The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-07-12

eight thousand Oucc-eignt tEOusau twice
eight thousand three times; going, gone
What name? Clifford was the response;
and all eyes rested on tail, noble looking
man. who had remained silent during the rap
id bidding Of tie spectators; and who as the
whisper went round, was pronounced total
stranger.
I 1t Is gone whispered Mr.. Sunderland to
his wife, as he pressed her hand in silent
grief. we have no home now
Now, gentlemen cried the auctloneer.
we will sell this sideboard, in regard to which
| am requested by the creditors TO say that 1t
is an old family peice. and it is the wish of
the owners to retain it if possible. l mere
ly mention this. as it is known to you under
what peculiar circumstance the things are sold
/ This had It's desired effect; no one seemed
willing to bid against the unfortunate man W ho
started il at ten dollars. Twenty was bid by
Mr.. Clifford; twenty-five from Mr.. Sunder-
land; fifty from Mr. Clifford silenced the anxi-
ous parent, i tie family piece Of furniture was
knocked down to the new owner of the house.
A gentleman who stood by remarked that
the act was a cold hearted one. Was it,
sarcasiically asked Mr. Clifford, then sir, why
did you not buy it for hin?'
Mr. Sunderland was much affected at this
little incident He little knows how much
he has lacerated this heart But | will pur-
chase the piano for my child He stepped
up 10 NJ. Clifford and told him the desire he
had to purchase the piano for his daughter,
and he hoped he would not bid against him.
Sir said the stranger. Il will not deceive
you. AS much as | respect your feelings and
the sympathy of this good company, L cannot,
nay, will not altar the determination made
when first entered this house
And pray sir, what may that be?'
To purchase every thing in it; and by hea-
ven III do it, though pay double the pr ce'
Strange, muttered Mr.. Sunderland, as he
found his family IN another part of the room.
The stranger fulfilled his promise, and ac-
tually bought every thing, from the house it.
self, to the very axe in the cellar!
After the sale was over, and the company
had retired, Mr.. Clifford requested the auc-
tioneer to walk with him into an adjoining
room After the lapse of few moments they
both returned to the parlor where the family
still remained. The auctioneer looked round,
gave knowing smile, wished them all "A good
day, and as he left the room was heard to saw
i never heard of such thing; a perfect ro-
nance, ha, la! ha'
You are now observed Mr. Sunderland
to Mr. Clifford. the owner of this house and
furniture, they were once mine; let that pass
4 am, but sir, for the time being, your land
lord
Il understand You. sir, but will not long
remain your tenant; | was going to observe
however, that there sre two or three articles
which | am anxious to purchase; that side
board for instance. as family relic: [ Will
give you the fifty dollars, the price that YOU
paid, and | feel assured that under the cir
cumstauces, You will not refuse me this ia, or??'
Il cannot take it, sir
'Obdurate, ungrateful man
VIII YOU let Pa buv my piano, sir?' hum
blv asked Ellen. lie will give YOU the
price at which it was sold
1t is painful for ma Young lady. TO refuse
even this; | will sell nothing; not even the
wood saw in the cellar.
Then Mr. Clifford, exclaimed Mr.. Sun
derland, we have no further business here;
come my dear; Ellen get your bonnet; that 5
your band box let quit this house; we are
not even free from Insult. Where is Mary?'
Il am here. sir; the key of nv trunk is
lost. and am fastening it with a rope
Stop, my girl; but methinks l purchased
that trunk?' coolly observed the Stranger
Mr.. Clifford, | am not so old but that
can resent an insult; nay. | viii. if YOU carry
this arrogance too far towards one who is TO
me and mine the best. and may say the on
ly friend; she has remained with lis III power
ty, assisted in our distress, not only with
ItE Sc. put iitE ttdHtiS Si.t Is 10 me not 2
servant, but one Of my iamiiv: for there is,
thank heaven. no such base distinction in pov-
ertv. that exists in state Of blasted wealth.
Here. with nothing but what we have upon
our backs, the master and servant are equal.
She is part of my family. ard viii protect her
from insult. Thar trunk Is hers, and who
dare take il from her? Not Won, srr9' Mr.
Clifford cast his eyes upon Mary, who at that
moment arose from the floor; for moment
they gazed on each otherin silence. And she.
You say. has been to you a friend,
Indeed she has; kind. noble one
Mr.. Sunderland STAY. one moment; NV
good girl, put down that trunk: tt ke a seat
madam; permit me- Miss 10 hand You chair;
Mr.. Sunderland will YOU be seated? | have
vet something 10 say. When vou requested
me to yield up the right had to purchase
the sdeboard, told YOU that it was my deter
will not sell it
This, Mr.. Clifford, needs no repetition
Ave. but it does; when that young lady
made the same request Of her piano, my an
, swer was tie same. Stop sir, hear me out
no man would act SO without motive; no one
particularly n stranger would court the dis
: pleasure Of crowded room, and bear uF
: against the frowns of many without an object
{ Now l had an object; and that was-be seat
r ed. sir; your attention-that object was, Il
: buy this house and furniture. for the sole pur
pose Of restoring them 10 you and yours again !!
SIR. is this not a cruel jest?'
$ is it possible9' exclaimed mother anG
t daughter.
! Amazement took possession OF Mary. and
: per trunk fell 10 the door with a crash. caus
ieg her small stock OF clothing TO roll cut
shich She eagerly gathered up. and thrus
7 oscA, without any regard to the manner il
;. which il was done.
e Inc auetioneer, continued Mr.. Clifford
!; mas my instructions 70 have the matter sr