Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-05-16
From the Ladies' National Magazine,
The Rich Merchant.
by MRS. JANE WEAVER

by MRS. JANE WEAVER.
Il was late at night, and the streets were nearly
deserted the more especially it was showing fast
single traveller, however, might have been seen
wrapped in a thick overcoat urging his way
against the tempest, by the light ofthe dim lamps
Suddenly, as he past runous tenament the fig
ure of girl started up before him
'Please sir she said, if it's only n penny
mother is sick, and we have eat nothing to-day
The first impulse of the moment was to go on
his second to stop. He looked at the girl Her
face was thin and pale, and her garments scanty
He was man of good impulses, so he put his
hand towards his pocket intending TO give her
shilling. She saw the act and her lustreless eye
Frightened But the traveller forgot that his over
coat was buttoned tightly over his pocket
1T is too much trouble said he to himself, 'and
the wind is very cutting. Besides these beggars
are usually cheats--Pll warrant this girl wants
the money to spend in a jim shop and speaking
aloud he said, somewhat harshly, Il have nothing
for you if you are really destitute the guardians
of the poor will care of you.
i The girl shrank back without word, and
drew her tatercd garments around her shivering
form. But n tear glittored on her cheek in the
light of the dirl lamp.
The man passed on. and turning the next cor
ncr, soon knocked at the door of a splendid man
sion, through whose richly curtained windows a
!, rosy light sreamed out across the storm. A ser.
vaut obsequously gave him entrance. At the
sound of his footstep the parlor door was hastily
} opened, and beautiful girl, apparently about
seventeen, sprung into his arms, kissed him on
each cheek, and then began to assist him in re-
? moving his overcoat.
what kept 20 so long, dear papaP she said
: III had known where your were | would have
sent the carriage You never stay so late at the
n office
NO. my love, was at my lawyers--busy very
busy, and all for you,' and he kindly patted hel
s cheek. But now, Marcy, can't you give me some
), SUPERB
The daughter rung the bell and ordered the sup
per to be served. 1t was such one as an epicurt
might delight in just the supper for the travelle
c on night like that.
Il sPa,' said the daughter, when it was finished. .
S hope you are in good humor; for have favo
to ask of you, and then she threw her arms around
e his neck, and looked up into his face, with tina
, winning smile and those beautiful dark eyes o
s hers Twsh to give ball on my birth day-my
g eighteenth birthday. 1t will cost oh sight o
l. money, but you're kind, good papa, and have
n been successful or you would not have been a
your lawyers
Yes my darling he said, fondly kissing her
= the cotton speculation has turned out we'll | solC
the money an took il TO my lawyers, telling hin
n to invest it in real estate think | shall sooI
s give up business
a oh do, do, papa. But you'll give me thi
1t ball won't you.
1t 'You little tease said the father, but he spok
: smilingly; and putting his hand in his pocket
n book he took ou, note of five hundred dollars
s. and placed ii in the childs hand Take this
Of it is not enough you must have another, | suppose
= But don't trouble me about it any more.
r The next morning broke clear, but the SNOW
was foot deep on the level and here and Their
d lay huge drifts, blocking up the doorways A
in ten o'clock the rich merchant was on his way +
v his counting room. He turned down the sam
il street up which he had come the preceding eve
IS ming A crowd had gathered round the open ce
lie lar door of ruined tenement The merchar
K paused to enquire what was the matter
"A woman has been found dead below there
to said of the Spectators she starved to death
st is said they have sent for the coroner Her daugt
ter had just come back, after being out all nigh
If believe she was begging That's her you hea
q. moaning
s. sAhr said the merchant and a pang wer
through his heart like an ice-bolt, for he remeu
~ bered denying petitioner the night before. ii
pushed through the crowd and decended the celia
C. steps A girl covered an emacated corpse, th'
lay on heap Of straw, in one corner ofthe dam
IA apartment 1t was the same girl he had feare
D. IL would prove The merchant was horro
er srUck.
be NV poor child he said laying his hand on he
shoulder you must be cared for-God forgive IT
C. for denying you last night Here-take this, 'an
sit he put a bill into her hand
The girl looked up and gazed vacan,ly at hi
ub then put back the preferred money.
er IL viii do no good now she said, mother