The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-07-26

ther for marrying the man she loved. asked
the girl her grandfather's name, land she men.
toned one that made me start: it was the
name of one of our most wealthy merchants
was somewhat acquainted with him, and
knew him TO be an open harted and generous
man. had even known him to visit in per-
son the abodes of the poor and needy, and
determined it should not be long ere he
should be made acquainted with the wants OF
one whose near relationship claimed his care,
let her fault be what it might. knew from
what the little girl had told me, that he had
been memorable, s. that ifhe knew for whom
solicited, he would refuse; for long and
deep is fathers dislike for child who has
disobeyed him. therefore resolved nor to
mention the name of the object of my solicit
tations, but simply to represent her case,
and get him to accompany Inc to her resi-
dence.
On the second day following that on which
circumstances and name, | drove up to the
door of his elegant mansion, situated in one
of the most fashionable streets of the city,
inquired if he was at home, and was an
swered in the affirmative. was shown into
his library, where he sat reading at his leis-
ure, the papers of the day.
MIR D. said ], as entered, 81 have
presumed upon our acquaintance, knowing
you to be man of benevolence and feeling,
to solicit your aid in behalf Of poor sick
widow, who, with her two children, reside
in the lower part of the city. They are en-
tirely destitute land in tits cod weather have
neither wood nor clothes to keep them warm.
The old house, too, in which they live is
scarcely tenantable, and they have to depend
from day TO day, upon the charity of stran-
gers, the boy being too small to work, and
the girl having to attend to her sick mother
might have added, Her relations are
wealthy, but refuse to aid her, or might
have disclosed her name at once, but did
not, for fear he might refuse his aid. In the
first, thought he might mistrust, although it
could hardly be expected, as the little girl
told me he had not heard from them for some
years past; consequently he knew not wheth-
er she was yet alive, or what had become of
her. In the second knew he would per-
emptorily refuse.
As have said, did not inform him of the
particulars Of the case, but simply asked him
to acconany me to her dwelling, that he
might see for himself her situation. He i'm
mediately consented, and jumping into
my carriage, we were soon rolling along
towards the house, in which intended to
take him.
As we proceeded on our way, my mind
reverted to the scenes had witnessed. The
one ofsplendor and magnifcence, from which
an only daughter had been banished, for
wedding one she loved, but whom her ia
ther had deemed unfit for her, on account of
his pecuniary circumstances: the other an
abode of poverty and distress, where penury
and want were endured by one who had for
kop har fat frio nd homo fnr Ri
love CT him to whom she had entrusted her
happiness. Such is fathers enrnity to an
offending child ;-such the stengih ofwoman's
love &c man. The one forsakes his only
child regl adless of her fate; the other clings
to her only love, enduring fathers curse,
rather than retract her plighted vows.
We had now arrived at tbs house, and as
we decended from the carriage my heart al
most failed me, for trembled for the con-
sequence of this visit. However, assembled
the stairs; he following. Iopened the door
without knocking, and entered with him
precipitately, trusting rather to the feelings
of moment TO accomplish my design, then
to more slow, though perhaps not more
sure course. As we entered, Mrs. Williams,
who had now got considerably better, rose
from chair on which she had been sitting,
to receive US. She at once recognized her
father, and the next instant was rushing into
his arms.
AT first, he attempted to thrust her from
him, but from weakness and excess of Joy.
she tainted on his bosom, then it was that
paternal feelings triumphed; and tears, thick
and fast, flowed upon the almost lifeless form
of his only child.
had until now stood aloof, when, catch
ing up pitcher of water from the table,
commenced bathing her temples; whilst her
father in agonizing tones, called upon her
name, as though his voice alone could recall
her dormant senses. Slowly she recovered,
and opening her dark and expressive eyes,
she family whispered,
'Fatherr
Tears again gushed from the old mans
eyes, and he exclaimed
My daughter, am unworthy Of that name.
But oh forgive me forgive men
sIt is I, father who should ask forgiveness
said Mrs Williams. Come, Charles said
she, to the little boy, who had just entered,
come, Mary, you too ask grandfather's for
giveness for your MOTHER
The old man caught up his grandchildren
in his arms. and wept over them like child,
Need it be said that in few weeks, in one
of the splendid parlors ofhis magnificent
mansion, might be seen Mrs. Williams and
her two rosy children, no more alfred in the
humble garb of poverty, nor wo stricken IN
but blest with a fathers and
grandfather's love, living truly contented and
happy. W. II.