Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-09-06
Nj ISC r LII A N Y .
BREAD UPON THE WATERS.
BY 7. S. ARTHUR.

lad was toiling up hill, near the city, under
the weight of heavy basket, on the afternoon of a
sultry day in August. He had been sent home
with some goods TO a customer who lived a short
distance in the country. The boy lightly built
and his burden almost beyond his strength
Many times he sat down to rest himselfon his way
up the hill. But it seemed as If he would nerer
reach the summit. Each time he lifted the basket
it felt heavier than before.
The boy about half way up the hill with
his basket, when gentleman overlook and passed
him. He had not gone on many PAGES, when he
stopped, and turning round to the lad, looked at
him for moment or two and then said, kindly
"That's heavy load you have, my boy come
let me help you"
And the gentleman took the basket and carried
it to the top of the hill
''There, do you think you can get along now?"
said he with smile, as he sat the basket down.
COR shall carry it little further I"
sob, no, thank you, sir, returned the boy with
glow of gratitude on his fine young face 81 can
carry it now very well and | am very much oblig-
ed to you"
"You are right welcome, my little man." said
the gentleman, and passed on.
Twenty years from that time, worn man,
well advanced in lfe sat motionless in an old arm
chair. with his eyes fixed inten,ly upon the glow
ing CRATE. He was alone and appeared to be in
state Of deep abstraction. In little while, how
ever, the door of the room opened and the light
form of young and lovely girl glided in.
"Papa," said low sweet voice, and hand was
laid gently on the old mans arm.
els it you dear?" he returned, with a low sigh.
eyes, papa" said the young girl leaning against
him and parting with her delicate fingers, the thin,
gray locks that lay in disorder about his forehead
81 would like TO be alone for this evening, Flor
ence," said the old man. Sc! have a good deal to
think about, and expect person on business"
And he kissed her tenderly yet sighed as he
pressed his lips TO hers.
The girl passed from the noiselessly as
she had entered. The old man had been calm be-
fore her coming in, but the moment she retired he
became agtated and arose and walked The floor I'M
easily. He continued to pace to and fro, for near
ly half an hour, when he stopped and listened
The street door bell had rung In little while a
man entered the room. MIR. Mason" he said,
with slightly perceptible embarrassment.
"Mr Page" returned the old man, with fee
bic, quickly fading smile, "good evening"" and he
offered his hand.
The visiter grasped the hand and shook it warm
ly. But there was no pressure III return. "St
down, Mr.. Page"
The man took chair, and Mr. Mason sat down
near him.
"You promised me an answer to 10y proposal to-
night" said the former, after pause.
II did, )" returned the old man "but am as little
prepared to give it as was yesterday In fact,
have not found an opportunity to say anything to
Florence the subject"
The countenance of the vlster fell and some
thing like frown darkened his brow.
Thefe was an embarrassing silence of some
minutes. After which the man called Page said =,
''Mr. Mason, have made an honorable proposal
for your daughters hand. For weeks you have
evaded and do still evade an answer. This seems
much like triflEg, that began to feel as if just
cause for offence existed"
"None is intended, do assure you" replied Mr..
Mason, with some depreciation in his tone. "But
you must remember, Mr.. Page, that you have new
sought TO win the young girls affection, and
that, consequence, the offer of marriage which
you wish me to make 10 her, will be received with
surprise, and it may be, dsapproval. | wish to
approach her, on this subject, with discretion To
be too preciptate may sare her, and rouse instant
repugnance TO your wishes"
"She loves you, does she notF' inquired Page,
with a marked significance Of manner.
GA child never loved parent more tenderly -
replied Mr.. Mason.
"Glve her an undisguised history of your en-
barassment Show her how your fortunes are
trembling on the brink OF ruin and that you have
but one hope of relief aud safety left. The day
she becomes my wife, You are removed from all
danger. Will you do this?"
The old man did not reply. He was lost in a
deep reveTe. 1t is doubtful that he had heard ali
that the man had said.
Mason aroused himself as from a dream and an
swered with great frmDess and dignity.
"Mr. Page, the struggle in my mind Is over. |
am prepared for the worst have no idea that
Florence will favor your suit, and will not use a
single argument to influence her. In that matter.
she must be perfectly free. Approach her as a
man, if you have the power to do so. 1t is your
only hope"
As if stuDg BY serpent, Page started from his
chair.
''You will repent this, sir" he angry retorted,
"snd repent it bitterly. came TO you with hon
orabe proposals FOX your daughters hand, you lis
tened to them, gave me encouragement, and prom
ised me an answer TO night. Now yOu meet me
with INSULT Sirl You will repent this"
MIR. Mason ventured no reply, but merely bowed
in token of his willingness to meet and bear all
consequences that might come.
For a long time after his angry visiter had re-
tired did Mr.. Mason cross and cross the floor
with measured tread. At last he rang bell, and