Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1851-05-22

Intellect in Rags.

went anu apparently enjoying tAenseIFes
right merrily
A late rain had given a coating of mud
to the red brick sidewalks so the children
trod daintily the elder one. a slight and
delicately formed girl, with dark eye,
and full, rich ringlets, carefully lifting her
soft shining garments, that they might not
be soiled by contact with the wet earth.
And now their way led through dark,
damp alley, where sunbeams grew sickly
and paled into dimness as they touched
the heavy and tainted atmosphere, though
perchance, long times between, they melt
ed into shadows upon the golden hair Of
some poyerty-clad infant. for many such
sat in the broken doorways of that comfort
less city lane. The boy and girl moved
slowly onward, their white brows bent
downward, their bright eyes searching for
the hidden pave-stones; yet ever and anon
some quick laugh at the ludierous figures
that fitted across the path, would throw
their cheeks into dimplcs
Don't you hate such dirty places, Ju-
la ~ said the boy, as few droPs-not of
crystal-stained the glossiness of his rich
attire don't YOU wish the school was at
the other end of the lane g;
. It's perfectly horrible" answered the
beautiful young creature, with a light
laugh, :. dear, 90 look at those creatures,
they can have no sensibility, no refine
ment how dirty, how contemplate they
are. Well, thank goodness, we were born
rich"
Stop, Julia, hush yonder is some
thing to excite our laughter, | warrant you
Ha, ha q boy larger than myself, and he
appears to be picking out the letters on
that scrap of paper"
Stand still Arthur, do, and let's hear
him; we can wait a moment"
\ few PAGES before them sat boy OF
some thirteen years, hatless, shoeless, and
with very scant frock and trowsers, the
latter a mass of patches. His hair tangled
and thick, hung over his dOwn-cast eyes,
and his hands stained and rough with la
Dor, grasped little piece of torn newspa-
per. which he had evidently picked out OF
the mud. So absorbed was he III his task,
that he did not notice the fair and high
bred young strangers, who stood regarding
him with thoughtless but subdued mirth.
Hark the boy leaning his brown face
on his clenched hands, murmurs, unconsci-
ously, aloud" b-l-e-n-nO, not that; yes
no"-a deep drawn sigh, then again-b-I-
an" a long pause-'oh, dear L have
forgotten l shall never read like Barney.
As the poor child exclaimed thus.he lift
ed his ewes. sorrowfully, from the tattered
bit of paper. his gaze fell upon the listen
ers, whose beautiful lips were curled with
scornful smiles A flush of crimson start
ed TO his swarthy cheeks, mounting to his
forehead. as he threw off the tangled curls
and his bold black eyes fell before their
familiar stare.
Ha. ha," said the richly clad youth,
carelessly, I've got a brother only five
years old, at home, who can read better
than that. 4 big boy like you, ought, at
least TO know his letters. Why don't you
90 to school ~
To school r' echoed Julia, sneeringly,
" do you suppose he could 60 into any de
cent school His name ought to be patch
work ha, ha, poor thing" she continued
with mocking pity; " our stable boy dres
ses better than that"
The lad. at her tone of commisseratlon
spraug to his feet, and bent upon the bro
ther and sister such glance of defiance
and Indignation, that they lnstlnctIvely
hurried onward though the girl turned
once more mockiugly around, and gave ut
terauce to a light, banterlng laugh. Still
tie poor lad stood wounded to the hearts
core still be gazed after them, his fuI
lips quivering with mental anguish, his
black eve. through the misty drops that
hung trembling on its lid. flashing fire, as
though thev would blast and seattle the
selfish pride Of those thoughtless children;
then turning he hurried up three broker
steps into dim entry, few along darE
passage, and entering cherries room
flung himself upon the uneven floor and
wept burning tears of grief and shame.
The parlors of a stately mansion OF
Beacon street, Boston, were brilliantly Il
Illuminated The owner of the prineely
tenement had issued cards for a fashlona
ble soiree the hour had arrived, aud the
guests were assembling. The rich and
the great were there; but conspicuous
among all. and conyersing with the Ex
President Of the United Ststes, the elder
ADAMS. stood a noble looking man IN the
bloom and yigor Of manhood, His face
was intellectually beautiful, and his attl
tude commanding, yet extremely graceful
All che evening" murmured fashion
able, yet lovely, lady to Mr.. Adams as be
turned towards her, have l been trying
to gain an introduction to Mr. LIS dIstin
guished guest but he IS so surrounded
now. however. he stands alone l should
esteem 1t a rare honor to speak with HIN
for a moment
You shall have the pleasure" said the
Ex-President, smiling and turning, he
presented the beautiful and fascinating
wife of millionaire to the talented stran
ger.
We have met before, Madam" said
the gentleman, bowing low, TO conceal q
strange expression that stole over his fea
lures
Il have forgotten, answered the lady
IN her sweetest tones.