Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1895-12-21


were inspired by the same d~iscordant
feelings, and quarreling and angry
words were heard where but an hour
before all vas good temper and pleas
urable excitement
John Browning modify waited while
his wife placed the supper of oat meal
and milk on the table. She herself was
almost faint for a more substantial
meal, and Mr.. Browning in the earlier
part of the day had said to her: ave
will have a good steak for supper this
evening; working in the cold makes q
fellow fearfully hungry" He was so
full of chagrin now that he scarcely
noticed what he ate. and q gloomy ST.
lence fell upon all as they sat around
thetable. When the meal was through,
he said, as he put on his hat:
II wish, Mary, you would take that
bill ove to Col. Randall's; tits but a step,
and | have to go clear to the other side of
the village to see if | can get those other
small bills. Perhaps he will pay 1t to
you even quicker than he will to me-.
Then must call and see the grocer and
butcher. Dear me, Id rather be dashed
than to meet them now"
With this he handed her the recount
against Col. Randall and went out. The
original account had been $780, 3 {, and
there was the balance of $3.50 due.
Mrs. Browning washed up the tea
things, her mind filled with bitter and
complaining thoughts. She disliked to
go to Col. Randall with n call for so
small Il balance; she feared he would
think them mean to ask for it. Then
she fell back to her mood of trying to
blame somebody. John was a kind
husband, but he was too easy with peo-
pie. 1t seemed to her that, if she were
a man, in some way or other she would
manage money matters better. They
would never get ahead at this rate of
doing things.
The early moor was shining brightly
when she was ready to go to Col. Ran
dalfs with the bill. Giving the elder
children directions to put the younger
ones to bed, she muflled up warmly, for
it was bitter cold, and passed along the
short distance that lay between her lit
tie home and Col. Randall's fine resi-
dence. Ringing the bell. she was ush-
cred into the hall, and there left wait
ing while the servant called the gentle
man out.
Good evening; what can l do for
you?" said that severe-looking gentle
man, not recognizing her as a neal
heighbor as he came into the hall.
Mr.. Browning, my husband wishes
tc know if it would be convenient for
you to pay the small balance Oh this bill
this evening"
Col. Randall took the bill h~esitating-
ly, turned it owe and hemmed and
cleared his throat and then said:
I've paid $50 on this bill, and |
should think Mr.. Browning need not
trouble me for the balance OH Christmas |
eve"
But he has been disappointed in get.
ting pay for work and needs the money"
80 do | i need money. People seem 10
think I'm made of money. l really
can't spare this trife this evening. Be-
sides, told Mr.. Browning the last time
he asked me for this balance, and he has
bothered me about it a great deal, that
got ready and could spare The
money lwould pay him. Good evening,
ma'am." And with this the colonel
turned on his heel, and while Mrs,
Browning waited for the servant to let
her out she heard him say to his wife IT,
the sitting-room: 1T is one of the an.
noyances Of having work done By
starveling workingmen that they are
dunning M for the pay. l am
sure John Browning has bothered me
more for that little balance than the
bill is worth"
"Ahd so this is what poor John has TO
stand when he tries to collect his bills"
said Mrs. Browning to herself, as she
hurried home. "Starveling working
men, indeed! And then to think | am
ready to blame him into the bargain"
Over and above all her feelings of dis
appointment now rose the feeling of
love and sympathy for her husband.
How she did regret her sharp words at
the news of his failure 10 Cet his r,c,,.v