The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-02-13

may know, when it is owned, that | took
none!"
The officer counted it accordingly, and
gave her receipl for the amount, taking
down her address at the same time, which
she thought nothing about; then with
thankful, happy heart, and clear conscience
she fastened home.
Frequently during the labors of the next
day, Bessie wondered whether the owner
of the purse had regained it, and pleased
herself in imagining the pleasure its recov-
cry must have caused. Then her thoughts |
sadly turned TO her poor mother. and she
would speculate on the possibility of receiv-
ing areward. Some one she knew had
been rewarded with ten shillings ior find
ing five pound note; perhaps she might
have a pound given her. However, she
sedously endeavored 10 withdraw her
thoughts from the subject, and occupied
them in the attempt to devise some means
of earning little money in the family
somehow, to carry them through the terri
BILE crisis. So passed Monday, and Tues
day was passing III similar manner
Bessie was buslly washing her kitchen
tloor-talking 10 amuse the baby, VINO was
tied on chair in one corner of it, and
thinking over brilliant plan which had
| just occurred 10 her, OF proposing one of
her brothers as an errand-boy to the gro.
Ger round the corner, when her mistress
looked in and sharply said some one want
ed to speak to her In great haste and
surprise BESSIE started up, and as quickly
as possible wiped her vet hands, threw off
hei apron, settled her gown and cap, and
hurried into the shop, where she found a
middle.aged gentleman, of very ples ssant
demeanor, leaning carelessly against the
counter. He turned as she entered, and
advanced step as she courtesyed and
looked, as ifto enquire the object Of his
visit.
"Your name is Elizabeth Abbott" he
asked, sis it not?"
"Yes, sir" was Bessie's reply.
"You found purse on Sunday night,
believe!"
"Yes, sir" she replied coloring as she
) spoke. "Did it belong to you, sir! Did
you. get it2 /. nope it was all rigIt, sill |
got & note fthe money at police, oontin-
ued Bessie, speaking rapidly, and as if
half frightened: for just then she only re-
, membered the possibility OF some money
being missing, which might be demanded
Of her.
r, ''Oh yes, all was right" returned the
gentleman, smiling. 81 only came to see
what made you return my purse so hon.
estly and quickly. Were you not in want
of moneyF'
"Oh, indeed, sir, yes!" she emphatical-
, ly replied, as tears filled her eyes; "but
that money was not ours"
':Perhaps you were afraid to keep it,
! lest it should be discovered" contin nued
, her interro gator, looking earnestly al her,
r as deep crimson flush rose even to her
t forehead.
: She raised her eyes to his boldly, though
G modestly, as she answered, in al the firm
: ness of truth, "Sir, never thought Of that
, But you'd not be so miserable as theft
, would make me for as much again as is in
+ your purse, sir!'
3 "That is well, that is well,' quietly re.
, piled the gentleman with satisfied smile
, "Now you say you want tmoney very much;
I come here to offer you reward for the
t return OF my purse. How much would
: you wish me to give you!"
D "Oh, sir!" exclaimed poor Bessie, III g
transport of delight, clasping her hands
"oh, thank youi thank you! Two pound.
@ sir, if you could be so kind, would make
: us all happy againP'
d 1T would rot be buying happiness very
s dearly" answered the stranger; "but lie
J. me hear what you would do with the two
y pounds"
4 Accordingly, Bessie related her simple
S little history as the reader knows it. A
;. its conclusion, her attentive listener smiled
o kindly. "You are good girl, Bessie,
i he said. swell, the reward | shall Civ,
}. you is twenty pounds instead of two.
+ determined upon this if were satisfied
o with your answers
is Bessie was speechless in grateful aston
IS shment. ag
Is "Yes, it is little fortune for you," salt
Or the gentleman answering her look. "Yo'
D. will of course relieve your mother from
w her trouble, and you had better put the res
m into the savings bank, and try to add
h, little to it, as a provision in case of need.
i. So saying the gentleman produced tn
il identical beaded purse, and counted TWEEN
is |ty sovereigns into Besse's hand, VIII
Jlcould only look her thanks; and then h
u went, and Bessie hurried up to her littl
% room to give vent to her grateful happnes
/. thinking how different would have beel
,e liner feelings had she otherwise acted
o. need not make my story longer by de
70 scribing the lor excited by her next visi
,9 to her hon,e-how the debt was paid ant
+. how one pound more was devoted to TIL
., purchase of sundry articles of comfort ant
/. decency (amongst which Bessie's bonnie
;. was not forgotten land how the remain
ing pounds we're safely deposited. But
= Imust not omit to add that the gentleman
Iwhose acquaintance Bessie had so happi