Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-10-26
an Yututstins Storp.
THE GOLDEN CLASP,
itaL on,
The Perjured Goldsmith.
ny PROFESSOR rSonAmAm.

one OF the goldsmith's stores on -
street, and seeing that gentleman
was engaged with the proprietor. she
timidly shrunk aside near the door un-
ill he should be at leisure. The assis-
tants were also occupied with custom
ers whose dress and appearance show
ed them to belong to the class Of the
riSh. aud 10 sho was suffered to re-
main for some time, standing there,
before she could be attended to. The
gentleman who was q fine. noble
looking person. with q remarkably
polished address. seeing her waiting
courteously stood aside, and said to
the goldsmith
"Do not occupy yourself with me
now. Mr.. Broochard. I can examine
these watches by myself, while you
see what this young person wants who
has been waiting here so long and pa.
tisntly TO get an opportunity to speak
to YOU 49,.
What do you wish, Missy asked
the goldsmith. with look which con-
veycd reproof to her for interrupt
ing him. while engaged with o cusio.
mer Of more value TO him.
The girl hesitatingly approached
the counter. ard taking from her
bosom small gold clasp bent over to
him, and said in o low and trembling
voice fr ~
4 wish sir. you would be so kind
a. TO keep this q few days and lot me
have seven dollars on it,
Low ~ she spoke. her soft trem-
bling tones reached the ears of Col.
No oHenry. the gentleman who was pres
ent, and he turned 10 observe her
face. and hear the reply Of the gold
smith to this timid and painfully ut
tered request. The goldsmith took
the clasp scornfully between his fingers
aud throwing It down. said sharply to
her.
This is no pawnbroker's shop, girl
and if IL was, that thing Is not
worth two dollars
1t IL Of ofinestimabls value TO me sir
Indeed IL is the only thing valuable
have" answered she earnestly, and
her check slightly flushed at the rude
manner Of his reply.
Il don't dnow what you may value
Il at" he answered with cold laugh.
at Col. McHenry, whom he
saw severely observing him: Il
would not like to give you six shillings
for it.
But sir. plead the girl. unconscious
Of being overheard, i must have sew
en- dollars TO day, and have no 9TH
Or way of fgetting il. and I was in hopes
Sir, that you might let me have that
sum on il: for ! will certainly come
back and take 1t up again
Il tell you,' answered he, angrily. Il
keep no pswnbroker's shop. Go to
The Jews
They won't give me but two del.
lars. and want seven
And so you think to get it out Of
me?'
The young girl was about TO speak
again, but ss il MT knowing what fur
ther arguments TO urge, hesitated, and
was turning slowly away, when she
checked herself and again spoke to
him
Sir she said. in q low thrilling tone
Of earnest entreaty, my mother is ly-
ing very i'll. and our rent is due at e
o'clock to-day, and the persons we
sew for. having disappointed usin our
pay, have no other resource but
lhisl OIL Sir, will you take this
clasp only for few days. and ! will
then repay you?'
Mr.. Broochard felt that Col. Me-
Henry's eyes weie upon him. waiting
an answer and as h. wished him to
think him n man Of business, (which
meant in his notion q man without a
hearty he answered promptly and
sternly. NO. Do you think we are
simpletons 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 Of those? Latest importa-
tion; full jeweld and warranted in all
points. / will sell you the one just
laid down. for one hundred and nine
ty-6ve dollars s
The gentleman, however, was not
needing him. but watching the young
girl whom he saw leave the counter
with heavy, dropping step. approach
ed the door. Her face had struck
him for its sweet intelligent loveliness,
and her modesty had for him an ire
sistible charm; but her plea Of power
ty deeply interested his feelings. and
enlisted his sympathies in her behalf.
He had silently observed the progress
of her interview with him. with emo.
tions ofcontempt for one. and pity for
the other.
Her hand was on the knob of the
door whea, advancing towards sher,
said,
You asked. / believe. for seven dol
lars?' he said with gentle interest in
his tone. that at once awakened hope
in her heart, and again brought the
light to her eyes and the hue TO hel
cheeks, as she diffidently answered;
Yes, sir. / should not have
been so bold aud urgent. but -"
"None too much SO. There is ten
dollar note--and have no smaller
bills
Sir. you are too kind -
Not word. l am happy to do you
q service
Take the clasp, sir, though l am
ashamed to offer u to yor, since the
gentleman says it is SO valueless.-
But to me it is as valuable as life, and
| foolishly thought II must be so 9th
ers.'
i do not want it, child,' answered
Col. McHenry, ieelingly putting the
hand aside, while she urged it upor
him.