The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-05-09
A Fact.
BY MRS. S. +. GoopHuE.

Tho following little episode in Its was
told me by merchant Of Boston, who SEEM
cd to take grea, pleasure in relating il; i,
was in fact his first heartfelt, experience that
it was more blessed to give Than to receive
'onc morning. said the merchant, Il was
walking down Washington street amusing
myself by admiring the many rich things
displayed a, the shop windows, when some
engravings at booksellers caugh, my eye;
one represented two lille girls as orphans {;
there was something very sweet and touch
Ing in their expression that rive,ed my gaze.
think my face must have mirrored the
feelings Of my heart, for voice beside me
said, Il know oftwo as forsaken as those ,ba,
small sum Of your money would relieve
cir raised my head in surprise TO look
a, the speaker who SO bluntly appealed to
my sympathy. ], twas young man dressed
as mechanic, there was a manly independ-
ence in his look iha, pleased me, helixed his
inll eyes upon my face with IN earnest look
as though half afraid he had mistaken his
man.
Can be OF any service 10 you, young
man = came Involuntary from my lips.
His cheek and brow crimsoned with hope
and excitement.
Indeed you can, sir, you will"
The last word came donbtiagly.
Are you going to your counting-room now,
sir''
lam. II you wish to speak with me, ]
have leisure to hear you this morning.
He made no reply bn, walked by my side
in deep thought. On entering tho counting
room gave him chair and placed another
for myself near him.
'well,' said !, anxious for him TO CON-
mence.
Il am going 10 ask grea, favor Of you,
sir, bu, I know you will grant il when Tell
you my story. | board, sir, in house
where there are twenty other boarders beside
myself, and the whole work Of tina, house is
done by two orphan eiIls, the oldes, not
seventeen, the youngest but twelve. The
landlady is dislan, relative OF theirs, The
only connection they have, and for one year
they have supplied the place Of two Irish
girls. The eldest, to save her young sister,
has nearly worked herself into the grave
now sir, I wish to marry her, and give The
little one home also. but am booked for
California. am going in one Of your ships
mex, week. l shall work my passage;
what lille money | have, need to buy my
self aud the giIls some clothes, for the old
tlin, has not paid lhtm anything. Now,
sit, will You lend me one hundred dollars
for a ycari wish to furnish room and
leave them in home Of their own, we new.
er wan, 10 see the inside Of her auni's house
again."
He had risen from his chair and stood
calmly waiting for my assent, All tears had
leil him. Ny friend, there was soft place
in my heart that morning, and head too,
believe, for pu, my hand in my poke,
for The required sum. when old prudence
whispered, I had better have some reference
| withdrew my hand, and asked who hal
been his employers. lie told me. REQUEST
ed him 10 call the mex. day at one O'Clock,
and il all was coriec, he should have it,
He shook my hand wi'hou, speaking and
was gone. -'"''r
A, ono o'clock The next day he received
The money, his employers having spoken OF
him in the highest terms. i made a menu