Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-04-18

SO, but to Il close examiner tlare was otiate
something painful in the expression of his eye
and mouth when both at rest Twas as il
something lay concealed behind the fair brow,
whose. .wIiisparinss would be heard, and whose
tones of fsorrowfal reproach could not he drown.
ed with the gayest laughter Mr Richie was
not gelleraliy an acute observer OF such things
but for several days he watched the ecounten.
apce Of Philip narrowly, though cautiously
One day as he was leaving the store, he stop.
ped as he came up to Philip, and with a Sc.
rious smile, requested him to- coma to his house
that evening at such an hour. =
Whether it was the suddenness Of the invi-
tation, SO novel and unexpected, or whether
there were some occnt reason, the color deep.
ened to crimson ON Philips brow, and then re.
treating left an unwonted paleness. Mr.. Ritch.
TX took no notice of it, but merely recommen.
ding him to be punctual tothe hour, quietly
walked away.
1t was evening, and Mr.. Ritchie sat in his
Library before good coal fire. for it was win
ter. He had a paper in his hand but he was
evidently nnnterested in its contents, and
though he had on his gold spectacles, his eyes
were not proitng by them. Gradually ansex-
preston of deep thought mingled With doubt
and sorrow stole overy his countenance. As,
he sat thus leaning beck in his comfortable chair
a beautiful girl came gliding in so softly through
the open door that he did not perceive her, and
she regarded him fora moment or two with
afectionate interest, then passing lightly to his
side, bent down and kissed his forehead, saying
"You look very serious, dear papa-bss any
thing occurred to vex you!" -. ss}!
"What was thinking Of was not very pleas.
ant darling" said the fond father, smiling, laid
aside his glasses. and his paper, and passing his
arm round his child drew her gently to his side.
-'"Ah, papa, you must not think ofunpleasant
things, for here are some silver threads in your
black hair, and that is because you think so
much" aud she smilingy pulled them out and
held them up before him. - a1s5f5
Lifting her own richly clustering curls, he
said he hoped be should live to see them touch.
ed also, but lightly by theshand of Times sss
.What a strange wish, papa," answered Min-
ME gaily. TO want mesto be gray. 5Esaa
.No. only haeatA. 7-t' 70 gsH
Al ahar Momont the door bell rang, and some
one was ushered INTO the hall. ~
.Run down Minnie, dear, and lift is MIR.
Warrender, bring him to me and you may
leave us awhile, as have some business to
transact" 80
Minnie bounded gracefully dowa the broad
stairway, and saw a young gentleman Just en-
teliug the parlor. She stepped imuetilatriy
forward, saying, 'Mr. Warrender, papa wishes
to see you in the library" -.
The young man started and turned towards
her, as the light of the hall lamps fell ON his
countenance, she saw it so deadly pale and so
distressed, that she doubted his identity and at.
tered enquiringly, "Mr. Warrenders"
81 am,-yes,' answered Philip with difficulty.
"Ihis way to the library" said Minnie ina
soft voice, for the aspect OF Warrenders coun-
tenance troubled her greatly.
Warrender followed in silence. When they
reached the door, Minnie stepped aside to let
him pass in. He bowed silently and entered.
Minnie Immediately rctrcd her thoughts were
long with Philip, however, aud the next day &.
for once her teachers rcprovsd her imperfect
lessons -
Mr.. Ritchie bade his clerk good evening
and raising calmly closed the door.
Phillip stood still, his eyes east down, his
countenance paid, his lips ashy white his
whole dencanor full Of humility and seit-accu-
sation. ..... -
"St down, Mr.. Warrender," and MIR. Rlt-
chic motoned him to chair, which Pisiip
took in silence, fot he felt to speak was utterly
beyond his power. -
MIR. Richie regarded the young man with ls
stern but not angry conntenance. lis terri
bic emotion evidently v,oved him.
"l need not ask you" said he at length slow
ly, if my suspicious are true. eHow long have
you been n these habits!'
"fIave pity on mA!' calculated Philip IN q
s,iled voice. 81 have sinned deeply.
How long havc,yo gone wrong"
"Many months"
81 have missed lately hundred dollars. Is
that the whole amount taken! "All, but tri.
fling sums, and y few goods taken IN time past"
Every word seemed to be torture to the
vounr man TO utter. He buried his face IN his
hands and tears wrung from his soul by anguish
and repentance rolled rapidly down between his
fingers. Mr. Ritchie permitted him to weepIn
silence those scading tears.
TEL me," said he at lcngth-"how tins came
about"
The mildness Of his tone produced cheering
effect on Philips heart He withdrew his
hands from his face, but did not dare raise his
eyes from the floor.