The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-08-16
Mother you are deceivirg me-
why do you presist ip questioning me

Auu toho JVuT HIST IcSSUAS Ill uuudppl.
ness. Thus it is ever in life. We are not
content with the knowledge we possess
we would know more, even when our Gu
riosity is certain to inf1iot sorrow upon our
hearts,
If you are in trouble, who is fit to share
it as your daughter? Besides, am strong,
and you may require assistance. can
work, | am sure am able-and there are
many things can do to relieve you
well, we'll, Amelia, you will soon know
all, and perhaps it is as we'll to prepare
you at once for what is certain to come
Thank you, mother-thank you
DO you know why those men were here
last evening?'
You sent me away with the children. but
Iknow their presence BODIED US no good
'They attached all our poor property,
child-everything-we are beggars now!'
The door opened and haggard form
appeared. He passed hastily across the
room and threw himself into chair. His
features wore a sickly expression which no
disease can cause but sorrow. The grey
hair was not the steady work Of time, it
was the bleeching of care. Gazing in the
direction Of the daughter, he turned an in.
quiring look to the mother.
She knows ALL she said.
'Gratiiude,' he exclaimed, 'there is no
such thing in the world. And if it does
exist, it grows not in these parts. A
man once came to me for assistance;
though poor myself. aided him to the ex.
tent Of my means. That man was Stone,
the miller. He has grown rich since. while
| become miserably poor. | went to him
1t told him Of our distress. He listened
very attentively-was very sorry, but real
ly could not help me. care not for N.Y.
self, but to see my wife and children with
out shelter-oh! am sick of the world
'Not sick Of us father?' said Amelia.
mo, no, my child, was wrong. have
many ties that bind me to earth-much to
live for
But is there no hope for us-must we
indeed leave the house?' said his WIFE
mo, none. Stay!' he exclaimed, steal.
ing from his chair; my brother-why have
| not thought of him before? Even he can
not be selfish enoughto refuse me this as
sistance. You seeI have but little pride
left, or would not ask even him.
lssthere no other way?' asked Mrs
Fudge, for it was indeed the family OF the
merchants brother.
This is our last resource, I fear.'
Father said Amelia, who had been
looking out of the window, "a gentleman
is coming this way
.'lt is one of those~who were here last
evening, no doubt. said he. sThey are in
a cruel hurry, but will solicit short de.
llou-fh fhov, ~ al
But, father. this can be no officer Of
law; he is too young. too handsome
BE assured. my child, that it is no mes.
senger of good that seeks me-
You often told me when | was child,
never to distrust the kind Providence which
watches over US all.
You are right. Amelia; but one who has
felt the weight of misfortune as long as
have, mistrusts almost everything
The fair girl went to the door. Young
Mason, for it was he, paused moment
before he entered, to regard. her beauty,
for which he was unprepared. In execu-
ting his mission, he had expected to meet
no object that would so deeply interest his
attention.
is this the residence of Mr.. William
Fudge?' he asked.
1T is, SIR"
is he at home and can see HING OBJ
serving her hesitation. he quickly added
81 have heard about him from the hotel
where stopped, last night. Do not fear
for, believe me, am only messenger oi
good
As he entered the room Mr.. Fudge rose
to receive him, with politeness and dig
nifty that evidently belonged to better days
You are probably surprised in receiv.
ing so early call from stranger, but
before we proceed to business, have the
kindness to take charge of this little bit OF
paper
Il know, SIR said Mr.. Fudge, with q
faltering voice-'but cannot this execution
be delayed for several days? l am ex.
pecting aid from a reliable source
"Why, sir, do you take me for an off.
Ger? Do you not perceive that it is your
discharged
my discharged He hastily unfolded
the paper and started with amazement.
who are you, sir?'
my name is Mason,' said the young
man, with a smile.
'What do not owe you, sir!' exclaim.
ed Mr.. Fudge. grasping his hand.
'Me-nothing. | am simply the mes.
senger for another
'But the messenger of good news is al.
ways welcome. Allow me, Mr.. Mason
to present to you my wife and daughter.
The little ceremony through, all parties
seemed at ease.
/ AS am woman, and as our sex i.
proverbially curious said Mrs. Fudge
since you disclaim being the principal o
this errand, allow me to inquire to whom
we are indebted for this kindness?'
And am anxious to know, at least
one disinterested friend,' said her hus
band. who is he?'
i your brother
i my brother! Impossible, we never ap
piled to him for relief
| But he sent me to seek you. He i.
1growing tired Of his lonely life, and wishs.
70 gather his friends around him. Arriv
4 ed last night, and making inquiries con
cerning your residence, / accidentally
heard Of this little difficulty which troubled
\ you, and at once sought the parties ant