The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-04-24
Select STORY.
THE HEAVY CROSS

Robert Hope and Samuel Hullius had
lived neighbors for moro than twelve years;
aud it is probable they would always have
been on good terms had not Samuel, who
had served under Admiral Nelson, gained
at Trafalgar a small pension, which he had
paid for by the loss of one Of his legi.
This leg less, and this pension more, were
for Robert a continual source Of Jealousy.
Ho accused fate for having left him his
two feet, and complained bitterly that he
had not been able, as he said, to sell his
legs at the same price with Hullins. Ev-
cry time he went to pay his rent he re-
peated grumblingly that his neighbor was
very fortunate; that he was in condition
to meet his bills, since the king gave him
a good pension, while he, poor fellow, had
hard work to make both ends of the year
meet, without taking into account his
creditors.
Robert at first contcnied himself with
making these reflections inwsrdly, but by
degrees his dissatisfaction was expressed
aloud, and became his Labitual aud favor
ite theme Of conversation.
One week that his rent had fallen be-
hind hand, aud he was sadly advancing
toward the house Of Dir. Taylor, in order
to make his excuses for the delay he met
ueighbor Hullins, who was as regular as
clock in paying his rent, and had just been
for that purpose.
The very sight Of Samuel produced on
Robert tho effect Of ht Of sickness so,
when he bowed in reply to the salute of
Hullins, bis glance singularly resembled
that Of bull shaking his horus at dog.
Arrived at the house Of the proprietor,
Hope did not fail to be reprimanded. The
example Of his neighbor was cited, who
always paid punetually, aud to the last
penny.
"Yes, yes murmured Robert; osome
people are born with silver spoon in thcir
mouth Hullius is very fortunate, and
am not surprised that he pays punctually
with such a pension"
"liullins has pension, it is true, re-
piled MIR. Taylor; "but his intifmity is u
heavy cross, and If you were afflicted with
it, should pity you much more"
"Not SC" said Hope. "If l had been
so fortunate as to lose leg like him TWEEN.
ty years ago, it would have been produc-
tive day for me. Iwould sell ali my limbs
at the same price Do you call his oak
leg heavy cross | think his pension
should render il light The heaviest cross
that know Of is to be obliged to labor
incessantly."
Mr. Taylor was man Of joyous humor,
but close observer. He had for long
time noticed the envious disposition Of
Robert, and resolved to convince him that
the lightest cross might become heavy to
diseontented mind.
81 see, said he to Hope, "that you are
disposed to do nothing Well / will ex.
empt you from this obligation to labor Of
which you complain so bitterly. If you
think the cross Of your noighbor, Samuel,
SO easy to bear, viii you accept lighter
one, II engage to give you your reDt?'
"fhat depends upon what kind of cross
II Is, said Robert, anxiously, for he feared
that the proposition would not be accep
table.
"This," said Mr. Taylor, taking a piece
Of chalk aud tracing white cross on Ro.
bert's jacket. "During the time that you
wear this, | shall not demand a psuuy Of
your rent
Hope thought, ut fint, his landlord was
jesting; but being assured that he spoke
seriously, he exclaimed
"By ST. George you may say that you
have seen my last money, for | am willing
to wear this cross all my lifetime"
Robert Immediately went out, congratu.
lating himself on his good fortune, and
laughing all along the road at the folly Of
Mr.. Taylor, who had let him of so cheaply
from payment Of his rent
lie had never been 50 joyous as at the
moment Of returning home, as he found
nothing 10 complain OF, and his dog came
TO sit down at his feet without publishing
him for his familiarity.
As he seated himself on his arrival, his
wife did not AZ first notice the white cross
which be had on bis shoulder; but having
passed behind her husband TO wind up the
clock, she suddenly exclaimed, in shrill
voice:
"Why, Robert, where have you been
You have on your back cross foot long.
You have been to the tavern, aud some
drunkard among your friends has played
you trick TO make you ridiculous. Get
up and lei me brush Of this cross. ]"
away exclaimed Hope, hastily; @my
clothes do not need your brushing. Go
knit yOur stockings aud lei me alone.
NThat shall not be- exclaimed Mrs.
Hope, in voice more shrill. II win not
have my husband become laughing stock
Of the whole village, and IL | tear your