The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-23
rate said Roger to himself. There's no

rate said Roger to himself. There's no
trick about that
they alighted before handsome brick
door. aud silver bell handle, and the
name of Upton on a silver -plate--as the
old man saw by bright gaslight that
burned before the ust painted steps.
The merchant entered by means of a
night-key, showing that he felt at home on
the premises; and presently the old man
was introduced into a snug little library.
where, among other comforts. there was a
fire glowing brightly in the CRATE.
The adventure looked more and more
like reality: and when with his own hands
the merchant brought from an adjoining
room. coats. vests. pantaloons and shirts.
all good and whole, some scarcely worn
al all, and told him to choose what suited
him best. Roger chuckled with a deep in
ward joy. scarce clouded by doubt.
But ought 10 have a good wash and
shave lore getting into anything respect.
able in the shape OF clothing.
i thought Of that, so | ordered warm
bath. which will be ready for you in few
minutes. I've sent for my barber, too.
who'll be here by the time you come out
Of the bath. Now have faith. old man,
and fear nothing. I'm determined to see
il it's possible 10 make one man perfectly
happy 4sl III - %
You've chosen a promising subject.
said Johnson, with a smile Of quiet glee
Pm a good natural capacity that way;
and il any man is suffered to appreciate
comfort, | can set up that modest claimH
So the old man was put into bath;
then barbered by fellow skillful with ra
zor and shears; and finally clad in gar.
ments tha, would have been respectable
on change. .a
Then Roger sat down in the easy chair
which Upton placed for him before the
CRATE. and wep, like child.
What's the matter?' asked his friend.
This reminds me Of my better dsys-it
brings such strange ,hingsto my memory
murmured the old man.
is that all? thought there might be
something else necessary TO your happi-
ness. .--
'No,hing-nothing!'
Nothing at all? Are you sure?'
'Indeed'-a cloud passed over the old
mans face-'there is one thing | would
like 10 have mended little, but had no
thought of asking The favor of you.'
Speak out, tell you. old man! knew
there was something else''
my lodging is cheerless and cold. !
freeze there these raw nights; and | aint
sure that three meals day and The warm
10th ,n,;lI ho, ,.,4S -
happiness into that gloomy hole.
What will you have. then?'
o, ask nothing: but the truth is. if |
was able to rent little more comfortable
lodging
'Whs, would you fancy? Twill do no
harm to talk
Il am well aware that the only genuine
civilized way Of living. is to have house
Of ones own; but that Of course am not
foolish enough to think of.
If you mean just such house as
would like-why. Id say some such a
house as this OF yours. Everything seems
so comfortable here! A man ought to be
happy as Adam. in an Eden like this
Now. llltell you what, old man., cried
the enthusiastic merchant can't think
OF turning myself out Of doors, even for
the sake of philosophy; but if you'll lei
me live here and have my own way lit.
tie, III give you this house to be your
home~s long as you live. ..a,.-.
Old Roger Johnson opened his eyes
wider with wonder.
III shall be as if you were my father.
said the eccentric Mr.. Upton. Every
thing ! have shall be at your service. You
shall Sit with me at table, and enjoy your
three meals day. my tailor, my baker.
my servants-all are yours. So you'll
have nothing to do but be happy! Twill
be worth hall my fortune 10 have a happy
man in my house. What do you say to
that?'
Nov you are mocking me? sighed the
old man. deeply troubled.
SO you thought a, first; but II tea ch
you that ! was never more in earnest in
my life.' ....-.-.
but can never pay.your
You will pay me, ! tell you, by being
happy!'
1T is too much-too much!
Not jot too much. old man. And
take my word tor it, it wont be long before
you will think OF something else necessa.
ry TO lull and complete bliss. see by
your eye you have already thought ol
something; am right
Indeed said the old man. letting fall
tear. i can never think Of being happy
until know whether my child Edith still
lives. or what has become Of her.
.IIo, then. You have daughier!
Il had daugh,er--to know that have
one, and that she is fair. and good, and
ha ppy. would be worth more than all these
blessings you so lavishly bes,ow upon me-
to know that. is oil l.ask Of Heaven-ther
| | would be content to die y ;-
But how could you lose sight Of you
ohildl' a.s,o is G4z
+ o, it would take a long story to tell yo,
that. The poor things mother married
me agains, the will Of her family. who
hated me because Twas poor. But wa
fortunate in business; and in the course
Of time was able TO invite my wiie'
proud parents to my own house, and trea
them as we'll as such people ought to b.
treated Edith was our third child; ant
\ hocaneo sho lot ..