Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-03-13
Giterarp Selections.
THE PERJURED GOLDSMITH
By PROF. J. H. INaRAHAM.
CHAPTER 1.


A modest and exceedingly pretty
Young girl, plainly attired, entered one
Of the goldsmiths stores on street,
and seeing that gentleman was engaged
With the proprietor, she timidly shrank
aside near the door until he could be at
leisure. The assistants were also occu-
MED with customers whose dress and ap-
pearsDce showed them to belong to the
class of the rich, and so she was suffered
tD remain for some time, standing there,
before she could be attended to.
The gentleman, who was fine, noble
looking person, with a remarkably pol
;sbed address, seeing her waiting, stood
aside. and said to the goldsmith:
DO not occupy yourself with me,
now Mr.. Brooehard, l can examine
these watches by myself, while you see
what this young person wants who has
bsep waiting here so long and patiently
10 get an opportunity to speak to you
what do you wish, Miss ? asked the
goldsmith, with look that conveyed a
reDroof TO her for interrupting him while
pneaged with q customer of more value
to bin. .-...
The girl hesitatingly approached the
counter, and taking from her bosom q
small gold clasp, bent over to him, and
said in low, trembling voice:
l wish, sir, ydn would be SO kind as
okeep this few days, and let me have
seven dollars on it,
Low as she spoke, her soft, trembling
tones reached the ears of McHenry, the
gentleman who was present, and he
turned to see her face, and hear the re-
ply of the goldsmith to the timid and
painfully uttered request. The gold
smith took the clasp scornfully between
his fingers, and dhrowing it down, said
sharply to her a-
"This is no pawnbroker's shop, girl
and if it was that thing is not worth two
dollars."
at is Of inestimable value to me SIR
indeed it is the only thing valuable !
have" answered she earnestly, and her
cheek slightly flushed at the rude manner
Of his reply. F.. .,. a..
al don't know what you may value ii
at" he answered, with a cold laugh
glancing at Col. McHenry, who he saw
severely eyeing him; 81 would not like
10 give you six shillings for it,"
"But, sir" pleaded the girl, uncon.
scious Of being overheard, t" / must have
seven dollars to day, and have no Other
way Of getting it; was in hope, sir
that you might let me have the sum on it
Twill certainly come back and take it NJ
again."
81 tell you" answered he angrily, q
keep no pawnbroker's shop. Go to th'
Jews"
"Ihey won't give me bat two dollars
and want seven"
The young girl was about to apea
again, but as if not knowing what furthe
arguments to urge, hesitated, and wa
turning slowly away, when she checke
herself, and again spoke to him
Sir" she said, in thrilling tone {
earnest entreaty, "my mother is lyin
very i'll, and our rent is due at Y o'cloc
to-day, and the persons we sew for ha,
ing disappointed US in our pay, 1 have I
other resource but this! Oh! sir, vi
you take this clasp only for a few day
and viii then repay you "
Mr.. Broochard felt that Col. McHeI
rvs eyes were upon him, awaiting an a.
sver5 and as he wished him to think hi
a man of business, (which meant to b
notion man without hearth he a
'wered promptly and sternly:
mo. Do you think we are simpl
Tons here? If you have nothing mo
to say, please stand aside for customer
well, Col., what do you think Of thos
Ihey are the latest Importation; Fl
leweled and warranted in all points.
VIII sell you the one just laid down
0ne hundred and ninety-fve dollars"
The gentleman, however, was 4
needing him, but watching the you
grs whom he saw leaving the count
with heavy, dropping step, and approa
'ne door. Her face had struck him /
us sweet, intelligent loveliness, and b
inodesty had for him an irresistil
enarm; but her plea of poverty deeI
interested his feelings, and enlisted
ympathies in her behalf. He had
ien'ly observed the progress of her int
view with him with emotions Of conten
'OF one and pity for the other.