Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-01-20
Select Gales.
A Test of BeneyOlcncc~A True Story,
"The hand that wiped away the tear of want
The heart that melted at another's woe,
Were his, and blessings followed him."


Were his, and blessings followed him."
David Wentworth had the kindest of hearts.
There was neither mete nor bound to his benev-
olence, except inability. And happy was any
man who had a 1.-THE of the prayers that were
daily offered up for the welfare of my friend by
the unfortunate and wretched, whom his hand
had relieved
1speak Of prayers-for it was the only re-
ward he sought, and of course the only reward
he obtained; mean here-but forget.
David was paying attention to an excellent
young lady of his native CITY, She was wealthy,
beautiful, and accomplished, and consequently
had many suitors. And among them were rich
er and handsomer men than David, but n'imp0rte
there was kind of frank hearted, straight for
wardness about my friend, that could not fail
to carry him somewhere near the heart of his
discerning mistress, even if an emperor had been
his rival
The young lady in question hit upon a pro-
ect to put the character of her lovers to the test
She had come across poor widow with fami-
y in distress, in one of her benevolent excur-
slonS, and the idea struck her that it would be a
good opportunity to ascertain what stuff her low
ers hearts were made Of Letters were forth
with indted, setting forth the good womans
case. and forwarded to the different gentlemen,
in the widows name, requesting an answer and
assistance.
The first reply was lecture on idleness and
begging, and concluded with the information
that the writer was not accustomed to give to
those he did not know This was from $40, 900
year. The second advised her to apply to
some of the benevolent societies, whose bust
ness it was to relieve those who are truly in want
This was from one who had great reputation
for benevolence-who had taken leading part
in several charitable associations, and whose
pharlsaical liberality had been blazoned in the
papers. The lady thought, that interested as he
was in the success of these institutions, he dis
played very commendabe reluctance about
taking the business out of their hands, A third,
from good hearted and generous kind of a
fellow, enclosed five dollar bill with his COM
pments, Several took no notice of the good
womans petition
But there was another answer which the lady
read with far different feelings 1t was from
David-from $500 year-and need not say,
like himself, kind and consoling. 1t spoke OF
the writer's narrow means, and also of the prin-
cpe he had adopted, of never giving unless
persuaded of the worthiness of the object, and
concluded by requesting an interview. "If"
said he, 81 find myself otherwise unable to az
ford the assistance required, trust may be Of
service in interesting others in your behalf"
Nor was this mere profession. For it was but
few weeks before the widow found herself COM
fortably located, aud engaged in thriving little
business commenced by the recommendation
and carried on by the aid of my friend. And all
this was done in genuine scripture style. There
was no sounding of trumpets-and the right
hand knew not the doings of the left But his
lady love was silent observer of his conduct,
and he received many a kind glance in this quar-
ter, of which he little suspected the cause. She
began to think that the homage of spirit like
his was thing not to be dispised; and she felt
something like palpitation of the heart, as she
questioned herself respecting his intentions.
Such was the train of thought which, one eve
nng as is often the case, was interrupted by a
call from the very person who had been its cause.
Hour after hour passed by that night, and still
David fingered, He could not tear himself a.
way. "She is a most fascinating creature"
thought he, "and as good as she is beautiful
Can she ever be mine!" And a cloud came o.
yer his fine features, and he sat for moment in
silence. "This suspense must be ended, he at
length thought, He started as the clock tolled
eleven.
"You will certainly think me insuHerably to-
dious,' he said with faint smile, "but have
been so pleasantly engaged as to take no note of
the time And the sin of this trespass upon the
rules of good breeding, must lie at your door
Besides have heightened this visit" he cOntin-
ued after pause, "under the apprehension that
as it had been the happiest, it might also be the
last it shall ever be my fortune to enjoy with
Miss H."
The lady looked at him with some surprise.
"Nay," said he, 'the matter rests with yourself.
Will you forgive my presumption know that
others, perhaps more worthy of you, at least no.
bier and Weather, and higher in the worlds
esteem, are striving for the honor of your hand.
And yet can not restrain myself from making
an avowal, which though it may be futile, is yet
but deserved tribute to your worth" And he
popped the question.
The lady did not swoon or turn pale. But a
flush OF qualification passed over her face, and
lighted her eye for a moment
She frankly gave him her hand, and looked up
archy in his face
"The friend of the fatherless and the widow,
slid she, David blushed,) "can not fail to make
aceI amt lover and a worthy husband "