Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-02-20
BATH, MAINE, THURSDAY MORNING. FEBRUARY 90 1881

lie ascended the marble steps, and rang the
bell. A servant appeared, and in answer to
his inquiry, if Mr.. Carlton was at home, in
formed him, that the gentleman was out, and
that he would not be back till dinner, which
would be at two.
William cast glance at his threadbare and
rusty garments. He did not wish to enter that
house, where the splendor and luxury would
form striking contrast to his own comfortless
home, but he was cold and weary, and would be
glad of seat anywhere by fire, SO he said to
the servant, Il have important business with Mr.
Calton, and if you please, l will come in and
wait till he returns
The man eyed him from head to foot, and
with slight sneer on his face, which William
did not fail to mark, conducted him into the
kitchen. Preparations for dinner had already
commenced. There was baking, boiling and
roasting-such dinner as would have tempted
the appetite of an epicure. 1t was torture for
man faint with hunger, to sit there with the
delicious smell of the different dishes falling
on the olfactory nerve and stimulating the de-
mands of the stomach almost beyond endur-
ance.
The two hours passed slowly away, but Mr..
Cation at length came in, and his visitor was
summoned to the parlor. The poor man cast
bewildered and timid look around the mag
nihcent apartment. He scarcely dared step on
the soft carpet, which gave no sound beneath
his feet, and he shrunk, as he caught full
length view of himself in mirror, which ex-
tended almost from the ceiling to the floor
Mr.. Calton motioned him to chair and he
seated himself on the edge, fearful lest he
should soil the crimson velvet cushion.
Have you business with me, sir,' said the
gentleman in an impatient tone
Yes, SIR said William, producing the poe
textbook, and handing it to him. i found this
yesterday, and, as it bears your name, have
brought it to you
'Ah. then you found my pocket-book,
am glad to see it tagain-whch never expect
ed TO do He carefully examined it. All
right he said, and I'm obliged to you for re-
turning it, for it contains some valuable papers,
and carelessly placed it in his pocket
William had no more to say. He arose,
and with no further evidence of gratitude or
obligation, he was suffered to depart.
: l am sorry that you did not give that poor
man something, father, said fair girl as she
| seated herself on an ottoman at his feet. Did
you notice how pale he looked, and how he al
most staggered as he rose to go away!'
Did he' no, Gid not notice it. would
have given fifty dollar bill if had thought of
it. But he is gone now.
Bot, father, you might send it to him.
You know him, do you mott fear that he is
very poor
Yes. had some dealings with him years
ago. When / built the Charlotte he had some
thing to do with supplying the timber, and
now do remember that heard he had lost his
farm
How far did he come this cold morning, to
bring you that pocket-book
1lt lives Ill " TIC muSl lldVc COUle III
teen or twenty miles ought indeed 10 have
paid him well for it, and l will not fail to do so
yet
Here the dinner-bell interrupted the CONVEX
sation, and the father and daughter proceeded
| to the dining roem.
Mr.. Cation was not selfish or a cold-heart-
ed man, but he was not observant of the wants
and woes of others, and his good deeds must
have been few, but for the gentle promptings
of his daughter Mary. She, good girl, had a
quick eye, as we'll as a warm heart. Misery
never passed her uunoticcd, and many were the
blessings which fell on her young head-many
were the generous deeds performed by her
father, of which he would never have thought,
but for her suggestions.
But while the rich man was enjoying his
plentiful repast, William Carter, with sink
ing heart and weary frame, turned his steps to-
wards home. He had not tasted food since
early dawn, and now full fifteen miles lay be-
fore him. He felt disappointed, indignant,
grieved at the cold and Indifferent manner in
which his services had been received. He did
not ask reward for restoring what was
not his own but he might with Justice have
demanded recompense for his time and trouble
but even that was not offered him. He remem-
bered the wastefulness of wealth, the extrava-
gance of luxury, which he had witnessed, and
something whispered, You were a fool That
man scarcely thanks you for returning what he
would have never missed 1t would have made
you happy for months and years
Resolutely putting down the evil thoughts,
he raised silent prayer for help and resigna-
ton, and pressed on his way. He grew weak
er and fainter every step, and little more than
half the distance was gained, when he sat down
by the way utterly exhausted. He covered
his face with his hands and wept, and but for
the thought Of his wife and children at home,
would have crept aside, and lain down upon the
snow to die. Fortunately a man came along
with sleigh, and he rose and asked for ride.
The stranger took him and brought him with
in mile of his own door.
II was late when he reached home, and he
had scarcely strength TO cross the threshold,
and throw himself upon his bed. His over
taxed physical system had given way, and be-
fore morning he was raving in the delirum of
violent fever Then did the poor wife feel,