Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1845-08-14
THE GOLDEN CLASP,
OR
TIE PERGU RED GOLDSMITH.
PART FIRST.
BY PROFESSOR J. II. INGRAHAu.


young girl, plainly alfred, entered
one OF the goldsmlth's stores on
street, and seeing that a gentleman
was engaged with the proprietor, she
tImldly shrunk aside near the door
until he should be at leisure. The as
sistants were also occupied with Gus
toners whose dress and appearance
showed them to belong to The class Of
The rich, and so she was suffered to
remain for some time standing there
before she co1ld be attended to- The
gentleman, who was fine, noble look
ing person, with remarkable polished
address. seeing her waiting, courteous
ly stood aside, and said 10 the gold
smith
DO not occupy yourself with me
now, Mr. Broochard. | can examine
these watches by myself while you see
what this young person wants who
has been waiting so long and patiently.
to get all opportunity of addressing
you.
What do You wish, Miss! asked the
goldsmith, with look which convey.
ed reproof to her for interrupiing him
while engaged with a customer of
more value TO him.
The girl hesitatingly approached
tie counter. and taking from her bo-
som small clasp, bent over to him,
and said in 4 low trembling voice
| wish, sir, you would be so kind
as to keep this few days and let me
have 81 on it,
Low as she spoke. her softtrembling
tones reached the ears Of Col. Nc
Henry, the gentleman who was pre-.
sent. and he turned to observe her face.
and hear the reply Of the goldsmith to
this tlmid and painfully uttered re-
quest. The goldsmith took the clasp
scornfully between his fingers, and
then throwing it down, said sharply,
TO her
This is no pawn brokers' shop, girl;
and if il was, that thing is not worth
two dollars.
1t is of neslimable value TO me, sir
indeed it is the only thing valuable
that have, answered she. earnestly,
and her cheek slightly flushed at the
rude manner of bis reply.
| don't know what YOU may value
il at, he answered. with cold laugh,
gancing at Col. McIIcnry. whom he
saw severly observing him: | would
not like to give you SIX shilings for
it.
But, sir, plead the girl. unconscious
Of being overheard, must have seven
dollars to day. and have no other
way Of getting it, and | was ia hopes.
sir, tina, you might let me have that
sum on il; for | will certainly come
back and take il up again.
tell YOU, answered Mr. BroocharG
angrily. keep no pawn brokers shop.
Go To the Jews.
They won't give me but two dol
lars. sir, and want seven.
And so you think to get it out Of
me1
The young girl was about to speak
again, but as if not knowing what fur.
Their argument to urge, he>ltated, and
was turning slowly away. when she
checked herself and again spoke TO
him.
Sir. she said in low, thrilling
voice OF earnest en,reaiy, my mother
is lying very i'll. and our rent is due
at twelve o'clock to-day, and the per
sons we sew for having disappointed
us in our pay. | have no other re-
source but this! Oh. sir will you
take this clasp only for few days.
and will then repay you!
Mr. Broochard Eel. that Col. Nc
Henry's eyes were upon him. waiting
an ans wer. and "a he wished him to
think him man of business. (which
meant in his notion a man without
hearth he answered promptly and
sternly, No. Do YOU think we are
simple ons here 10 throw away money
in This way. If YOU have nothing
more to say, please stand aside for
customers. Well, Col. what do think
of those watches! Latest importation
full jewrl'd and warraned in all
points. | will sell yoa the one you
lnst laid down Tor one hundred and
ninety five dollars.
The gentleman, however. was not
needing him. but watching the young
girl whom lie saw leave the counter,
and with a heavy dropping step APP
proach the door. HI face had s,rucl,
him for lis sweet intelligent loneliness.
and her modesly had for him an ire
sistlbIe charm; bu. her plea of poverty,
and her eloquent appeal to the trades
man. deeply interested bis feelings and
enlisted his svmpathies in her behalf.
He had silently observed the progress
of her interview with him with emo
tons Of contempt for The one, and pity
for the other.
Her hand was on The knob of The
door. when, advancing towards her
You asked, | believe, for seven
dollars! he said. with gentle interest
in his tone. that at once awakened
hope in her heart.and brought. the ligh,
to her ewes and the hue to her cheeks.
as she diffidenlly answered.
Yes, sir. | would not have been
so bold and urgent but