Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-02-13
The Test Of True Friendship.
SHORT AND TRUE STORY.

"The hand that wiped away the tear Of want,
The he art that melted at another's woe
Were his, and blessings followed him"
David Wentworth had the kindest Of
hearts. There was neither mete nor
bound to his benevolence. except inability
And happy were any men who had tlthe
Of the prayers that were offered up for
the welfare Of my friend. by the unfortu-
nate and wretched whom his hand had
relieved.
speak Of prayers-for it was the only
reward he obtained; ] mean here-but
forget.
David was paying his attentions to an
excellent young lady ot his native city.
She was wealthy, beautiful and accom-
plished, and consequently had many suit
ors. Among them were richer and nobleI
lin extraction | mean) and handsomer
men than David Wentworth. but n'impor-
te. there was kind Of frank -heartedness
about my friend. that could not fail to bring
him somewhere near the heart Of his mis-
tress, even if an emperor had been his
rival.
The young lady hit upon project to
put the characters Of her lovers to a test
She had found a poor widow with a family
in distress. in one of her benevolent ex-
cursions. and the idea occurred TO her
that it would be good opportunity to
ascertain what sort Of stuff her lovers
hearts were made Of Letters were forth
with ndted, setting forth the good wo-
mans tale, and forwarded to the different
getlemen in the widow name, requesting
an answer aid assistance.
The first reply was a lecture on idleness
and begging. and concluded with the in
formation that the writer was not accus-
toned TO give to those he did not know.
This was from $4,000 year. The
second advised her to apply 10 some OF
the benevolent societies whose business il
was to relve those who were truly in want.
This was from one who had a great repu
tation for benevoence-who had taken a
leading part in the several charitable as
socia,ions, and whose pharasacal liberal
I ,y had been blasoned in the Gazette.
The lady thought. that interested as he
was in the success Of those institutions,
he displayed very commendablc re-
luctance about taking the business out Of
their hands. \ third from good-heartcd
and generous kind OF a tellow-enclosed
Several took no notice of the poor wo-
mans petition. But there was another
answer which the lady read with far differ
cnt feelings 1t was from David. from
$500 vear-and need not say like
himself kind and consolng. It spoke OF
the writer's narrow means. the rule he had
adopted. unless persuaded of the object.
and concluded by requesting an interview
III" said he. II find myself otherwise
unable to afford the assistance you require
| trust NAV be Of service in interestin 9
others in your behalt'
Nor was this mere profession. For i,
was but few weeks before the widow
found herself comfortably located, and
/ engaged in a thriving little business. com.
menced bv the recommendation. and car
red on bv the aid of my friend. And al
this was done in genuine scripture style
There was no sounding Of trumpets-and
the right hand knew not the doings Of the
left. Blu, his ladylove was a silent obser
yer Of his conduct. and he received MANY
a kind glance from that quarter. Of which
he never suspected the cause. She be
gan to think that the homage Of a spirit
ike his was not to be deSpised: and she
felt something very much like palpitation
Of the heart as she questioned herselfres.
pecting his intentions.
Such was the train Of thought which
was one evening. as is often the case. in
terrupted bv call from the person who
had been its cause Hour after hour
passed by that night. and still David linger
ed lie could not tear himself away
..She is a most fascinating creature
thought he. land good as she is beautiful
Can she ever be mine :" and a cloud came
over his features and he sat for a moment
in silence.
"This suspense must be ended.'' he a
length thought. He started as the clock
told eleven.
..iou will certainly think me insuffer
ably tedious" said he with a faint smile
''but have been so pleasantly engaged
as to take no note of time. And the sir
of this trespass on the rules of good breed
ing must lie at Your door Besides.
have heightened this visit" he continued
after pause. "under the apprehension
that as il has been the happest. it Nigh
also be the last il mi ght ever be nv goot
fortune to enjoy with Miss H.
The lady looked a, him with some sur
. prise.
, Nav" said he. 1.-The matter rests will
+, yourself. Will you forgive my presump
ton! know that others. perhaps NOR
worthy of YOU. at least nobler and wealth
ier. and higher in the worlds esteem. ar
striving for the honor Of your hand. An
vet cannot restrain myself from maxim
an avowal which though it may be futile
is vet but a deserved tribute to your worth
, The lady did not swoon nor turn pale
Bu, flush Of qualification passed owe
her face. and lighted her eyes for me
ment.
She frankly gave him her hand an
looked up archly in his face. The frien
of the fatherless and the widow" sh
h said. David blushed) "cannot faifto max
n a constant lover and husband"