Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1845-01-04
THE RICH MERCHANT.
nv MRS. JANE WEAVER.

serted, and more especially as it was showing
fast. \ single traveller, however, might have
been seen, wrapped in thick overcoat, urging
his way against the tempest, by the light OF the
d.m iamps.-Suddenly as he passed ruinous
tenement the figure of a girl started up before
him.
please, SIR said she, 'ifits only penny
mother is sick, and we have eat nothing to-day.
The first impulse of the moment was 10 go
Her face was thin and pale, and her garments
scanty. He was man of good impulses so he
put his hand towards his pocket, intending to
give her shilling. She saw the act, and her
ustreless eye frightened. But the traveller
forgot that his overcoat was buttoned tightly
over his pocket.
1T is too much trouble said he to himself
'and this wind is very cutting. Besides these
beggars are usually chcats-l'll warrant this
girl wants the money to spend in some Gin
shop And speaking aloud somewhat harsh|y,
he said, Il have nothing for you you are re.
ally destitute the guardians OF the poor will take
care Of you
The girl shrank back without word and
drew her tattered garments around her SILVER
ing form. But tear glstencd on her cheek
in the light OF the dim lamp.
The man passed on and turning the next cor
ner soon knocked at the door OF a splendid man
sion through whose richly curtaned windows
rosy light streamed out across the storm. a
servant obsequously gave him entrance. At
the sound of his footsteps the parlor door was o.
pcned, and beautiful girl, apparently about
seventeen sprang into his arms, kissed him on
the cheek, and then began to assist him in re-
moving his overcoat.
What kept you so long, dear papa ? 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 lawycr's-bnsy,
very busy, and all for you,' and lie kindly pat
ted her cheek. But now, Maggy, can't you
give me some supper
The daughter rang the bell and ordered the
supper to be served. 1t was such one as an
rpicure would deligh in, just the supper for a
tdNelltT OH iihO tbd''
pa said the daughter when it was finished,
Il hope you are in a good humor, for have
favor to ask of you, and she threw her arms a.
round his neck, and looked up in his face with
that winning smile and those beautiful dark
eyes of hers, Il wish to give ball on my birth
day-my eighteenth birth day. 1t will cost,
oh sight of money, but you are a kind, good
papa, and know you have been successful or
you would not have been at your lawyers
Yes, my darling he said, fondly kissing her.
the cotton speculation has turned out well.
sold all had of the article this afternoon rcce
we'd tie money and took it to my lawyers, tel
ling him TO invest il in real estate. think
shall give up the business
'Oh! do, do, papa. But you will give me
this ball won't you! !
You little tease said the father, but he spoke
smiIingly; and putting his hand in his pocket
book, he took out Iote of five hundred dollars
and placing it in his chdS hard. Take this
fit is not enough you must have another, sup.
pose. But don't trouble me about it any more
The next morning broke clear, but the snow
was foot deep, and here and there lay in huge
drifts; blocking up the doorways. At ten o'clock
the rich merchant was on his way 10 his count
ing room-lle turned down the same street up
which he had come the preceding evening. A
crowd had gathered round the open cellar door
of ruined tenement. The merchant paused
to enquire what was the matter.
a woman, sir, has been found dead below
there said one of the spectators she starved
to death, it is said, and they have sent for the
coroner. Her daughter has just come back, at-
TER being out all night believe she was beg.
ging. That's her moaning
.Ah = said the merchant and a pang went
through his heart like anice- bolt, for he remem.
bered having denied a petitioner the night be-
fore. He pushed through the crowd, and de-
scended the steps A girl covering over an
cmancpatcd corpse, that lay on heap of straw
in one corner of the damp apartment. 1t was
the same girl he had feared it would prove. The
merchant was horror struck.
My poor child !! he cried, laying his hand
on her shoulder, you must be cared for ; God
forgive me for denying yon last night. Here,
take this and he put bill into her hand.
The girl looked up aud gazcd vacanty
at him. Then she put back the proiieret
money.
1T viii do no good now she said, mother il
dead and she burst INTO hysteric tears.
The merchant at that moment, would have
- llsIb bar /,