Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1845-07-17

some out OF sheer, hearless' curiosity
friends Of the family who came with mock
cry on their lips and empty purses, others
with intent to purchase but not one among
the crowd showed the least desire to aid,
assist or sympathisc with the distress Of the
family. This is the world; we laugh at
the mislortunes of our fellow creatures, and
even mock their distress, by Witnessing
in silence their sulferings. The house was
put up first; it was accuratel y described
free from all incumberances and subject to
but a very small ground rent, 1t was start
ed at five thousand dollars. There were
several bidders, all of whom seemed desir-
Gus to purchase it.
Seven thousand five hundred was at last
bid, upon which he dwelt for moment
Mr. Sutherland compressed his lips togcth'
er, aud mntered to himself 1T cost my
father fifteen thousand dollars.
Seven thousand five hundred dollars,
Observation-Disclosures times--for the
last time going
Eight thousand
Thank you, sir Going at eight thou
snnd-once, eight thousan twice, eight
thousand, three times, going, gone! What
namel
'CIiGord,' was the response; and all
eyes rested on TALL noble looking man,
who had renamed silent during the rapid
bidding Of the speculator; and who, az the
whisper went round, was total stran-
ger
1t is gone whispered Mr. Sutherland to
his wife, as he pressed her hand in silent
grief; we have no home now
Now, gentlemen, said the aucloneer,
I'VE will sell this sldeboard, in regard to
which | amrequested 10 say by the credit
or, that it is an old family piece, and it is
the wish Of the owner tie retain possession
of it if possible. ImereIy mention it, as
it is known to you under what peculiar
circumstances the things are sold
This had the desired effect; no one
seemed willing to bid against the uniortu.
nate man, who started it at ten dollars
Twenty was bid by Mr. Clifford; twenty
five by MIR Sutherland; fifty from Clifford
sienced the anxious parents, and the fam
lily piece Of furniture was knocked down
to the new possessor Of the house. A gen.
tIeman who stood by remarked that the
act was a cold hearlIess one.
Was ill' sarcastcaiy asked Mr. Clifford
then, sir why did you not buy it for
him.
Mr. Sutherland was much affected by
this incident. lie little knows how much
he has Iaccratcd this heart. But | will
purchase the piano for my child
He stepped uplo Mr. Clifford and told
the desire he had to purchase the piano
for his daughter, and he hoped he would
not Aid against him,
Sir, said the stranger as much as ]
respect your feelings, and the sympathy Of
this good company, | cannot, nay, will no,
alter the determination made when first
entered this house
TO purchase everything in it, and, by
heavens, I'll do it, though | pay double
the price
Strange, muttercd Mr. Sutherland as
he found his family in another part Of the
room.
The stranger fulfilled his promise, and
actually bought everything, from the house
itself down to the very axe in the wood
cellar
After The sale was over, and the compa-
ny had retired, Mr. Clifford requested the
lnctioncer TO 90 with him into an adjoin.
ing room. After the lapse Of a few mo.
ments, they beth returned to the parlor,
where the family still remained. The
auctioncer looked around, gave them a
smile, and as he Ieft the room,
" as heard to. say, i never heard of such a
hing: a perfect romance. Ha! ha. han
you are now observed Mr. Sutherland
% Clifford, the owner of this house and
'unilure; they we're once mine-lei that
PASS
4 am, sir, for The time being, you land
ord.
i understand you, sir, but will MOI
oHS lNihu'h lpu' l'h"ll'' W 40 SNiUS W
observe, how ever, that there are few ar
icies which am anxious to pnrchasephal
for instance, is family relic;
will give YOU fifty dollars, the price you
,ald ard feel assured, under The circnm.
tances, you will not refuse ne this one
avor.'
4 cannot take it, sir.
'Obdurate, ungra,erul mani!
viii yon not let Pa buy my piano, sir"
umbly asked Ellen; he will give you the
rice at which it was sold
1t is painful for me, young lady, to re-
Use even this. | will sell no,hing-not
ven the wood-saw in the cellar
Then, Mr. Clifford said Mr. S, we
ave no further business here. Come, my
ear-EIlen get your bonnet-thals your
andbox-et us quit the Louise; we are
ot even free from insult, Where is !
~!
4 am here, sir, the key Of my trunk is
'st, and am fastening it with a rope c
Stop, my girl mc'hinks | purchased !
lat trunk coolIy observed the stranger. .
Mr. Clifford, am not so old but that | t.
IN resent an nsuIt--rny, will, if you car n