Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-01-12
THE GOLDEN CLASP.
ny PROF. INoRAiIA,I

.. DI PROF. lNGRAilAN.
A modest and exceedingly pretty young
girl plainly attired, entered one Of the
goldsmlth's stores on - street, and see
ing that gentleman was engaged with
the proprietor, she timidly shrunk inside
near the door until he should be at leisure
The assistants were also occupied with
customers whose dress and appearance
showed them to belong TO the class Of the
rich, and so she was suffered TO remain
for some time standing there before she
could be attended to.
The gentleman, who was fine noble
looking person, with a remarkably polished
address, seeing her waiting, courteously
stood aside, and said to The goldsmith:
"Do not occupy yourself with me now,
Mr.. Broochard, [ can examine these
watches by myself while you see what this
young person wants who has been waiting
50 long and patiently 10 get an opportuni.
ty Of addressing you"
"What do you wish, Miss ?" asked the
goldsmith, with look which conveyed re.
proof to her for interrupting him while en-.
engaged with customer of more value tc
him.
The girl hesitatingly approached The
counter, and taking from her bosom small
gold clasp, bent over to him, and said in q
low, trembling voice:
81 wish sir you would be so kind rs to
keep this few days and let me have seven
dollars on it."
Low as she spoke, her soft trembling
tones reached the ears Of Col. McHenry,
the gentleman who was present, and be
turned to observe her face, and hear the
reply of the goldsmith to this timid and
painfully uttered request. The goldsmith
took the clasp scorntully between his fin
gers, and throwing it down said sharply to
her:
"This is no pawnbroker's shop. girl; and
fit was, that thing is not worth two dol
lars.'
al is OF inpstimablc value to me, sir-in-
deed it is the only thing valuable have"
answered she earnestly, and her check
slightly flushed at the ruda manner Of his
yrepl
al don't know what you may value it at"
be answered with cold laugh. glancing
al Col. McHenry, whom he saw severely
observing him; 81 would not like to give
you six shillings for it,"
"But, sir" plead the girl, uuconcious Of
being overheard, al must have seven dol
lars to-day. and have no other way of get
ting it, and l was in hopes, sir, that you
might let me have that sum on it; for |
will certainly come back and take il up
again"
Il tell YOU" answered Mr.. Broochard
angrily, 81 keep no pawnbroker's shop
Go 10 the Jews"
"They won't give me but two dollars, sir,
and | want seven"
80 you think to get it out of me-"
The young girl was about to speak again,
but as if not knowing what further argu-
ments to urge, hesitated, and was turning
slowly away, when she checked herself and
again spoke TO him: HtI sr
"Sir," said she in low thrilling voice Of
earnest entreaty; "my mother is lying very
IL, and our rent is due at twelve O'Clock to-
day, and the persons we sew for having
disappointed us in our pay, l have no 9TH
er resource but this! Oh, sir, will you
take this clasp only for few days, and
will then repay you?"
Mr. Broochard felt that Col. McHenry's
eyes were upon him, waiting an answer
aud he wished him to think him man oI
business (Which meant in his notion man
without heart,) he answered promptly
and sternly:
mo Do you think we are simpleton:
here to throw away money in this way?-
If you have nothing more to say, please
stand aside for customers"
"Well, Colonel, what do you think o.
those? Latest importation; full jewell'd
and warranted 10 all points. / will give
you the one just laid down for one hundred
and ninety five dollars"
The gentleman, however. was not heed
ing him, but watching the young girl whom
he saw leaving the counter with heavy
dropping step approach the door
Her face had struck him for its swee
intelligent lovlness, and her modesty haC
for him an irresistible charm but her plei
of poverty and her eloquent appeal to tn
tradesman, deeply interested his feelings
and enlisted his sympathies in her behalf
He had silently observed the progress Q
her interview with him, with emotions G
contempt for one, and pity for the other.
| Her hand was on the knob OF the doc
when advancing towards her
"You asked. believe, for seven dol
lars ?" he said with gentle interest in hi
tone that at once awakened hope in he
heart; and brought the light to her eye
and the hue to her cheek, as she diflidenl
/ ly answered;
"Yes, sir; should not have been 8
bold and urgent, but"
"None TOO much so. There is q ten do
lar note; | have no smaller bills"
"Sir, you are too kind"
/ mot word, amhappy to do you
service" r'r -te f'-
! Take this clasp, sir, though ] sm ashaue