The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-12-07

kissed my hands; and the mother called down up
on me the blessings of God The sick man asked
my name, aod then prayed that he might see the
day when he could con fer great favor on me-.
Truly, that was distress; how fortunate that you
retured and went into the house; these poor beings
might have died of starvation sad Julia; not think
ing OF the 'poor being which she bad but 4 short
time previous dismissed with contempt
Indeed, it was fortunate went in; and il affords
me more real pleasure now to be conscious of hav-
ing done this act, when think OF the Joy it gave
those people, than it would possess ali the
! wealth of CrGsus.
Several years had passed since the evening on
which sir. Saunders had placed the purse of gold
! in the hand of Thomas Cornwall the head OF The
then suffering family; and time it appeared had, in
"a great degree, reversed the fortunes of BOTH
Cornwall had received large legacy from q rela-
tive in foreign land-and entering into business
and fortune smiling upon him, he became very
wealthy; though be never forgot the kind hearted
man no visited his house when disease had pros
treated his family, and starvation seemed about
hurry them into eternity. He had learned the
name of his preseryer, but not thinking to ask for
his residence, unable to find any of him
l have sand the fortunes OF both were reversed
in great measure, and SO they were. Saunders
had gone too deeply into business-had specialized
too largely; and by pressure in the money market
and various losses, he was reduced almost to pow
| eriy. flis name soon appeared the ipsolvent
list in the newspapers Cornwall saw it, and hav.
ing learned his residence resolved visit him i'm.
medIs'ely. Accordingly MIR. Cornwall went to
| hIs house; he was surprised TO find it closed He
approached the door aud rang the bell; a servant
admitted him. and when he asked for Mr.. Saun-
ders, he was told that that individual was very ill.,
lie requested to be conducted to his bed, which
granted. Saunders was. in the last stage Of his
disease. Cornwall approached the bed AID took
! him by the hand. The visitor was recognized,
and for a moment neither spoke; Sir. Saunders al
length broke silence by saying, now it is that
! is stricken down.
What is there that can do for YOU said Corn
wall ,grasping the hand Of his dying friend. Il am
wealthy now, and will spend the last cent OF my
| fortune if it can aid you
sAh! my friend, said Mr. Saunders, my days of
comfort over; little longer and shall want
| no more of this worlds blessings; | know it'll
! feel it to plainly too be mistaken. have but one
favor TO ask-if it be granted will die in peace
We here from distant country, and our
! friends and relations there. poor and
! my wife will be destitule-wiIl you be friend to
her and my sweet child when am more7'
( 'Oh. fear not for them; they shalt share my for
tune with me, and will suffer rather than they
shall know want said Cornwall, the tears roll
ed down his cheek-and there earnes,ness
| in his expression which left no doubt the mir
| of the dying man
| Cornwall resolved to stay by his bed side and
ad m mister TO his wants so long he needed assis
lance, but this was not long. lew hours swept
I by and Charles Saunders more. And none
mourned more deeply than Cornwall; not even his
wife who was left destitute OF home-of every
thing, save husbands friend. To Cornwall how
ever, it some consolation TO know that he had
erris ed in time TO calm the closing hours Of his
friend and administer peace and happiness to the
departing soul.
After the funeral obsequies were over, and Mrs
Saunders revived from the shock which she had
receiv ed from the death of her husband Mr.. Corn
wall entreated her to take up her residence in his
family that he might be near to attend to her
wants She at first hesitated-her mind revolted
at the idea of being dependent on another for her
subsistence Blu, what cond she do? She was
poor in every variety of the term, and besides was
delicate in health; and when she thought Of her
sweet boy and the sufferlngs he must undergo if
she refused this kind mans assistance she accepted
this offer. And with heavy heart she babe adieu
to that stately mansion which she had but few
years previous entered as the newly married wife
of ono of the wealihiest merchants in the city.
| With one more scene our story closes. Mrs,
Saunders was seated in the parlor of MIR. Corn
wallis dwelling, when Miss Sarah Cornwall enter
ed to welcome the new member of their family
With full heart she extended the hand Of friend
ship and protection to the unfortunate widow,
who, she observed on FIRST entering, started back,