Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-01-24
THE RICH MERCHANT.

iy deserted, and the more especially as il
was showing fast. A single traveller, how
ever might have been seen, wrapped in
thick oyercoat, urging his way against the
tempest by the light of the dim lamps
Suddenly, as he passed ruinous tenement
the figure ola girl started up before him.
| PLEASE, Sir she said, If il is only pen.
ny-molher is sick and we have eat nothing
to-day
The first impulse OF the moment was TO 90
on; the second To stop lie looked at the
! girl. Her face was thin and pale, and her
garments scanty. He was a man of good
impulses, so he put his hand towards his
pocket, intending TO give her a shilling
She sawihe act, and her lustreless eye bright
ed. But the traveller had forgot that his
overcoat buttoned tightly over his pocket
IT is too much trouble, he said to him
self-'and this wind is very cutting Be-
sides these beggars are usually cheats-Ill
vibrant this girl wants the money to spend
in some gin shop. Aud speaking aloud aud
somewhat harshly, he said, Il have nothing
for you if you are really destitute, the
guardians of the poor will take care of you ,
The girl shrank back without word, and
drew her taiiered garments around her shr-
ering form. But tear glisiened on her
cheek in the light Of the lamp.
The man passed on, aud turning the next
corner soon knocked at the door of a SPLEEN
did mansion through whose richly curtained
windows rosy light streamed out across
the storm. A servant obsequionsly gave him
entrance. At the sound of his footsteps the
parlor door opened, and beautiful girl ap-
parently about seventeen, sprang into his
arms, kissed him on one cheek, and then be-
gan to assist him in removing his over
coat
What kept you so long dear papaP she
said, If had known where you were would
have sent the carriage. You never stay so
late at the Office
No my love, was at my lawyers-busy,
very busy, and all for you. and he kindly
patied her cheek. But now, Maggy can't
you give me some supperr
The daughter rang the bell and ordered
the supper to be served. twas such an one
as an epicure would delight in, Just the sup
per for traveller on night like that
pa said the daughter, when il was fin
ished, i hope you are in good humor, for j
have favor to ask oil you.' and she threw
her arms around his neck. and looked up ia
his face with that winning smile aud those
beautiful dark eyes of hers, ] wish to give a
ball on my birth day-my eighteenth birth
day. 1t will cost, oh sight of money, but
you are kind and good papa, and | know
/. you have been successful or you would no
: have been at your lawyers
'Yes, my darling. he said, fondly kissing
her, the cotton speculation has turned GU
= WELL sold all had of the article this az
+ ternoon, received The money and took it I,
my lawyers telling him to invest il in rea
! estate. think shall give up the bust
ness,
, oh do, do, papa. But you will give mi
this ball wont your
you little tease, said the father, but h
: spoke smilngly and putting his hand in hi
, pocket-book, he took out note of FIVE hun
, dred dollars end placed it in his child's hand
j Take this--f il is not enough you mus
/. have another, suppose But don't troubl
me about it any more
: The next morning broke clear, hut tn
:. snow was foot deep, and here and Their
S lay in huge drifts blocking up the doc
: ways. AT ten O'Clock the rich merchan
3 was on his way to his counting room. III
turned down the same street up which h
had come the preceding evening. A crow,
had gathered round the open cellar door O
ruined tenement. The merchant pause,
to inquire what was the matter.
"A woman, sir, has been found dead be
: low there said one of The spectators; 'sh
starved to death, it is said, and they hav
y sent for the coroner Her daughter has jus
! come back, after being out all night. be
j leye she was begging. That's her moan
> ing
$ 'Ah;, said the merchant, and a pang wen
}, through his heart like an ice-bolt, for he re
E membered having denied petitioner tn
: : night before. He pushed through the crow
and decended the cellar steps. girl COW
: cred over an euaciated CORPSE that lay on
o heap of straw in one corner of the damp
: pariment. 1t was the same girl he had feal
IS ed it would prove. The merchant was hol
!, ror-struck.
!. My poor child 7 he cried, laying his han
!, on her shoulder, you must he cared for
II God forgive me for denying you last nigh
n Here, take this !! and he pu, bill into he
a hand.
The girl looked up and gazcd vacantly 1
If him. Then she put back the proffered mon
g ey.
I il will do no good now, she said motl
. er is dead and she burst into hysleric tear,
IS The merchant, at that moment, woul
It have given half his fortune to have recalle
: her to life.
l. The lesson thus learned he never forgo
4 The merchant personally saw that decor
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