The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-07-02
VOL. X.
The Golden Clasp; or, the Per
jured Goldsmith.
BY PROFESSOR J. H. INGRABAM.
A |.

| EllllAll , I ~
a gentleman was engaged with the proprie-
tor, she timidly shrunk aside near the door
mill he should be at leisure, The assistants
were also occupied with customers whose
dress and appearance showed them 10 belong
TO the class of the rich, and so she was suti-
cred 10 remain for some time standing there
before she could be attended 10. The gen.
tIeman, who was a fine, noble looking per-
son, with a remarkably polished address,,
seeing her waiting, courteously stood aside,
and said TO the goldsmith
'Do not occupy yourself whine now, Mr..
Broochard. | can examine these watches by
myself while you see what this young per-
son wants who has been waiting so long and
patiently, 10 get an opportunity TO address
YOU ~
what do you wish, Miss ?'asked the gold
smith, with a look which conveyed areproof
to her for interrupting him while engaged
with n customer gilmore value to him.
The girl neutrality-suspicious. the ceun-
ter, and taking from her bosom a small gold
clasp. bent over 10 him, and said in Il low
trembling voice
Il wish. sir, you would be so kind as 10 keep
this a few days and let me have seven dollars
on it.
Low as she spoke, her soft trembling tones
reached the ears OF Col. McHenry, the gen
tIeman who was present, and he turned 10
observe her face, and hear the reply of the
goldsmith, TO this timid and painfully uttered
request. The goldsmith took the clasp
~scornaully bLtween his fingers, and then
throwing it down, said sharply, 10 her
This is no pawn brokers' shop, girl; and
if ii was, that thing is not worth Two dol
lars
1T is of in~estimable value to me, sir-in-
- =. Il l.. L. ,k,. \ -, 80 J
answered she, earnestly, and her cheek
slightly flushed at the rude manner Of his re-
ply.
Il don't know what You may value it al, he
answered. with n cold laugh, elancing at
Col. McIIenrv, whom he saw severely obser-
wing him !; Il would not like TO give you six
shiIlings for it
But, SIR plead the girl, unconscious Ofbe-
ing overheard, i must have seven dollarsto-
day, and | nave no other way of getting it,
and | was in hopes, sir, that you might let me
have that sum on it for will certainly come
back and take it up again
q tell you,' answered Mr.. Broochard an
grily, keep no pawn brokers' shop. Go
to The Jewsp
They won't give me but two dollars, sir,
andI want severn
sAnd so you think TO get it out ofme? 2
The young girl was about 10 speak again,
but. as if NOT knowing what further argument
to urge, hesitated, ard was turning slowly
away, when she checked herself and again
spoke 10 him
Sir she said. in n low, thrilling voice Of
earnest entreaty, my mother is lying very
i'll. and our rent is due at y O'Clock to-day.
and the persons we sew for having disap-
pointed us in our pay, | have no other resour'
ces but this! Oh,sir, will you take this CLASP,
only for a few days, and will then repay
your
eyes were upon him, waiting an answer. and
rs he wished him 10 think him a man OF bust
ness. (which meant in his notion Il man
without a heari, lie answered promptly and
siernly. No. Do you think we are simple
tons here TO throw away our money in this
way. If you have nothing more to say,
please stand aside for customers. We'll. Col,
what do you think Of those watches? La
test mportation-full jewl'd and warranted
in all points, will sell you the one you just
: laid down, for one hundred and ninety-five
dollars
The gentleman. however, was not heed
ing him, but watching the young girl whom
hesaw leaving the counter,an with a heavy,
dropping step, approached the door, Her
! ldGG ills SiluGh MN III iS S'SNh
loneliness, and her modesiy for him had an
irresistible charm but her plea of poverty,
and her eloquent appeal 10 the tradcsman,
deeply Interested his feelings and enlisted
his sympalhies in her behalf He had silent
ly observed the progress of her interview
with hin, with emotions ofcontempt 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 a gentle intel est in hIs tone
that at once awakened hope in her heart,and
brought The light 10 her eyes and the hue 10
her cheeks, as she difidentIy answered.
Yes, sir. would not have been so bold
None toe much so. There is a ten dol
lar note-I rave no smaller bills And he
placed it in her hand.
Sir. YOU are TOO kind-.'
Not a word. am happy 10 do you a ser
vice.
Take the the clasp, sir; though | am
ashamed to offer il TO you, since the gentle
man says il is so valueless. But TO me il is
valuable as life, and | foolishly thought it
must be so 10 Others
4 do not wantit, child, answered Col. Nc
Henry, feelingly putting the hand aside
which urged itupon him.
Indeed, sir, you must take it, for I shall
feel in some degree less under obligation to a
stranger. Besides, | wish to cali and redeem
it. Will you give me your address. sir !'and
as she spuke, he still declining the jewel, she
laid it on the showcase.
'Oh, no ma,ter-but if you insist-ihe Uni
ted States Hotel
Thank you. sir; you can never know the
blessings to others that will follow your Kind
ness to me to-day
Thus speaking and looking upon him with
an expression of gratitude in her eyes, she
left the shop, forgetting the golden clasp,
which she had left upon the showcase
viii yon look at one Of these watches
now, Col. McHenryl' superciliously asked
the goldsmith, without lifting his condemned
eyes.
No SIR answered the gentleman sternly.
And taking his gloves and cane from the shop
of the avaricious goldsmith, who, too close
TO risk a trifie to relieve the wants of a poor
family, probably lost a large amount by the