Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-11-03
MISC ELL A N Y.
BenevOlence and Gratitude.

It was a raw, bleak night the rain was
falling fast, while the wind blew in violent
gusts. A Portsmouth night coach stopped
at the principal inn Of the town to change
horses. The cold and wearied travellers a.
lighted for few moments to enjoy the
comfort of blazing fire, as well as to take
refreshments.
"Will you give poor fellow nights
shelter in your hay-1oft?' asked wealth
er-beaten sailor; addressing one of the ost-
le.s who was fastening the harness.
"No. not to such as you" answered the
man; "you had better make the best OF
your way off, or you'll get more than you
look for, if you prowl about here any long
er."
"Perhaps, young man." replied the tar,
"you may one day be sent adrilt upon the
world, without penny to keep your head
above water; and as TO honesty, | know
better than to take what is not my own, If
have not shoe to my foot"
"Iwoudn't trust you farther than | could
see vou," said the ostler. "and if you don't
be otfPll make YOU"
Poor Jack was turning away hungry and
foot-sore, when he was tapped on the should
er by lad who acted as stable boy. "lt
YOU were to 60 down the road 10 the first
little shop you come to-" he said "widow
Smith would, dare say, let you sleep in
her wood house; she is good old creature.
and is always ready to help any one in dis
tress."
"Thank you, thank you,' said the sail
or.
These few words caused revulsion OF
feeling in the breast of the torlorn stran-
ger they told him that there still were
hearts in which kindness flowed.
John Willis, on coming ashore had been
robbed of his little all, thing of no un-
common occurrence ,and he was compefle d
to beg his way to Londou. He deeply felt
the rebuffs he frequently met with. The
prevalence of imposition frequently rem
ders it hard for those who really are in need
to get help, for their truthfulness is often
questioned -,
Jack followed the directions given him /;
but he found the shop closed. He felt that
it was an unreasonable hour still the ia
vorabe account he had received Off own
er encouraged him to tap gently at the door,
His summons was answered by the worthy
dame, who, after listening compassionate :
ly to his tale of suffering, babe him enter
and share her frugal meal. The tar enter
tanned his benevolent hostess with reci-
tai of some Of the ship-wrecks he had wit
messed and the narrow escapes he had HIM
self had. And she piously directed his
mind to the good Providence which had
preserved him to the present hour, and the
Saviour who had died to redeem him. The
repast over the widow placed some clean,
dry straw in one corner of the shed attach
ed to her dwelling, and with thankful
heart the wearied traveller stretched HIM
self upon itand slept as sound as if on bed
of down. =,
Before continuing his journey in the
morning, Jack looked in to thank the good
woman for the shelter she had given him !;
he found, however, warm meal awaiting
him. Having partaken OF it, and accept
ed few cents to help him on his way, he
departed with hearty benediction from his
hostess.
Ten years passed. and the little incident
here recorded had long escaped the mem
ory of all save one of the parties concern
ed. Ten years had wrought many changes
in the town, and most Of its Inhabitants
but they had glided gently over the head
of widow Smith. The only alteration per-
ceptble in her was, that her hair had be-
come moe silyery, and her form was now
slightly bent. She still continued her la
bors Of love (; and though her means were
very limited she was looked upon as the
friend and neighbor of all who were sick,
or III want.
One morninga large, official looking let
ter was put INTO Mrs, Smiths hand by the
postman. Its purport was to beg her at
tendance in London, on the following day,
when the writer said she would receive graft
flying intelligence, which it was wished to
communicate to herself personally. Much