hrough its dreary months he was unable to work, as he was sick. And
although Ellen worked hard, yet her husband required so much of her
attention, that all her efforts availed not much to keep poverty out of
their cottage. When the spring came, Ellen's husband was able to be
about again, and she began to hope that Edward would be more
industrious, and they would be able by strict economy to repair the loss
occasioned by his winter's illness, which had put them so far
behindhand. Edward had become lazy or disheartened. Affairs about house
continued to grow worse; his farm was ill worked or neglected, and by
the fall, his horse and oxen had to go for necessary expenses. Ellen
still kept her cows, but it was now very little help she received from
her husband. He had been formerly one of the most temperate of men, but
now he spent his days from home; and here lay Ellen's deepest sorrow. He
was often at the village tavern, wasting in senseless riot the time,
health and means that God had given him for other purposes. Ellen felt
sad, and in the next story you will see a painful scene in the life of

LILY FORD.

It was now in the latter part of December--two days more and comes the
season of "Merry Christmas." Ellen thought of the dreary prospect before
her. As she was thinking over her condition, and how she should manage
affairs so as to make home comfortable, the door opened, and in came
Edward earlier than usual, a sober man. With a grateful heart Ellen sat
about preparing the supper, and made all the evening as pleasant as she
could for him.

The next morning earlier than usual Edward was preparing to go out. The
weather was bitter cold, and the wood pile was very low. She did not
like to ask Edward to split some wood the evening before, as she did
not wish to vex him. Of late he had harshly refused her simple requests.
She, however, ventured this morning to ask him to split a few logs, and
he replied:

"Why did you not ask me when you saw me doing nothing all last evening?
You must get along the best way you can until night. I have engaged to
work for Squire Davis, and I shall be late unless I go at once."

"To work! Have you?" said Ellen, in a pleased and grateful tone.

"Yes; so don't detain me. I am to have a dollar and a half a day as long
as I choose to work."

"How very fortunate!" said Ellen.

After he was gone, Ellen busied herself in making things comfortable for
the children. It was market day,