Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1850-10-17


more pursued his avocations Between Change
and Coffee house he filled up the days at his exs.
ence, and increased his fortune.
There came, however, a "lull' in business, and
ne was miserable, for he required the excitement
consequent upon mony- y-making and like gam
bier becoming desperate, he made "spec," and
lost considerable sum-
A change came Ger the golden dream. and he
was induced by some wealthy merchants to be-
come director in one of the bubble companies OF
the day. The company failed, and Merton being
an opulent man, he became mark of attack; the
rest of the 'board" proved men of straw. Action
upon action followed, and he was mulcted in a
large amount of damages in every case, and the
old merchant found himself under the necessity of
becoming bankrupt, to save himself from pris-
on, and he did find one who struck friendly dock
et,. He obtained his certificate but he was lit
orally beggar. He had no friends-not a soul
on earth who cared for him, for he had in his pros
perity cared for nome and he quilted London, and
knew not whittier his steps were bent.
Twelve years had elapsed since the unfortunate
marriage ofMaria,-and old Merton had had no til
dings of her fate, for Frederick was as proud as
the old man was nfexible.
1t was beautiful day in May,-the hawthorn
was in full bloom, and the birds were singing mer-
ry and filled the air with their sweet melody
All nature smiled at the return of summer.
A beautiful fair-haired girl was playing with a
pet lamb in meadow adjoining handsome farm
house, where the bailiff Of the lorded estate resi-
ded
A poor old man, with grey hair, and bent double
with age and in6rmity, walked slowly up to the
stie which divided the meadows from the high
road and resting his arms upon the upper bar, re-
garded the child.
He was not long unobserved, and with all the
elasticity and sprghtness youth the little cIea-
ture bounded towards the mendicant.
Poor old man. she said, you look fatgued, have
you walked far! Shall bring you bowl of
milk! Here, sit on this bank and take care of
my lamb, will you. l shall be with you present
y."
And away ran the joyous little creature to the
rarm house, and quickly returned with wooden
BOWL of milk and slice of bread.
Thank you-thank you," replied the old man,
and heartily devoured the welcome meal, while the
little girl toyed with her pet, and at last weary and
.osy with her exerton, seated herself at the beg
,ar's feet-a beautiful picture of innocence
who taught your heart charity towards the
,ooI % said the old man.
What do You mean I" said the artless child.
why DO you give me this bread and milk I"
Because l thought you were tired and hungry
md poor" replied the child and father would be
10 angry if had let you 60 on without offering
,ou something. Oh! he is so good and every body
owes him, and love him and my mother better
han all the world "
And are they rich Z" demanded the old man.
'Oh no!-rich people ride in Garage, you
NOW, and are so proud: but we have everything
We want, and can always give some thing away
,esides. Did you ever see anything like Jessy
ook how she butts at me. She is so naughty; and
et feed her and wash her every day Come
lere, do, you naughty thing and let me cuddle
our little woolly neck"
And she entwined her little arm around the
amb's neck, and hugged it to her.
Bless you, and thank you !'' replied the old
nan, returning the bowl and taking up his staff.
Don't hurry yourself. / am sure you are TIL |
d." replied the child and you may stay here as
Dng as you like and sleep in the barn. too, If you
lease.
Sleep = cried the old man, looking up wildly:
nd then, as if recollectng himself, he added, If
may be permitted to rest my weary limbs till
lOrning-'
Indeed you may; and you have no occasion to
e frightened, for we have dogs, for father says
ley always bark at poor people; and mother does
lueh so when he says they are faithful, but not
haritable, for she is very fond of them. Shall
how you the barn? and depend upon it, shall be
D by five in the morning, and I'll bring you such
nice mess of hot bread and milk; and some bread
nd meat, too, if you like it..
Thank ye,' murmured the old man as he rose,
nd scaldng tears trickled down his furrowed
1eeks, as he followed his pretty little prattling
lide.
True to her promise the little girl brought the
eary wanderer his welcome meal at i've o'clock ,
the morning, and seated herself on a truss OF
raw beside him, talking to him like sweet music
He had scarcely finished, when manly voice
,tside the barn in laughing tone, said, Come
t us see the chids guest the little rogue wants
engross all the merit to herself
The door opended, and in walked the bailif and {
s buxom wife. :
Well, gaifer,' said the hearty young farmer,
hope YOU have been we'll cared for = +
A shrek from his wife startled him, fright,
led the child, who burst into tears, and rusheu
her mo,her's ide. =
Father my poor father ! exclaimed maria' II
ID fell swoonng in the arms Of Frederick n
Name.