Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-03-30
CbuitR Iitrraturr.
THE GOLDEN CLASP.


goldsmi.h's stores On-- street and see
ing that a gentleman was engaged with the
proprietor, she timidly shrank aside near
the door until he should be at leisure. The
assistants were occupied with customers whose
appearance showed them to belong to the
class Of the rich, and so she was suffered
for some time to remain standing there, be-
fore she could be attended to. The gentle
man, who was fine, noble looking person,
with remarkably polished address, seeing
her waiting, courteously stood aside, and
said to the goldsmith
Do not occupy yourself with me, Mr..
Brochard. | can examine these watches by
myself, while you see what this young per
son wants, who has been waiting so long
and patiently to get an opportunity Of ad-
dressing you
And thus speaking, the gentleman stood
asidO from the show case, on which he had
been leaning, to give the young girl an op-
portunity Of advancing.
What do you wish, Miss ? asked The
goldsmith with a look which conveyed a re-
proof Of her for interrupting him while en-
gagged with customer Of more value tc
him.
The girlhesitatingly approached the coun
ter, and taking from her bosom small GOLD
clasp bent over to him, and said in a low
trembling voice
wish sir, you would be so kind as t.
keep this for a few days, and let me have
seven dollars on it,
Low as she spoke, her soft, tremulou!
I'll II e. Nh H.,
gentleman who was present, and he turned
to observe her face, and hear the reply o
the goldsmith to this timid and painfully ut
tered request. The goldsmith took the clnsl
scornfully between his fingers, and thel
throwing it down, said sharply to her
This is no pawnbroker's shop, girl ; ant
if it was, that thing is not worth more tha
two dollars
II is of inestmabe value to me, sir-in
deed, it is the only thing valuable have
answered the girl, and ncr cheeks slight
flushed at the rude manner of his reply.
Il don't know at what YOU value it, h
answered and cold laugh, glancing at Co
oncl McHenry, whom he thought he sa,
severely observing would not like
give you six shilIings for it.
But, sir, pleaded the girl, unconsciou
Of being overheard. must have seve
dollars to-day and have no other way
getting it, and was in hopes that you migl
let me have that sum OH it. for will &C
tainly come back and take Il up again
tell you,' answered Broehard angril
keep no pawnbroker's shop, here. Go
the Jews
They won't give me but two dollars, $
and want seven
And so you think you viii get it out
me ?
The young girl was about to speak
gain, but as if not knowing what further
gumcnt to urge, hesitated, and was turn
slowly away, when she checked herself, a
again spoke to him
Sir, she said in low thrilling voice
earnest entreaty, my mother is lying v,
Ill, and our rent is due at twelve o'clC
to-day, and the persons we sew for, hav
disappointed US in our pay, have no
source but This. Oh, sir, will you take
clasp only for few days, and then l '
repay you?
Mr.. Brochard felt that Col. McHen
eyes were upon him, waiting an ansv
aud as he wished him to think him al
Of business (Which meant in his mott
man without heart) he answered prom
ly and sternly, No do you think we
Simpletons to throw away money in
place If you have nothing more to
please to stand aside for other customers
Well, Col, what do you think of those wa
es latest mportations-full jeweled,
warranted in all points. ! will sell you
one you just laid down for $685.
The gentleman, however, was not h
ing him, but watching the young girl W
he saw leaving thecounter, and with he;
dropping step approach the door. Her
had struck him for its sweet intelli
lovelincss, and her modesty had for him
irresistible charm but her plea Of povC
and her eloquent appeal to the tradesT
deeply interested his feelings, and en
his sSmpathies in her behalf lie haC
lently observed the progress of her i
Wow with him, with emotions of contc
for one, and pity for the other.
Her hand was on the knob of the
when advancing toward her
You ask for seven dollars, | believe
said, with gentle interest in his tone Il
once awakened hope in her heart
brought the light to her eyes and hue
cheek, as she ditidently answered.
Yes, sir, would not have been so
and urgent but
None too much so. There is n tel
lar note have no smaller bills, al
placed it in her hand.
Sir you are too kind-'
Not word. am happy 70 do
service
Take this clasp, sir; though am a
ed to offer it to you, since the gent
says It is so valueiess. But to me it
valuable as lie, and | foolishly thou
might be so to Others
4 do not want it child answere,
McHeuFy feelingIy, putting the hand
which urged il upon him.
Indeed, siv, you must take it, for
feel in some degree less under obligat
a stranger. Besides, wish to call a
deem it. Will you give me your a
sir = and as she spoke he still declini