The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-09-01

through the conversation of the worldly
man with the stranger in the Office. AL
though the landlords account has been
colored by his own views of the world, it
has been in the main correct. Possessed
of rare intelligence, fair form, and such a
countenance as fivets our gaze as if by
some magic influence, she was in every
respect a lovely and lovable woman.
/ said the old mans eyes were closed
as if in sleep; but the moment the boys
light footstep was heard upon the thresh-
hold, he turned his head quickly, and cast
hurried, enquiring glance at his son.
"William!"
The boy stepped forward and stood be-
fore his father - ..
"What did Mr.. Maxwell say?"
In a few words the boy delivered his
message, softening as well as he might tho
harshness of its import. His parents and
sister listened eagerly, their countenances
changing as if in disappointment and de-
spair. -fae
saturday" said the old man, musing-
ly, when the boy had ended. Saturday
anu tO-udy lS IueSudy. ...
"Thursday, father" said Julia.
"Thursday! Is it possible! How time
rolls by, unconsciously to the invalid
Thursday!-Heaven help us! We cannot
raise the money this week."
"But will Mr.. Maxwell carry his threat
into execution?" asked Julia.
"He is hard man!'' murmured Mr..
Harding. 81,
''But Henry, his SON" began the boys
mother.
"Do not mention his name!" said the
old man, ewhatimpatiently. "His son!
What can we expect from him! True, he
professed, and still processes to have an
attachment for Julia; but when he offered
his hand, she refused him."
"Do not speak SO bitterly father" inter-
rupted Julia. "You know could never
love Henry Maxwell, and that would
scorn to marry him for his riches.'
"You are right" murmured the old man,
more kindly-"quite right. | would not
have you wed him against your will, to
save us from the lowest stage of poverty.
Mono! Let fate do its worst!"
The old man paused, for there was a
ringing at the outer door, and William has
tened to admit the visitor. Henry Maxwell
entered-a young man possessing all the
selfshness of his father, but less Of his cal
culating coldness. When Mr.. Harding
saw him approach, feeble as he was, he
stretched forth his emaciated hand, and
with a flashing eye told him ofthe message
sent by his relentless father.
The young man made no attempt to ex-
cuse his parent, but protested he had known
nothing of the affair of the rent until half
an hour before, when he happened into
his fathers Office directly after William had
left it.
"And he hastened," he said, with much
apparent feeling, "to put the old mans
mind at rest; assuring him that no demads
should be made on him for rent due here
tofore. -.
"This is generous!" exclaimed the old
man, grasping his hand feebly. "You are
not like your father-I am glad oft. You
have, then paid the rent yourself-trusting
to my ability to repay you at some future
time!"
Mr.. Harding said more; but Henry
seemed not to hear him; for without making
any reply, he turned to speak with Julia.
Half an hour after, the young man left,
having made more favorable impression
on the minds of the family than he had
ever done before.
About the same time, the postman rang
and dropped letter for Julia, who hasten
ed to her room and read it eagerly. Twice
she glancedher eye overits contents, which
produced confusion in her brain, I will
not attempt to describe; then she wept;
then she laughted; then she wept and
laughed together, as if the epistle had been
a strange mixture of good and evil intelli-
gence, that inspired her with alternate joy
and sorrow.
Poor Julia was very nervous during the
succeeding half hour, and could neither
work, nor talk, nor think. Her mind was
on the contents of that mysterious letter,
which she read and re-read half dozen
times before the half hour expired. Then
hastily but stealthily she alfred herself to
encounter the roughness Of the weather;
and with beating heart stole from her
fathers house.
We will not follow her; but simply state
that on her return, she appeared more gay
| than she had been for months. Her pa.
rents saw the change; and questioned her:
but she answered them evasively. What
could have happened to produce the alter.
alton, that she should hesitate to unfold Al
once to them!
Days passed, and the Harding family
were provided for Unexpectedly and strong
| lB. Julia would go out and make pur
chases of such articles as her father need
ed, and Have them sent to the door, tina
she might enjoy her parents and little
Williams surprise. The hearts of these
three were filled with gratitude to Julia
and their love for her increased, if tina
were possible, when they saw how she de-
med herself TO comfort them.