The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1853-11-17
WESTERLY, R. l., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER II, 1858.

Levering. Will he ever forget his
crime and disgrace Will the pressure
Of that dollar on his conscience ever be
removed He may never do so wicked
an act again but the memory of this
wrong deed cannot be wholly effaced
from his mind.
How rebukingly fell all these word.
on the ears Of Mr. Levcring All
what would he not have given to have
the weight of that dollar removed' Its
pressure was so great as almost to suffo-
cate him.
1t was all in vain that he tried to be
cheerful, or take an interest in what was
passing Immediately around him. The
innocent parade of his children had lost
It's wontcd alarm, and there seemed an
accusing expression in the eye Of his
wife, as in the concern his changed as
pect had occasioned she looked sobcrly
upon him. Unable to bear all this, Mr..
Levering went out, something unusual
for him, and walked the streets for an
hour.
On his return the children were in
bed, and he gained sufficient self-control
to meet his wife with less disturbed
appearance.
On the next morning, Mr.. Levering
felt something better Sleep had left
his mind more tranquil. Still there was
IL pressure on his feelings, which thought
could trace to that unlucky dollar.
About an hour after going to his
store, Mr. Levering saw his customer of
the day previous enter, and move along
towards the place where he stood behind
the counter. His heart gave a sudden
bound, and the color rose to his face.
An accusing conscience was quick to
conclude as to the object of her visit
But he soon saw that no suspicion of
wrong dealing was in the lady's mind
With a pleasant half-recognition, she
asked to look at certain articles, from
which she made purchases, and in pay
ing for them, placed a ten dollar bill in
the hand Of the storekeeper.
THAT weight shall be off my con.
SCIENCE said Mr. Levering to himself,
as he began counting out the change due
his customer; and purposely, he gave
one dollar more than was hers in that
transaction. The lady glanced her eyes
over the money, and seemed slightly be-
wildered. Then, much to the store
keepers relief, opened her purse and
dropped it therein.
All right again was the mental ejac-
llation of Mr.. Levering, as he saw the
purse disappear in the lady's pocket,
while his breast expanded with a sense
Of relief.
The customer turned from the counter
md had nearly gained the door, when
she paused, drew out her purse, and
smptying the contents of one end into
ler hand, carefully noted the amount.
Then walking back, she said, with
thoughtful air,
L think you've made mistake in
he change
p'SouhiC NV ma diI' SdNC lOu
our and thirty-fve,' was the quick re-
'ly.
Four, and thirty -fve,' said the lady,
nusingly. Yes, here is just four and
hirty .fve.'
That's right f! Yes, that's rigbtn
dr. Levering spoke somewhat nervously.
The article came to six dollars and
ixty-fve cents, believe
Yes, yes, that was it,
Then three dollars and thirty-fve
ents will be my change said the lady,
lacing small gold coin on the counter.
on gave me too much
The customer turned away and retired
rom the store, leaving that dollar still
n the conscience of Mr. Levering
I'll throw il into the stream said he
D himself impatiently. 'Or give it to
he first beggar that comes along
But conscience whispered that the
ollar wasn't his, either to give or throw
way. Such prodigality or impulsive
would be at the expense
{ another and this could not mend the
latter. S
"This is all squeamishness,' said Mr.. ls
'everiug trying 10 argue against his con- lc