm chair toward the centre of the
room.
ga little headache" he answered with
a slight evasion.
Scarcely was Mr.. Freeman seated, ere
pair of hands was busy with each foot,
removing CATERS and shoes and supply
ing their place with soft slipper. There
was not one in the household who did
not feel happier for his return, nor one
who did not seek to render him some
kind Office.
1t was impossible, under such burst