Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-05-23

summoned to the parlor. The poor man cast
a bcwidered and tmd look around the mag
nfcent apartment. He scarcely dared to 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. Carlton motioned him 10 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 pock.
ct book, and handing it to him. Il found this
yesterday, and, as it bears your name have
brought it to you
'Ah then you found my pocket book I am
glad to see il agaih-which | never expected
to do He carefully examined it. 'AlI right
he said, 'and I'm obliged 10 you for returning
it, for it contains valuable papers, and care-
essly placed it in his pocket
William had no more 10 say. lie arose, aud
with no further evidence Of grtitude or obliga-
ton, he was suffered to depart.
q am sorry that you did not give the 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 arose TO 60 away
Did he? no, did not notice it. would
have given a fifty dollar bill if had thought Of
it. But he is gone now
'But father you might send it to him. You
know him, do you not ? | fear that he is very
poor
Yes. had some dealing with him years
ago. When built the Charlotte he had some
thing to do with supplying the timber, and now
doIremeuber that heard he had lost his ia M
How far did he come this cold morning, to
bring you that pocket book q
'lle lives in B, he must have come if
teen or twenty miles. ought indeed to have
paid him we'll for it, and Will not fail to do SO
yet
Here the dinner bell interrupted the ccnver
saton, and the father and daughter proceeded
TO the dnlng-rOom
Mr.. Carlton was not a selfish or cold hearted
man, but he was not observant Of the wants
and woes of others, and his good deeds must
nave been few, but for the gentle promptings
of hi. daughter Mary. She, good girl had "A
quick eye as well as warm heart. Misery
never passed her unnoticed, 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 Garter, with sinking
heart and weary frame, turned his steps towards
home. He had not tasted food since early
dawn, and now full fifteen miles lay before him.
He felt disappointed ind gnan', greved at the
cold and indifferent manner in which his ser
vices had been received. He did not ask a re :
ward for restoring what was not his own, but
he might with justice have demanded recon-
pense for his time and trouble. But even that
was not offered him. He remembered the
wastetuness Of wealth, the extravaganza OF
luxury, which he had Witnessed and something
whispered, You were IA fool. Tna, man scarce
ly thanks you for returning what he would
never have missed. II would have made you
happy for months and wears
Resolutsly putting down the evil thoughts,
he raised silent prayer for help and resigna-
ton, and passed on his way. He grew weaker
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 w pt, and but for the
! thought of his wife and chlIdr"n at home, would
have crept aside and laid dow upon the snow
10 die. Fortunately a man came along with a
Sleigh and he rose and asked tor ride. The
stranger took him and brought him within a
mile OF his own door.
1t was late when he reached home, and he
had scarcely strength TO cross the threshold
and throw himself upon his bed. His overaX>
ed physical system had gwen way, and before
morning he was ravng IN the dellrum of vio-
lent fever. Then did the poor wife ieel, tha
the hand of the Lord was heavy upon her, bu,
her faith fafled not. As earthly hopes faded
away, brighter and brighter grew the hopes o.
eternity as she watched day after day by the
sufferers couch, bathing his burning brow, anC
soothing his wild frenzy with her loving voice
she WAS able to say, though lie slay u. ye
will trust in Him.. Oh blessed, sustaining
power of faith and hope faith, not in man, bu
God-hope, not of earth, but Heaven. Cling
to thy faith poor woman! Make thy hear
strong in confidence, for God will not forsakt
thee! Even now he ia preparing the reward
lie will not break the bruised reed, nor crusl
the humble heart.
Did the rich man rest swecty as lie lay dowT
on his downy pillow? Were there o remorse
less thoughts when he remembered the careles.
act OF injustice of which he had been guilty
Like Ahasuerus, he could not sleep, fer Coo
troubled him.. and he rosolved to make ample
recompense for the wrong he had done. lIt
conc 'uded at first to send him letter, and {
handsome present, but the thought did not sat
lsty him; and he resolved to 90 himself, ant
see "Hdl ne COulu 90 LOT MS poor fTlen0 una
would most benefit him, and quiet his own con
science.
; 1t was the fifth day Of William Carter's sick
ness, and the physician said that night woul
be the crisis; if he lived through it he nigh
recover. lie had then fa!len into ethargir
; sleep. His pale wife sat holding his hand AM
gazing anxiousy on his sunken features an,
half smut eyes. The children with sad faces
and noiseess step, crept round the room
There was rap at the door-jt was opened.
gentleman entered. Mrs. Carter looked will
surprise on her unexpected visitor. His dres
and bearing, so different fom those o. thei
: humble neighbors, at another time might have
awed her, but that was no place to feel the pal
try distinctions of human society. In the pre-
sence OF that power before which the rich anc
the poor, and mighty and the weak alike bow
; men feel that they are equals-that they ar,
brothers. She arose and offered him a chair
lie did not seem to notice her, but advanced tt
the bed, he gazed long and earnestly on tn
ashy features Of the sufferer, while the tear
chased one another down his cheeks; thel
| turning away he threw himself into Il chai
and wept with uncontrolled emotion. This, a
the reader may have guessed, was Mr. Carlton
II 4