The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1881-06-24

In what sewing she could get. sold her
vegetables and fruit % the tavern
keeper. instead u giving them away.
and mended the old clothes for them
selves instead Of the poor about them;
for she knew well justice II better than
generosity. Slowly, almost cent by
cent. she laid up few dollars. snd
applied them IN these small sums
70 their debts. Charles came home
ono night In . desponding mood
enough; he had been dunncd ~ the
village apothecary for his bill. and
though he did not mean 70 tell Mary.
she soon coaxed out 81 him the secret
q his weary face and aching head; she
heard his story silently, and then went
TO the drawer where her coin accu-
INFLATED, and brought out with the little
box bundle Of bills for she had ex-
acted receipt for even the smallest
sum paid in-and now out OF dimes.
quarters. fiyc-cent pieces, here and
there dollar-bill, she counted ont ten
dollars. and. running over what she
had already paid on account, found
they were but five dollars IN debt when
that ten should be paid. The druggist
was careless man. and. eager for
money, had gone 70 Charles with bill
on which none Of Mary's payments had
been entered. Here was pleasant
enough surprise for the cast-down man;
70 be sure there were still debts remain
ing, but there was an outlook Of hope
before him; and as he SIT down that
day 70 meal Of potatoes, corn bread.
greens. and bit Of salt beef so small
Il was but relish merely for the vege-
tables. . literal "dinner Of herbs" the
text came involuntarily TO his lips, and
he smiled rs he looked over At Mary
and little Nelly, and repeated the words
Of the wise man; for he had. indeed.
he love and faith that made poverty
swecter than many rich feast.
Yet his naturally respondent nature
gave way sometimes; he hated 10 see
his wife working 50 hard. sparing 50
steadily, pinching in all her comforts.
and one day the feeling found words,
as he watched her thin fingers pulling
i'm and out the little household dagger
that has stabbed so many life out with
its countless thrusts.
{" How tired you look. Molly he
said. sadly. ~ hate the sight OF q
needle in your hands; il seems as II
you were sewing yourself instead Of
Mr.. Peters shirts. Oh. II we were
only richr'
Don't say that. Charleyr' she an
swered. with q keen pain in her tone.
Don't wish for money; aren't we rich
in ever so many things money don't
fetch? What lot Of friends we have
got all round; what Q nice little house
and lovely garden; and Nelly. and
each other. and"-here her voice fell
with feeling and awe and treasure
laid up where moth and rust don't cor
rupt."
~ know Il, dear; but sometimes,
when you work 50 hard, do wish
could give you some rest and pleasure"
why. don't want anyr' she an
swercd, brightly. ~ have enough.
DO you suppose Squire Smith takes
half the comfort in his beautiful house.
al shut up and dark for fear OF sun 70
fade and dust TO tarnish. that we do In
our sunny. fresh old houseP Or do you
believe he takes half the pleasure in
spending his money we do in contriv-
inc and pinching and planning? Why,
I've been As gay as a bobolink all day
because. when this shirt is done.
shall have money TO spare for new tin
tea pot; and the debts are almost all
paid. II il Is after three years time.
I'm happy every time l think Of it.
Why. Charley. think we are the rich
ast poor people that ever wasr'
I" think am the richest poor man,
my wayr' he answered. looking at her
with his heart in his eyes. Loving
'ayor rather than silver or gold. Hose |
Terry Cooke. ~ s. s. Times.