The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-10-12
5e(rttr1 Gnlrg
THE MILLI0NAIRE'S
DAU GH TER ,

On line morning in the summer of
1888, a handsome but poorly dressed bow
called at the door Of a rich mansion in
L--e squerc, in New York CITY, and
offered some baskets If Strawberries for
sale. Having disposed Of the fruit, he
was about to depart, when his attention
was arrested by the appearance OF beau
tliul girl, sorne twelve years old, who
crossed the hall near the door. She ya.
the only daughter Of the gentleman of the
house. The kind look which she bc,tow.
cd on him struck chord in his heart
which until that moment had never vitro.
ted.
"she is very lovely ~ he exclaimed
menally: but she is the daughter of the
great millionaire; she can be nothing to
me-" %
lie returned to the fields in search ,t
more fruit but the remembrance Of that
sunny face attended him closely in his ram.
81 am young he continued 10 himself
would / could make myseIf worthy of
her." and this thought though il did not
hani,h the feeling, hushed il.
A week had passed, and the little boy
aga'n stood, with palpitatng heart, al tn.
rich mans door. His fruit was purcha.-
ed rs before, and he received his money
from the white hand Of the fair being
whom from the moment lie first saw Ser
he had dared 10 love. She spoke kindly
to bim, and bade him call again. :.
lie did not forget the order. lie called
again, but tho season was advancing, and
the fruit had become scarcity.
~ shall not be sble to bring you any
more" he said one morning. II am sorry
for 1t was q pleasure for me to call here.
but We may meet hereafter"
The young heart that fiuttered In the
bosom of that young girl was touched
~ the musical, though somewhat melan-
choly tone in which this was uttered, and
she ti,nidly replied that "she would re-
member him"
1--WE shall meet again, Miss, when,
promise you, You shall not be ashamed to
acknowledge the acquaintance Of the poor
strawberry boy" ....... d
She though the language singular, but
they parted. ..
Three years elapsed. The tide fspec-
ulation which was then swelling in our
country, had not reached "the food" and
the man Of wealth, with the beautiful
daughter. rolled in his elegant carriage
along Broadway, upon fine Sabbath
morning, on their way to Trinity Church.
Charlotte was 'just turned to sixteen" !"
and the bright bud was just changing to
the open rose. She was fair indeed.
The service had endsd-the magnif-
cent carriage stood at the church door a;
the elegantly caparisoned horses paved
the ground uneasily; . liveried footman
held the door, and the wealthy merchant
handed his lovely daughter to the coach,
amid the low oteisance Of her gay nd.
mirers.
Way does she not deserve the homage
of her thousadd butterfly admirers.
A young, plainly dressed stranger,
stands quietly at the side Of the church
door. and her gaze for moment is riveted
on his features.
"Who can il ber she remembers--no
she cannot remember.
The carriage rolls slowly towards the
ststely mansion Of the man of wealth
and he discovers an uncommon Inquiet.
ness IN his daughters demeauor.
4My dear Charlotte, you are ill.,"
mo, father, no---I am very weil."
They Rrriyed af the doorrsI,e strange,
was there. They alight |; he extends !
slight, very slight, but respectful bow tc
the "heiress," and moves ON.
A blush .inges that bright cheek; An,
recognizes him. fFT
Charlotte retired to her chamber abe
vas unhappy-but surely, 'fhe strange,
was nothing to her, or she to him.
Time rolled on. It was the coIdes,
night Of the uncommon cold winter O.
20, and the memorable 10th Of Decem
her. A FIRE had broke out IN the evening
N one Of the principal street Of the busi
meas part Of the great eonnDerc;al metro
pois. Ia raged vioicatly, ana Al earl,
morning on the succeeding day. = erea
pcvsioa 81 che city lay n sshes.
The millonaire wss eomparat;yeIy ,
beggsr. His furniture was sacrificed ii.