Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1845-08-12
The Golden Clasp, or the Perjured Goldsmith
BY PROBE ssoR ]. INGRAHAM.
PAAT l..

girl plainly attred, enteIed one of the gold
smiths stores Of street, and seeing
that gentleman was engaged with the
proprietor, she timidIy shrunk aside near
the door until he should be at leisure. The
assistants were also occupied with Gus
toners whose dress and appearance show
ed them TO belong TO the class of the rich.
and so she was suffered to remain for some
time standing there before she could be al
tended TO. The gentleman, who was fine
noble looking person, with remarkably
polished address, seeing her waiting. cour-
teously stood aside, and said 10 tie gold
smith
"Do not occupy yourself with me now.
Mr.. Broochard, can examine these waclh
es by myself while you see what tbs young
person wants who has been waiting so long
and patiently, to get an, opportunity to adj
dress YOU"
"What do you wish, Miss?" asked the
goldsmith, with a look which conveyed a
rcproof to her for interrupling him while
engaged with a customer Of more value to
him.
The girl hesitatingly approached The
counter,and TAX g from her bosom a small
gold clasp, bent over TO him, and said in n
low trembling voice
ii wish, sir, you would be So kind as TO
Ike ep this a few days and let me have sew
en- dollars for it,"
'Low as she spoke, her soft trembling
tones reached the ears Of Col. McElenry.
the gentleman who was present, and he
turned to observe her face; and hear the
reply of the goldsmith 10 this tim'd and
painful uttered request. The goldsmith
took The clasp Scornluly between his fin
gers. and then throwing ii down said sharp
ly; TO her
This is no pawn brokers shop, and if
it was, that thing is not worth Two dol
lars"
st is of neStinable value to nc, sir
indeed it is The only thing valuable that |
have" answered she, earnestly. and her
cheek Slightly flushed at the rude manner
of his reply.
II don't know what yon value it at" he
answered with cold laugh, gancing at
Col McIIcnry whom he saw severely or
serving him; II would not like 20 give you
six shIlingS for IT'D
''But sir" pleaded the girl, unconscious
of being overheard, Il mast have sevel
dollars to day, and have 20 other way oC
getting it. and was in hopes, +, that you
might let me have that sum on II; for !
W il certainly come back and take it up
gain"
Il tell you," answered Mr.. Broochard
angriy, ii keep no pawn brokers' shop.
Go to the Jews"
They won't give me but two dollars,
sir, and want seven"
"And so you think 10 ct it out o. me?'
The young girl was about ia speak again
but as if not knowing what further argn
ments tourge hesitatcd, and was slowly
turning away, when she checked herself
and again spoke 10 him
"Sir," size said, in low thrilling voice
Of earnest entreaty, "my mother IS lying
very III. and our rent is due ut twelve o.
clock to-day. an the persons we sew FOR
having disappointed US in our pay, have
no other resource but this! Oh, sir will
You take this clasp, only for n few days, |
will then repay youP
Mr.. Broochard felt that Col. McHenry's
eyes were upon him, waiting an answer,
and as he wished him 10 think HIM man
of business, (Which meant in his notion
man without heart he answered promp-
| ~ and sternlv, mo. DO you think we
are simpletons here to throw away money
in this way Ii you have nothing more to
saw. pease stand aside for customers.
Well, Col what do you think Of those
watches? Latest importation-iull jew
eI'G and warranted mall points. viii
sell you the one you just laid down, Tor
one hundred and ninety-ive dollais.'
| The gentleman, however. was not heed
! ing him. but watching the young girl whom
he saw leave the counter, and win heavy
Dropping step approached to the door, tieI
face hid struck him for its sweet lnielli
gent loneliness, and her modes,y had tor
/ him an irres stib,e charm, but her plea OF
poverty, end her eloquent appeal to the
tradcsman, deeply lnterested.h his loeling,
ard enlisted his syr1pathies in her behalf
lie had silently observed the progress o
her irtery 'ew with him, with emotions o.
contempt for the one, and pity for thf
other.
Her hand was on the knob Of The door
when, advancing towards her
you asked, | believe, for seven dol
lars?" he said, with a gentle interest II
his tone that a, once awakened hope in he
heart, and brought the light to heF eyes an
the fire to her cheeks, as she dllhdeniI!
answered
YES, sir. would not have been s.
bold aud urgent bul--------.
.None too much so. There is tel
dollar note have no smaller bills" An'
he alaced It 10 her hand.
..Sir, you are too kind--
mo, a word. am happy to d" you
service"
Take the clasp, sir; though an
ashamed TO offer i To you,since the gentle
man saws il is 50 valuele>s. but 10 me
is valuable as life, and toolishly though
il mus be to others.
Il do not want il" child answered Col
McIIenrv fceGngIy putting the hand asid
which urged ii upon him.
"Indced, sir, YOU must take 1t, ior
shall feel in some degree less under obi
cation TO a stang r. Besides, | wish /
Call and redeem il. Will you give m
vour address. sirl'' and as she spoke. b
snll declining tue jewel, she laid ii on tn