The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1851-11-14
A TEST OF BENEvoIENcE.
A Short and True Story.

''The hand that wiped, the tear of want
Tbs heart thatmelted ataDothet's woe.
Pf Were his, and blessings followed him."
David Wentworth had the kindest Of
hears. There was neither mete or bound to
his benevolence, except inability. And hap.
py was the man who had a tithe of prayers,
that were daily offered up for the welfare Of
my friend, by the unfortunate and wretched
whom his hand relieved.
Ispeak Of prayers--for it was the only re.
ward he sought, and of course the only re-
ward he obtained: Imean here-but for
get.
David was paying his attention 10 an ex.
cellent young lady Of his native city. She
was wealthy, beautiful, and accomplished
and, consequently, had many suitors. And
among them were richer and handsomer men
than David, but n'emporte, there was a kind
OF frank-hearted straight t-forwardnes about
my friend that could not fail TO carry him
somewhere near the heart OF the discerning
mistress even if an emperor had been his ri.
val.
The young lady in question hit upon pro-
ject to put the character of her lovers to the
Ie;t. She had come across poor widow
with family in distress in one of her beney
olent excursions, and the idea struck her that
it.would be good opportunity to ascertain
wnat stuh her lovers hearts were made off,
Letters were forthwith indited setting forth
the good woman's state and forwarded to the
different gentlemen in the widows name, re.
questlng an answer and assistance.
The first reply was lecture on ideness
and begging, and concluded with the infor-
nation that the writer was not accustomed
to give to those he did not know. This was
from $4,000 year! The second advised her
toapply to some of the benevolent societies,
whose business it was to relieve those who
were truly in want. This was from one who
had great reputation for berevolenee-who
had taken leading part in several charitable
associations, and whose pharsaical liberality
had been blazoned in the papers. The lady
thought that, interested as he was in the suc.
cess OF these institutions, he displayed a very
cornmendable reluctance about taking the bu
siness out of their hands. The third. from a
good-hearted and generous kind off fellow.
enclosed a five dollar bill, with his compli-
ments. Several tookno notice of the GOOD
widows position.
But there was another answer which the la
ddy read with far different feelings. Itwas
from David-from $500 year(and need
not say, like himself, kind and consoling
ltspoke OF the writers narrow means. and al
80 OF the principles he had adopted Of never
giving unless persuaded Of the worthiness of
the object, and concluded BY requesting an
interview. off" said he, 81 find myself 9th
erwise unable to afford the assistance reouir-
ed, trust may be Of service in interesting
Others in your behalf"
Nor was this mere profession. For il was
but few weeks before the widow found her.
sell comfortably located, and engaged in a
thnving little business, commenced by the
recommendation and carried on by the aid of
my friend. And all this was done in tbe GEN. |
uine Scripture style.
There was no sounding of trumpets-and
the night hand knew not the doings of the
lett. But his lady love was silent observer
OF MS conduct, and he received many kind
glance in this quarter, of which he little ans
pected the cause. She began TO think that
Inc homage of spirit like his was thing
not to be despised /; and she felt something
,ery much like apalpitation OF the heart, as
ions. '''A
Such was the train of thought which. one
venlng, as is often the case, was interrupt,d
y call from the very person who had been
IS cause. Hour after hour passed by that
nght-still David fingered. He copId NOT
ear himself away. "She is most fascina-
ing creatufe," thought he, Sand as GOOD as S
me is beautiful. Can she ever he mine pa
anu s.a souu came over his fine features, and
le sat Tor moment in silence.
This suspense must be ended" he at length =
nongnt. he started as the clock toiled
leven. '''u
lyon will certainly think me insufsrablv
sdiouss said he, with a smile, .b1t / have
eenso pleasantly engaged that took no note
! the time. And the sin of this trespass nm. (
n the rules of good breeding, must he At
OUT eoor. Besides have heightened this
isit," ne continued, after pause, "under
ne apprehension that, as 1t is The happiest il
nay also be the last it shall ever be NV for.
une to enjoy with Miss H." b
Inc lady looked at him very much surpris.
may said he, the matter rests with xour-
eIl. H.. Will you forgive my presumption q
Know mat Others, perhaps more worthy Of
on, at least nobler and wealthier. and 6;gh-
in the worlds esteem are striving for tbe
onor OF your hand; and yet cannot re.
rain myself from an avowal which though
may be futile, is yet but deserved tribute
your worth" And be popped the CUES
on.
The lady didnot swoon or turn pale. But
flash of qualification passed over her face, Il
ID lighted hereye for moment. Il
She frankly gave him her hand, and looked
archly in his face. "The friend of the
therless and Of the widow said she, (Da-
. dblushed) "cannot fail to make constant
yer and awor.hy husband D.I,
"oh, who 90 sweetly sleeps Of wakes,
ofall tho sons Of men below, +
Ashe that cures the heart that aches,
And hfaoEn ha a1.t.. .f --.-.las, /. ,