Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-06-10

0u 1uTLn6r conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the re-
fusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any work fol
her; but as great pressure was pleaded as
an excuse, there was nothing to be said,
and she soon took her leave.
Another application proved equally un-
successful. 1t was strange how busy the
village dressmaker had suddenly become
On the way home, the poor shoemaker
wife met the teacher of a small school in
the neighborhood, where two of her chill.
dren attended
"Ah! Mrs. Thompson, am glad to sec
you, was the salutation. 'I was about call
ing at your house. Would it be convenient
to settle our account this afternoon ?''
"Our acoountp' was the surprised reply.
"Surely the term has not expired
''Only half of it, but my present rule is
to collect money at any time. It's plan
which many teachers have adopted OF
late.''
81 was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and have made
arrangements to meet your bill at the usual
time. l fear that it will not be in nv pow
er to do so sooner"
The countenance of the teacher showed
great disappointment, and as he passed on
IN different direction he muttered to him
self:
"Just as expected. I shall never see a
cent. Everybody says they are going down
hill. / must get rid of the children some
way. Perhaps l may get pair of shoes OF
two in payment of the half quarter, if
manage it right; but it will never do to &c
on this way"
A little discomposed by her interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped
into neighboring grocery to purchase
some trifling articles OF family stores.
81 have a little account against you, and
would it be convenient for MIR. Thompson
to settle it this evening ?'' as he produced
the desired article.
els it his usual time for settling?" was
again the surprised question.
''Well, not exactly; bnt money is very
tight just now, and | am ANXIOUS to get all
that is due me. In future intend to keep
short accounts. There is the bill, if you
would like to look at it. l will call around
this evening. 1t is but very small af
fair"
"Thirty dollars is no small sum to us
just now," thought Mrs. Thompson, as she
pursued her way toward home musingly.
must be met Just now while we are stru g
Cling to recover from the heavy expense Of
the winter. cannot understand it."
Her perplexity was increased by finding
her husband with two bills in his hand, ano
a countenance expressive of anxiety ano
concern.
sLook, Mary he said as she entered,
''here are two unexpected calls for money
one from the doctor, and the other from
the dealer in leather, of whom | purchased
my last stock They are both very urgent
for immediate payment, although they have
always been willing to wait few months
until could make arrangements to meet
their claims. But misfortune never comes
singly, and if man gets little behinG
hand, trouble seems to pour in on him."
''Just so," replied the wife; 'the neigh
bors think we are going down hill, and
every one is ready to give us push. Here
are two more bills for you, one from the
grocer and one from the teacher"
Reply was prevented by a knock at tht
door, and the appearance of a lad who pre-
sented neatly folded paper, and disap
peared.
''The butchers bill as true as + liver
exclaimed the astonished shoemaker
'FWhat is to be done, Mary? So mucl
money to be paid out, and very little com
ing in, for some of nay best customerss have
| x
faction. If could only have as much EN-
ployment as usual, and the usual credit al
lowed me, could satisfy these claims, bu
to meet them now is impossible, and tht
Acknowledgement of my inability woulC
send us further on the downward path"
''We must do our best and trust in Prov
idence," was the consoling remark of hi
wife, as a second knock at the door aroused
the fear that another claimant was about tt
appear.
But the benevolent countenancc Of Uncle
Joshua, rare but very welcome visitor
presented itself. Seating himself in tht
comfortable chair which Mary fastened tx
hand him, he said in his eccentric bu
friendly manner:
sWell, good folks, I understand tht
world does not 90 on as well with you al
, formerly. What is the trouble p
ssThere need be no trouble, was the re
ply, eff men would not try to add to thu
J Affections whicn the Almighty sees to bi
necessary for us. The winter was trying
one. We met with sickness and misfor
: tune, which We endeavor to bear with pa
tlence. All would now go well if those
! around us were not determined to push us
in the downward path y
/ "And there lies the difficulty, frient
Thompson. This is a selfish world. Ev
erybody, or at least great majority, care
, only for number one. II they see a poo
neighbor going down hill, their very frs
Thought is whether it will affect their owl
, interests, and provided they can securt
themselves, they care not how soon he goe
to the bottom. The only way is to keep vi
, appearances. Show signs of being behind
| hand, and all will not be well with you"
/ Very true, Uncle Joshua, but how il
) this to be done? Bills which did not ex
} pect to be called upon to meet for the mex
three months, are pouring in on me- M,
best customers are leaving me for q mor'
fortunate rival. In short, l am on tn
brink of ruin, and naught but mlraci
will save mep'
ga miracle which is very easily wrought
then, amagine, my good friend. What
the amount of your debts, which now pres
r so heavily upon you, and how soon IN tn i
: coming course of events could you dis
! charge them ?''
t "ihey do not exceed one hundred dol
lars'' replied the shoemaker; ''and will
( my usual run of work, | could make 1t al
) right in three or four months"
ssWe will say six,'' was the answer. :"
will advance you one hundred and lift.
/ dollars. Pay every cent you owe and max
some slight addition or improvement Il
YOUR shop or house, and put everything
| around the grounds IN its usual neat order
Try this plan for a few weeks and we vii
see what effect it has upon our WORTH
neighbors. No, no, never mind THANKING
l me, am only trying little experiment Oh
[ human nature. I know you of old ans
: have no doubt that my money is sale Il
your hands,"
l Weeks passed. The advice of Unel
t Joshua had been strictly followed, and tn
5 change in the shoemaker's prospects Wer
, indeed wonderful; he was now spoken OF a
. one of the most thriving men OF the village
and many marvellous stories were told 6
account for the sudden alteration OF his al
. fairs.
3 1t was generally agreed that distan
: relative had bequeathed to him legacy
r which had entirely relieved him OF his pc
r cuniary difficulties. The polite butcher sc
s lected the best piece Of meat for his inspee
ton, as he entered, and was totally indi1
4 ferent as to the time of payment. In
r teacher accompanied the children home t
I L. Ill 4o,,x IF a