Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-07-12

'ut'S'Cu W tuSt NY III
teen thousand dollars Seven thousand
five hundred dollars. Going-going-cnce
-twice-three imes-for the last time CO.
ing - eight thousand thank you sir
( going at eight thousand -once-eiglit thou
sand twice-eighl Thousand three times
! going--gone--what name p Clifford was
the response, and all eyes rested on a tall,
noble looking man, who had remained silent
during the rapid bidding of the speculators--
and who as the whisper went round was
total stranger.
sit is gone,' whispered Mr.. Sunderland to
his wife as he pressed her hand in silent
grief I'VE have no home now
Now, gentlemen cried the auctioncer,
we viii sell this side board, in regard to
which am requested by the creditor to say
that it is an old family piece, and it is the
wish OF the owner to retain il if possible.
merely mention this as it is known TO YOU
under what peculiar circumstances the things
are sold.'
This had the desired ef1ect-no one SEEM
ed willing to bid against the unfortunate
man, who started ii at ten dollars. Twenty
was bid by Mr.. Clifford twenty-five from
Mr.. Sunderland; fifty from Mr.. Clifford ST.
fenced the anxious parents, and the family
piece OF furniture was Knocked down TO the
new owner of the house. A gentleman that
stood by remarked that the act was cold.
hcartess one. WAS it!' sarcasticallv ask
ed Mr.. Clifford, then, sir, why did YOU not
buy it for him?'
Mr.. Sunderland was much affected at this
little incident. He little knows how much
he has lacerated this heart But will pur-
chase this piano for my chll.' He stepped
up to Mr.. Clifford, and told HIM the desire
he had to purchase the piano for his dauph.
ter, and he hoped he would not bid against
him.
Sir said the stranger, I will no, de-
reve you, as much as respect your feel
ngs, and the sympathy of this good compa-
mp; | cannot, nay, will not alter the deter
made when | entered this house.
And pray, sir, what may it be 2
10 purchase every thing in it, and by
heaven III do it. though pay double mice.
Strange mul'ercd Mr.. Sunderland, as
he found his family IN anolhhr part of the
-oom.
The stranger fulfilled his promise, and
actually bought every thing, from the house
iseli down to the very axe in the cellar
Alter the sale was over. and the compa-
~ had retired, Mr.. Clifford requested the
'lctioneer to walk with him into an ndjoin-
ny room. After the lapse of a few moments
hey both returned to the parlor, where the
amly still remained. The auctioncer look
ID around, gave "A knowing sme-wished
hem all good day, and as he left the room
he was heard to say, never heard of such
thing; perfect romance, ha ha ha =
You are now observed Mr.. Sunderland
% Mr.. Clifford, the owner of the house and
urninre--thcy were once mine-let that
PASS
/ am, sir, for the time being, your land
ord
| understand you, sir, but will not long
your tenant; was going 10 observe,
however, that there were two or three arti.
cles which am anxious to purchase-that
'Idc-board, for instance-is family relic
will give yon the fifty dollars, the price
you paid, and | feel assured, under the cir.
you will not refuse this favor?'
cannot take it, sir.
Ohdurate-ungratetulm man.
'Will you not let Pa buy my piano, sir 2
lumblv asked Ellen. 8 He will give YOU
he price at which it was sold.'
1T is painful for me, young lady, TO re-
use even ths-I will sell nolling-not even
he wood saw in the cellar
Then, Mr. Clifford said Mr.. Sunder-
and, 'mc have no further business here
come, my dear-ElIen, get your bonnet
hats your band box-lct US quit this house,
we are not even free from insult. Where is
Mary?
am here, sir-the key of my trunk is
lost, and ! am fastening it with a rope
Stop, my girl-but mellinks purchased
hat trunk coolly observed the stranger.
Mr.. ClifIord-I am not so old, but that
can resent an insult-nay, will, if YOU car
y this arrogant and to me strange conduct
much further; that poor girl has been to me
md mine the best, and may say the only
rlend she has remained with us in poverty.
assisted us in our distress not only with her
lands, but her purse she is not to me as
ervant, but one my amily-for there is
hank heaven-no such base distinction in
poverty that exists in state of bloated
wealth. Here, here, with nothing but what
~ upoH Jul bdIhS-lle master and
ervant are equal. She is part of my family,
md | will protect her from insult. That
runk is hers, and who dare take il from her?
Not you, sir y
Mr. Clifford cast his eyes upon Mary, who
II that moment arose from the hoor-for a
moment they gazod upon each other in 81.
ence|' and she, you say, has been to you
Indeed she hasa kind, noble ONE
Mr.. Sunderland, stay-one moment. nv
good glrl, put down tina, ,runk-,ake a seal
madam permit me, Miss, to hand Won a
hair; Mr.. Sunderland, will YOU be seated
have yet something more to saw. When
you requested me TO yield up the wish had
o purchase this sideboard, told you tina, II
vas my determination to buy it, and tell
you now that will not sell it,
This, Mr.. Clifford, needs no re petition
Aye, but it does, and when that young
ady made the same request for her piano,
ny answer was the same. Stop, sir, hear me
'ut no man could act so without motive;
10 one, particularly stranger, would court