Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-09-06

directed the servant who came, to say to Florence
that he wished to see her.
when Florence came, she was surprised to see
'hat ner father was strongly agitated.
Sit down, DEAR" he said in a trembling voice.
nave something to say to you that must be no
longer concealed"
Florence looked wonderingly into her fathers
face, while her heart began 10 sink.
Just then the servant opened the door and ush-
cred IN stranger. He was tall fine looking
man Just In the prime Of life Florence quickly
lred, out not before tho vister had fixed his eyes
upon her face, and marked its sweet expression.
Pardon this intrusion. sir" he said, as as
the young girl had left the room ''bui facts that
have learned this evening, have prompted me to
call upon you without moments delay. My
name is Greer. of the firm of Greer, Miller s Co."
MIR. Mason bowed and said
81 know your house very well and now remem-
Der to have met you more than once in business
Transactions"
"Yes. You bought one or two bills of goods
from u.s." replied the visi,er. Then after mo
ment's pause he said, in changed tone
"Mr Mason, learned tonight, from source
which leaves me no room TO doubt the truth of the
statement, that your affairs have become seriously
embarrassed. That you are, in fact, on the eve of
bankruptcy. Tell me frankly, whether this is in
deed So ask from no idle curiosity, nor from 4
concealed and sinister motive, but to the end that
may prevent the threatened disaster, if it is in my
power TO do So"
Mr.. Mason was dumb with surprise at so unex.
pected declaration. He made two or three efforts
10 speak, but his lips uttered no sound.
"COnfide In me, sir" urged the visiter. "Trust
me as you would trust your own brother, and lean
upon me, if your strength is indeed failing. Tell
me, then, is It as have said 2"
at is" was all the merchant could utter
Chow much will save you2 Mention the sum,
and If within the compass Of my ability to raise,
you shall have it in hand tomorrow. Will twenty
Thousand dollars relieve you from your present en-
barrassment?"
Gully"
"Then let your anxiety subside, Mr.. Mason
That sum you shall have. Tomorrow morning
will see you. Good EVENING" The vister arose
and was gone before his bewildered auditor had
sufficiently recovered his senses 10 know what to
think or say.
In the morning, true to his promise, MIR. G. call
ed upon MIR. Mason, and rendered check for ten
thousand dollars, with his note of hand at thirty
days for the ten thousand more, which was almost
the same as money.
While the check and note lay before him upon
the desk, and ere he had offered 10 touch them, Mr..
Mason looked earnestly at the who had So sud
denly taken the character Of disinterested, self.
sacrificing friend, and said
My dear sir, cannot understand this. Are
you not laboring under some error?"
"Oh, no. You once did me service that am
now only seeking to repay. 1t is my first opporu-
nifty, and embrace it eagerly"
did you a service. When 90
Twenty years ago." replied the man, 'I was
poor boy and you were man of wealth. One
hot day was sent long distance with heavy
basket. While toiling up hill, with the hot sun
npon me, and almost overcome with heat and IA
tlgue, you came along, and not only spoke to me
kindly, but took my basket and carried it up to the
top of the hill Ay, sir, you did not know how
deeply that act of kindness sunk into my heart and
L longed for the opportunity to show you by some
act how grateful felt. But none came. Often,
afterwards, did meet you in the street. and look
into your face with pleasure. But you did not re-
member me. Ever since, have regarded YOU
with different feelings from those entertained for
others; and there has been no time that would
not have put myself out to serve you. Last night
heard of your embarrassments, and Immediately
called upon you. The rest you know?"
MIR. Mason was astonshed at so strange decla-
ration.
''Do you remember the fact to which allude 2"
asked Mr. Greer.
sit has faded from my external memory entirely
but your words have brought back dim recollCc-
ton of the fact. But it little matter sir
very little matter, and not entitled to the import
ance you have given it,"
"'To me it is not a little matter sir" returned
Mr.. Greer. 81 was weak boy, just sinking I'M
der burden that was too heavy, when YOU put
forget il. And now let me return the favor at the
first opportunity, by carrying your burden for you,
which las become too heavy for you, until the hill
is assembled, and you able TO bear it onward a
gain in your own strength"
Mr. Mason was deeply moved. Words failed
him in his efforts TO express his true feelings The
bread cast upon the waters had returned after MANY
days, and he gathered it with wonder aud thank
fulness.
The merchant was saved from ruin. Nor was
this all The glimpse which Mr.. Greer had receiv-
ed from the lovely daughter of Mr. Mason, reveal
ed character of beauty that impressed him deeply
and he embraced the first opportunity to make her
acquaintance. year afterwards he led her to the
altar.
A kind act is never lost, even though done to
child.
SPLIT PEAs-In an Eastern city cabinet ma
ker employed two Germans as porters to deliver
his furniture. One morning he loaded his car with
bureau, and gave directions where to have it left
"Aud by the by" said he to one of them, hand
ing him shilling, con your way back get pint
o peas"
They stayed an unusual time, and when at
length they did returns it was soon ascerained that
/ tbpyh had pnp 80 49, ..3,