The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-11-22

of the uncommonly cold winter Of 1885,
and the memorable 10Th Of Dscember.-
A fire had broken out in the evening in
one of the principal streets Of the business
part of the great commercial metropolis
1t ragged violently. al d in the morning OF
the succeeding day q grea, part of the
city lay in ashes.
The millionaire was comparatively a
beggar his fortune was sacrificed. his
mansion disposed OF, his splendid horses
and carriage passed into other hands, and
even Jessie, Charlotte's coal black favor.
ite, was doomed to pass from them under
the hammer.
..Poor Jessie ~ sighed his mistress, 81
hope he may fall into good hands"
But nobody wanted Jessie, and he was
finally purchased and thrown away upon
a stranger.
..Who did you say was the purchaser %
asked Charlotte Of her father.
IA Mr.. Manly, Think -
Another year has fed. Misfortune had
followe in rapid succession, and the rev.
olution Of 1887 had 6nally reduced our
man Of wealth to bankruptcy. The fol-
lowing advertisement appeared in the pa
pers of the day: s
"Will be sold at public auction, on
Wednesday next, on the premises, the re.
demption to that beautiful cottage, with
about one acre Of land adjoining, laid out
in garden we'll stocked with fruit trees
and shrubbery. situated on the south side
of Staten Island, and mortgaged to John
Jacob Astor. for the sum OF ten thousand
dollars, Go. Sale positive-title indispu-
tabls-possession given, immediately
terms cash"
The rich man that was, in vain appeal
ed to his sunshine friends for aid. They
must have security--the times were hard
they had lost good deal Of money
people sometimes would live too fast-it
WASH their fault-very sorry, but oouldn' I
help him. ..s....
From bad to worse he succeeded, and
now reduced to the last extremity, he had
retired to his beautiful retreat. with the
hope that the rigid economy and fresh ap-
plication to his mercantile affairs would
retrieve his rapidly sinking fortune. But
his star was descending, and his more
lucky brethren forgot that he had been one
OF them. Unfortunately he had no secur-
ity to offer. and the cottage was sold.
II was bright daysins sauiamn--th pur-
chasers were few, thor was little compe
tition. and the estate passed into other
hands. The purchaser gave notice that
he should take possession forthwith.
And what's to become Of the lovely
child The millionaire's last home had
been taken from him, and that fair girl was
motherless. The heart Of the fond father
misgave him when he received ihforma-
tion that the premises must be Immediately
vacated.
He had been proud man, but his pride
was now humbled, and calmly he resigned
himself TO this last stroke of affliction. He
too wept-it was fearful sight to see that
strong man weep.
But his troubles were nearly at an end.
The day following that upon which the
sale occurred had well nigh past. The
afternoon was bright and balmy, and the
father sat with his daughter in the fecesses
Of one the cottage windows, which look
ed out upon the high road. He had re-
ceived note from the purchaser of the
cottage, informing him that he should call
upon him in the afternoon, for the purpose
ot examining the premises more fully than
he had an opportunity Of doing. They
awaited his visit.
"Oh. father /" shouted Charlotte. forget
ting for q moment her sorrows. "look
there is my darling JESSIE" aud knock
at the door called her to her recollection.
The door was opened by the once own.
er Of mansion in L-e square. Before
him stood curious looking young man,
who inquired for Mr.. s.
"rhat is my name, sir, and have the
honor Of addressing"
"Mr. Manly, sir, now owner Of this cot
tage.
The person whom you once knew only
as the poor strawberry boy" continued
Manly as he took her extended hand.
my dear sir" said Manly. addressing
the father, 81 am the owner ofthis cottage.
Several years ago had the happiness to
receive from this fair hand a few shillings
in payment for fruit. which carried to the
door ofthe then affluent Mr.. s., Of lie
square. ! was then boy, sir. and a
poor boy but poor as | was. and wealthy
as was this lady, | dared to love her
Since then have travelled many leagues.
l have endured many hardships, with but
a single object in view-that of making
myself worthy Of your daughter. Fortune
has NOT been niggard with me, sir my
endeavors have been crowned with suc-
cess, and come here to-day not to take
possession Of this lovely cottage alone, but
TO lay my fortune at the feet Of worth and
beauty, and to offer this fair being heart
which exists bu. for herself alone"
Charlotte loved, and shortly after gave
her hand to Manly. They, remained in
the cottage, which was newly furnished /;
and many times afterwards did she mount
her favorite Jessie, at the side oil her hus-
band, and roam through the romantic
scenes which abound in that far-famed
Island. - .s,..'...
o. We may CLEAN knowledge by read
ing, but the chsff must be separated from
the wheat by thinking. knowledge is
proud that he has learned SO much
Wisdom is humble that she knows no
more. -.