American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-08-26
THE RICH MERCHAN
BY MRS. JANE WEAVER.

1t was night, the streets were nearly desert
ed, the more especially as it was showing fast
A single traveller, however, might have beer
seen wrapped i'll thick overcoat, urging hi
way against the tempest, by the light Of din
lamps. Suddenly, as he passed ruinous ten
ement, the figure of girl started up before
him.
"Pease sir" she said, eff it's only penny
mother is sick and we have had nothing to eat
to-day"
The first impulse of the moment was to go
on, the second to stop. Her face was thin and
pale, and her garments scanty. He was man
of good impulses, 50 he put his hand towards
his pocket, attending to give her a shilling
But the traveller had forgot that his orercoat
was buttoned up tightly over his pocket,
at is too much trouble" said lie TIC himself,
"and this wind is very cutting Besides these
bcggars are usually cheats. I'll warrant this
girl wants the money 10 spend in some gin
shop. And, speaking harshly, he said, Il
have nothing for you! If you are really desti-
tute, the guardians will take care of you"
The girl shrunl back without word, and
drew her tattered garments around her SILVER
ing form. But tear gllstened OH her chcel;
in the light Of the dim lamp.
The man passed, and turning the next cor
ner, soon knocked at the doc. of a splendid
mansion, through whose richly curtained win
dows a rosy light streamed out across the
storm. A servant obsequiously gave him en-
trance. At the sound of his footsteps the par
lor door was opened, and beautiful girl, APP
parently about seventeen, sprang into his arms,
kissed him on the cheek, and then began to as
sist him in removing his overcoat.
what kept you SO long, dear papaT she
said, IF had known where you were would
have sent the carriage. You never stay so
late at the Office
mo, my love, was at my lawyers, busy,
very busy, and all for you, and he kindly pat
ted her on the cheek. But now Maggy,
can't you give me some supper?'
The daughter rang the bell and ordered the
supper to be served. twas just such an one
as an epicure would delight in, just the supper
for traveller OH a night like that.
Pa said the daughter, when it was finish
ed, Il hope you are in good humor, for |
have favor to ask of you,' and she threw
hor arms around his neck, and looking up in
his face with that winning smile and those
beautiful dark eyes of hers. Il wish to give a
ball on my birthday, my eighteenth birthday.
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 after
noon, received the money, and took it to my
lawyers, telling him to invest it in real estate,
think shall give up the business
'O' do, do, paTa. But you will give me
this ball, won't you;'
you little tease, said the father, but he
spoke smilngly; and, putt = his hand in his
pocket-bool, he took out note of five hundred
dollars and placed it IN his child's hand.
Take this; if it is not enough you must
have another, | suppose. But don't trouble
Inc any more about it,
The next morning broke clear, but the snow
was a foot deep, and lay here and there in
huge drifts, blocking up the doorways. At
ten o'clock the rich merchant was on his way
to his counting room. He turned down the
same street up which he had come the prece-
ding evening A crowd had gathered round
the open cellar door of ruined tenement
The merchant paused to inquire what was the
matter.