American mechanic and home journal., 1849-11-16

ed willing to bid against the unfortunate man, who started 1t at ten dollars. Twenty was bid by Mir. Clifford; twenty-five from MT. Sunderland; fifty from Mr. Clifford si- fenced the anxious parent, and the articl, was knocked down o the owner Of the house X gentleman who stood byremarked that tn. act was a cold-hearted one. Was it ?'' sar- castcally asked Mir. Clifford, then, sir, why did you not buy it for him ,"
 Mir. Sunderland was much affected at this little incident. He little knows how much he has lacerated this heart. But will pur. up to MT. Clifford, and told him the desire he had to purchase the piano for his daughter and he hoped that he would not bid agains, him.
 Sir" said the stranger. ~ will not deceive you. As much as Irespect your feelings and the sympathy of this good company, cannot nay, will not alter the determination made when first came into this house."
 And pray sir, what may that be !'
 "To purchase every thing in it, and, by Heaven I'll do it, though pay double the price,
 The stranger fulfilled his promise. and ac- tually bought everything, from the house it. self, to the axe in the cellar After the sale was over, and the company had retired, MT. Clifford requested the auctionfee to walk with him into an adjoining room. After the lapse of few moments they both returned to the parlor. where the family still remained. The auctioneer looked round, gave a knowing smile. wished them all a good day, and as he left the room was heard to say. never heard of such thing perfect romance ha ! ha ha F
 You are now" observed Mir. Sunderland to Mr. Clifford, the owner of this house and furniture they were once mine, let that pass
 Il am, sir, but, for the time being, your landlord"
 Il understand you. sir, but will not long re- main your tenant. l was going to observe however, that there are two three articles which am anxious to purchase that side give you fifty dollars, the price that you paid and feel assured, under the circumstances that you will not refuse me this favor"
 |" I cannot take 1t sir
 .'Obdurate, ungrateful man, Will you let Pa buy my piano, sir ?~ hum blv asked Ellen. He will give you the price at which it was sold"
 Ut is painful to me, young lady, to refuse even this will sell nothing, not even the wood-saw in the cellar"
 "Then, Mir. Clifford" exclaimed MT. Sun derland. i've have no farther bus ines here Come. my dear Ellen, get your bonnet that | your band-box, let us quit this house ;we ar' not even free from insult. Where is Mary 1?
 II am here, sir; the key of my trunk i lost and am fastening it with a rope ]"
 "Stop, my girl, but 1 think l purchased that trunk coolly observed the stranger l MT Clifford, am not so old but that cal resent an insult, nay, will, you carry thi arrogance too far towards who Is to m and mine the best, and 1 may say the onl l friend she has remained with us ill poverty assisted us in our distresses, not only with he purse, but with her hands; she is to me no a servant, but one of my family; for ther are, thank Heaven, no such base distinction in poverty as exist in a state of wealth. Here, here, with nothing but what we hav on our backs, the master and servant ar equal. She is part of my family, and wi protect her from insult. That trunk Is her land who dare take it from her? Not yo sir ]"