Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1851-11-01
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The GenereuS Stranger,

George Vlllars, young Fngllshman OF
good birth, and large fortune, inherited from
nature all the qualities which properly cult
waited, can render a man esteemed. Life open
ed upon him in dazzling colors; rich, amiable
and handsome, he was universally courted-
Wherever he went the hand Of friendship
was extended to him, and the smile of well
com hailed his approach. Warm hearted and
confding he entrusted entirely to appearan-
ces, and soon became the dupe of an unfaith-
full mistress and false friend. Pride sus-
tanned him outwardly under the blow, but it
preyed upon his spirits; he became disgusted
with life and lost all confidence in his fellow
creatures. Had he consulted his inclinations,
alone, he would have buried himself in solitude
but his pride forbade step which would have
proclaimed his wretchedness. He mnst live
in the public eye; he must show his contempt
bis Indifference for her whose remembrance
was still agony He went to Paris, was seen
constantly in the best society, and in all fash
ionable public places, and while every day
deepened his disgust of life, he was envied and
admired, as the favorite of nature.
One night as he was returning home earli-
er than usual, and on foot, in passing the
Point Louis XVI, he perceived man seated
on the parapet holding dog upon his knees,
which he seemed to be fondling, for he was
STOPPING over it. Just as Villars came up, he
suddenly rose and threw the animal into the
river; but be had scarcely done so, when he
staggered and fell Villars fastened to the
spot and found him in swoon He tried for
some moments Intellectually to'restore him to
his senses; at last he had the satisfaction to
see life slowly return, and at the same instant
a dog dripping with waited run to the sufferer
and began to carress him. 1t was indeed the
faithful creature whom he had attempted to
destroy; but the stone which he had tied
round his neck with an unsteady hand, was so
badly fastened, that the dog shook it off with
out difficulty.
1t would have moved harder heart than
that Of Villars, TO see the carresses which the
affectionate creature lavished upon his master
as he strove by plantive means, to call him
back to life. AT last he opened his eyes, and
fixed them wildly on his dog 'Azor! my poor
Azorp cried he, bursting into tears, have not
destroyed thee?'
He has escaped death which you do not
appear to have inflicted willingly
Willingly ah, no. no! But have no means,
none, none on earth! could not see him die
of hunger, and have offered him in vain to
different persons. Will you take him, sir?-
Do, beseech you, do!'
Touched at once by the wretched appear
ance Of the poor sufferer, and the despair of
his tone, Villars said, in soothing tone, I
would not refuse your dog did 1 not think that
you would like better to keep him yourself;
and will enable you to do it, at least. for the
present
He drew louis dor from his purse and
placed it in the old mans hand. Words
cannot describe the gratitude with which it
was received.
You have saved my lifeH cried he Mine
did l say? All, lite thousand times dear
er than mine. My child, my poor Julia, will
now have food
He attempted 10 move, but he tottered and
would have fallen had not Villars supported
him; nor would he leave till he had conduct
ed him to his dwelling, which was at no great
distance; and as he went, he took the pre-
caution to provide bottle of wine and few
biscuits.
Never did succor come at more seasona-
bic moment The daughter of the old man,
reduced at once by sickness and famine, was
nearly exhausted in few hours relief would
have been too late Vilars left his purse,
and taking the direction of the old man, has
tened to send physician to his suffering
daughter.
Villars had that night sound and tranquil
sleep, the first he had enjoyed in a long time
The uextday he visited the old man, whom he
found greatly restored and he heard with ex-
ed that quiet and good nourishment were all
that were wanting to complete the young wo
mans recovery. In spite of the wretchedness
of his appearance, the manners and language
of the old man were those of a gentleman
His gratitude had in it nothing servile, it seem
ed the frank emotion of a generous mind and
before Villars quilted him, he determined to
secure his old age from the attack of penury.
But on returning home he found letter
which, for moment at least, drove everything
from his mind; his mother, whom he tenderly
loved, was taken suddenly i'll, so dangerously
that it was requisite for him to set out immedi-
ately if he hoped to find her alive.
He lost not an instant in obeying the sum-
mons, but Just as he was on the point of leav-
ing, he recollected the poor old man. He
wrote hasty line for not seeing him again,
gave him his address in England, and desired
to hear how he went on. He enclosed a
thousand francs and sent the letter by his
valet, with directions to deliver it to the old
man himself.
The crisis of his mothers disorder was over
when he arrived; she was pronounced out of
danger He stayed till he saw her perfectly
recovered, and then, unable to remain in place
which brought to his mind the most painful
recollections, he returned to France
Although surprised, and in some degree Of