The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-11-18


not comprehend the suffering Of the poor. She
had formed the opinion that all beggnls were i'm
posters as soiuo had been found 80; an opinion,
unfortunately for the ylr,uous poor, that ID too
generally prevalent. This opinion, she instillcd
into her daughters minds, and though they poss-
esed hearts like that of their father 8 naturally kind
and henevolant, yet the example OF their mother
clung to them like an unseemly garment, hiding
the beauty that lay beneath.
| Not so was it with the mother of Gertrude, Mr.
| Wallon's sister. She mas woman, unlike Mrs
Walton, whose chief beauty was her mental nc-
embellishments. She had heart to feel for pow
erly, and an ever ready hand TO alleviate its dis
| trcsscs.
But GertIude's mother was now dead, rs well
as her father. They had died some years before,
leaving her an orphan heress to the guardianship
of her uncle, who, like his sister cherished the
generosity of disposition which she possessed.
CHAPTER ".
Alone in the counting house of one of the OK
ensye mercantile establishments in the city of n.
York, sal a young man apparently about twenty
one years OF age.
His arm rested upon the desk at which he was
setting and his head recned upon his hand. lie
seemed to be lost in meditation on some object
that lay before him, for he sat for long time
much MS changing his position. A. length, how
ever, he gave vent to his thoughts in words:
More han six years have elapsed said he,
'since received this purse; then was poor,
ragged, pennyless heggar boy; now an heir APP
puren, to one Of The richest men in this vast city.
Yes, six years have passed away but the memory
of that day. and of her who gave ne this, cannot
fade. No never! vowed beside my poor moth
er's death he'd, that il eve ! were able and could
discover the generous girI, whose kindhearl pited
the half starved little mendicant, wond strive to
repay the debt of gratitude owe to her. would
that could! But | fear Ills vain hope, for have
nothing but this purse, with 'GGrlrudc Clarendon
marked upon it, Well, perhaps it may chance yet
to come to pass.
As he flushed speaking The door of the counting
rcom opened. and Il man Of middle uge entered.
'Ah! William, said he smiling, the purse again'
Mclhnks there is some other feeling towards the
dOncr in your heart, besides that Of gratitude
Nay uncle, answered tho young man, confus-
eddy. Il gaze upon it At times because it reminds
me Of my molher---'
And If a certain bue-eycd lass, whom a GER
tain William Leslie would have no objection 10 fall
in love with, he could hppen to come across
her ugaill-lhat is if he has not already, merely
from gratitude Aud the uncle looked archly in
hls neplcw's face as he spoke.
Nay, uncle. there would perhaps, be but little
use of that, yenlhough should came across her,
AS YOU say; there nre great changes happen in
peoples siluanen in six yeats. For instance. wit
ness how different is mine. She may he welded,
and have forgotten long, long ago, the little beg,
gar hoy, or she may be dead, and wing in the cold
and silent grave.
'Trup-- wns but TESTING said his uncle,
But continued the young man, 'as was say
Ing, love to look upon the purse. because it re-
minds me Of my mother, and will not deny it,
lnr | ever remember her--ol her who gave it me,
and at last, though not enst because, uncle il
brings to mind The debt of gratitude | owe to you
You have cared for me like father for SON.
AYE! and who will care for you as u father for
n sou even when he Dies
May thai day be long coming and The young
mun tuned away TO hide Il tear.
lie took up his hat, and drawing on his gloves,
left the counlin. house lie walked along medl-
Eating upon The conversation he had Just been par
iicpalIng in, and ere he was aware he found HIM
self upon the quay. steamboat was lust ubout
t. leave and he stopped to witness its departure
All was hustle and noise Passengers, some on
foot and some in carriages, were constantly aIry.
ing, and Fastening on board. porlcrs running 10
mud fro with baggage, some with wheel bnrrows'
some without. Car-men, hack-mcn, while-men,
hlack-men,al added their quota 10 the general din,
while the noisy news boys with their 'moning pa
per. sir, and the boiler Of the boat with lis phiz.
zing roar in no wise lessencd the lumul,. Then
there was parting If irends-ihc farewell utter
cd, in Il trembling ,oicc-lhe silent gasp of the
hands-,hG dimmed eye, and The lingering step,
iha, told, us pain az words, how fond the hcar,s
that were scvcImg. What an exciting scene! So
thought William Leslie us he stood apart, watch
ing the busy crowd.
The las, bell was rurg, the 'all aboard had
been pT0GHimrd--Rnd the fastCnngs were about
heng cast loose, when suddenly he was started bv
the screaming Of woman aud the cry Of II man
overheard lie ran towards the spu, nj the edge
of the wharrwhere the people were cowding most
together, and behcld Il man somewhat mast the
middle age struggling in the waier Nearly all
round seemed parly 2ed-nonc moved towards n
rescue Some il is true recommended what ought
to be done, but, as is usual, did not make any rf.
forts themselves. William was good swimmer,
and seeing the imminent hazard Of tho gentleman,
, be- Immediately threw OF his coat and plungcd in,
IN rnoment he was brensiug the cnrrrni with his
hurdCn--nnd in few more they were both drawn
IN board the hUnt, which had been fastened again
to tho WHAT
The gentleman shook The water from his locks,
and feeling in hi. pocket drew forth well stored
pocIethorE, which he proIiired To William.
Take this, vonng nan, ms an unworthy reward
, for the Invaluable service You have rendered me, ,
said he, al least ill have u better opportunity
ofgiyng YOU more substantial proof of my gru'i.
, iudc. | would thank YOU could find words to
do so, but my heart is 10 full i
, William put hack the money with his hand.
M, no. said he, i did not risk my life fcl
money; risked it 10 save fellow creatures liln
Excuse me
, Take this, them said tho gentleman, handing
him his card, and il you ever wait Phadelp hi do
no, neglect to call upon me. My house and heart
will ever be open to the preserver ofmy lifo.'
: The fas'enings had been just east loose ngan
D and William, with the card in bis hand, Jumped
: ashore while the boat proceeded on It's way.
CHAPTER V.