Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1846-01-09
THE RICH

THE RICH MERCHANT.
1t was night and the streets were nearly de-
serted, the more especially as it was showing
fast. A single traveller however, might have
been seen wrapped in a thick overcoat, urg-
ing his way against the tempest, by the light
of the dim lamps. Suddenly as he passed
a %ruinou5 tenement, the figure of a girl start
ed up before him.
Please, sir, she said, if it's only a penny,
mother is sick, and we have nothing to eat
to day."
The first impulse Of the moment was to go
on, the second TO stop. He looked at the
girl. Her face was thin and pale, her gar
ments scanty. He was a man of good ira-
pulse, so he put his hand towards his pock-
ct intending to give her a shilling. But the
traveller forgot that his overcoat was button
ed tightly over his pocket.
1t is too much trouble, he said to himself,
sand this wind is very cutting. Besides
these beggars are usually cheats. I'll war
rant this girl wants this money to spend in
some gin shop And, speaking harshly, he
said, 4 have nothing for you If you are
really destitute, the guardians will take care
of you"
The girl shrank back without a word, and
drew her tattered garment around her SILVER
ing form. But a tear glistened on her cheek
in the light of the dim lamp.
The man passed on, and turning the next
corner soon knocked at the door of a splendid
mansion, through whose richly curtained win
dows a rosy light streamcd out across the
storm. A servant obsequiously gave him
entrance. At the sound of his footsteps the
parlor door was opened, and a beautiful girl,
apparently about seventeen, sprang into his
arms kiSsnd hin, IN his cboal. ,pI ,bon ho
gan to assist him in removing his overcoat.
What kept you so long, dear papa! 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
patted her cheek. But now, Maggy, can't
you get Inc some support
The daughter rang the bell and ordered the
supper to be served. 1t was such an one as
an epicure would delight in, just the supper
for a traveller on a night like that.
pa said the daughter when it was finish
ed, Il hope you are in good humor, for | have
a favor to ask of you,' and she threw her
arms around his neck, and looked up in his
face with a winning smile, and those beauti-
full dark eyes Of hers. Il wish to give a ball
on my birthday, my eighteenth birthday. 1t
will cost, oh a 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 af-
%ternoon, received the money, and took it to
my lawyers telling him to invest it in real
estate. | thiak shall give up the bust
ness =
oh, do, do, papa. But you will give this
ball, won't you?'
You little tease said the father, but he
spoke smilingly; and putting his hand in his
pocketbook, he took out Il note of $500 and
placed it in his child's hand.
Take this: if it is not enough you must
have another, | suppose. But don't trouble
me about it any more
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
preceding evening. A crowd had gathered
round the cellar door Of a ruined tenement.
The merchant paused to inquire what was the
matter.
"A woman, sir, has been found dead below
there said one OF the spectators; she starry
ed to death, it is said, and they have sent for
the Coroner. Her daughter has just come
back, after being out all night. believe she
was begging. That's her, moaning"
'Ah said the merchant, and a pang went
through his heart like an ice-bolt, for he re-
membered having denied the petitioner the
night before. He pushed through the crowd
and descended the cellar steps. A girl bent
over an emaciated corpse that lay on a 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 laying his hand on her
shoulder, you must be cared for. God for
give me for denying you last night. Here
take this! and he put a bill into her hand.
The girl looked up and gazed v~acantly
at him; then she put back the proffered mo-
ney.
The merchant at that moment would have