Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-04-28
TwmRsDAY M0RMaMa0 APRIL 49, 1885,

ed were absent at the appointed time,
for they all concluded that as he was
never before known to invite such a
company, they certainly should be most
splendidly entertained. Eager with
curiosity, and anxious with expecta-
ton, they were ushered into the din
ing room. But, to their utter amaze
ment and chagrin, they found only a
very plain dinner provided.-With
disconnected minds and fallen counter
ances, they seated themselves round
the table. Mutton, potatoes, and ia
BILE beer composed the dinner, and the
drinking cups were so arranged, that
one served for two persons. With
the hopes of good dinner their appe-
tites had fed. They ate very sparlng-
ly, and dispersed Immediately after,
for neither their host nor their wills
pressed longer stay; and, whilst rid
ing homewards, they severely reflected
upon themselves for accepting the in
vitation of miser, from whom they
had no reason to except better enter
tainment.
Not long after, farmer H. sent them
second invitation to dine; they spur
ned it with indignation, protesting they
would never enter into his doors again.
Thus rudely repulsed, the farmer turn.
ed TO his poor neighbours he invited
twenty of the small farmers OF the VI
ire m a "a
ces, and of whom many had large fam
lilies. Now they had heard ofthe treat
ment of his former guests yet they con-
sented to give him their company.
They were not too proud to partake OF
the humble provision which they fully
expected. They assembled at his
house. and were received by him with
a hearty welcome and cordial shake
of the hand; and being speedily intro
duced into the dining-room, they seated
themselves at the table. But the dim
ner was concealed from their view; ev-
cry dish was covered, the very plates
set opposite each man were covered.
They were COMPOUNDED with the singu-
larity of the scene. But their astonish-
ment was yet more increased, when
friends, be good rood enoGgh to Remove The
covers, and make free with the contents
of your plates. I hope there is no man
here present who will not make hearty
meal" 1t was accordingly done; each
man uncovered his plate, when, instead
of finding tbs expected employment for
knife and fork, he found an agreeable
substitute in the presence ola $50 bank
note.-This was the first, and certain
" the most substantial course. 1t ex-
cited a pleasing gratitude towards
their entertainer, and thanks, sincere
thanks, from all sides sounded upon the
ear of the pleased farmer, and he doubt
less felt for once that delightful con-
seriousness of having poured JOY into
the bosom Of the needy, which thrills
alone in his heart who has performed
a generous action.
But now the first course being
, cleared, which was of SO rich compo-
sition as to increase rather than de-
crease the appetites of his guests; the
covers were removed which had hith-
erto concealed the dishes, and dinner
consisting Of the most delicious viands
that luxury could desire, appeared full
in view. Such delicacies had never be-
fore promised them qualification; they
were now in excellent humour; and, in
high glee; they satisfied their appetites
with the various luxuries Of the table.
Unlike the treatment of his former
company, his guests were now invited
and easily prevailed upon to stay with
him and .regale themselves upon the
best which his house afforded during
the remainder of the day. They were
most munifcently treated, and dispers-
cd in the evening to their homes, rela-
ting their good fortune, and the prai-
SEES of him whom they had hitherto
considered sordid miser. Next day,
the news of this extraordinary event
was rumoured over the neighbouring
country, and they who so insolently
spurned at his invitation, now secretly
bewailed their folly, which had caused
them the loss ola handsome present
and noble entertainment. is 10 be
regretted that this is the only generous
action farmer Harris was ever known
to perform. He relapsed after this In
to his old penurious habits, and contin-
ued miser to the day OF his death.
When the time approached that ne
must close his mortal life, and ne found
that he must relinquish the fruits OF
all his labour, he informed those who
surrounded his death-bed, where they
would find his riches deposited. he
particular directed them to one spot, a
corner of his stable, where, buried in
the earth, were found 10000 guineas.
His whole property was valued at more
than 10000 pounds.
! From the Boston Medical bateMgenovl