The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-07-14

lief; then addressing Gustive she oh
served,
"Mr. Woods has just been relating a
case of necessity which has come unde,
his observation, and perhaps l may ia,
your generosity as well rs his, for thei
benefit, as | intend to make myself quite
a Sister of Charity, forthwith"
81 shall be most happy to do all in my
power" responded De Clinton, land quite
approve ofyour benevolent spirit. Iknowet
no one who would better appear "min-
istering angel" Indeed, really could be
happy in bearing poverty myself were
were it only to receive relief from your
fair hand" Then, after pause, he re-
sumed, "My own sympathies were greatly
enlisted a few days since, by a poor girl
who applied to Inc for charity in behalf
of her parent, and felt that the few dol
lars bestowed could not be better dis
posed"
Strange was the expression that crossed
Carries fair face, but she quietly asked,
did you ascertain the name and circum-
stances of the family"
81 did but unfortunately have forgotten
the name of the girl, and did not learn
whore she lived, which | much regret.
perhaps, Mr.. Woods" said Carrie,
"your mothers protege and Mr. De Clin-
toms may be the same person."
Possibly, but | do not imagine it at
all probable"
Here Aunt Mary made her appearance,
and after looking very cross and ffdget-
ting about for while, limited in no very
gentle terms that it was time to close the
house for the night, as it was past nine.
upon which the young gentlemen cxpc-
ditiously departed.
"A week or. two passed, and Carrie
stitched busily upon the shirts, when
Aunt Mary was sent for to 90 directly to
her adopted son, who was lying danger
ously i'll in Il distant town. In vain She
insisted on Carries accompanying her; Car
rie was determined to remain, and f,r
once be her own mistress, and surely she
shed no tears when she saw the old lady
depart on her journey.
DE Clinton called one evening, and
found Miss Langly surrounded by com
pany of young friends, who seemed to
Ia ke it for granted that he was the accep-
ted lover of Carrie
The following day Carrie had occa-
sion TO visit the store where Gustave was
employed. Whilst examining some ia
brio near very high pile of goods, she
accidenly overheard Aial"gnn from be-
hind it, between young man who had
Just entered, and some one whom she
could not perceive.
"Come, Gus, 90 down to S to-
night, will you" mentioning a noted
gami ling saloon.
"Not tonight" answered the wcll-known
voice of De Clinton, 'for | am bound to
visit my pretty heiress | have discovered
that her old beldamc of an aunt is out
of the way, just now, so am going to
press my suit while the coast is clear; but
after | have secured the prize, of which I
have no doubts whatever, and pockctcd
the "tin," then I'll go wherever you
pIease."- s.. .... -
-" That's right, my boy, and hope the
happy day" will come speedily. / wish
was "lucky dog" like yourself, and
could capture prize with full cargo"
Carrie stopped no longer to listen, but
hurried from the store, forgetting her pur-
chases and on reaching home, sat down
and indulged in hearty cry, though
thankful enough was she that her ovcs
had been opened to the true character of
Gustave ere it was too late. She now
could scarcely believe that she had ever
preferred him to George, whom she now
thought was vastly his superior.
Evening came, and with it the expect
ed visitor who was delighted to find Car
rie alone, to whom, after few prelimina-
ry remarks, he made an eloquent offer of
his Heart and hand; but what was his
surprise and chagrin to receive a decided
refusal. Ere he could recover from his
vexation, Carrie coolly drew from her
purse dime, and placing it in his hand,
whilst her eye flashed with indignation,
thus addressed him:
1 beg to return to you the "few dol
lars" which your sympathy" led you to
bestow on the evening which, to satisfy
myself in regard TO your traits Of ch.lrac-
ter, | visited you in disguise, and discover
ed that all is not gold that glitters,' and
that an object Of sympathy is not always
hee from insult. advise Won to appro-
pirate this generous sum towards defray-
ing your ,0dshing bill and allow n to
add also, that the nert time you are ma
king free with your S. saloon com
Panions about ''pretty heiresses," "Jsldanas
oants," aud ''poeketing The Gn," first as
certain who is within hearing distance
wish you q good evening" r-r .....
De Clinton-had sat as if spell bound
during her speech, but all too soon did he
recognize those eyes, and with muttercd
,imprecation, mole deep than loud, he
sprung to his feet and rushed from the
honse, grinding his teeth with rage and
modification. "a, 49,. ... -.-.- N
Soon after, George Woods entered, and
his heart beat high at the welcome he re-
| ceiyed answering to the remark of Car