Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1857-06-13
stlttt Talt.
THE PERJURED GOLDSMITH.
By J. II. lSGRAHAN.

| ~ NIputeJ CSCPeulDpIy pretty girl,
plainly attired, entered one of the goldsmith
stores on - street, and seeing that II
| gentleman was engaged with the proprietor,
she timidly shrunk aside near the door until
he should be at leisure. The assistants were
also occupied with customers whose dress
and appearance showed them to belong to
| the class OF the rich, and she was suffered to
remain for some time standing there before
she could be attended to.
The gentleman, who was fine, noble
looking person, with remarkably polished
address, seeing her waiting, courteousiy stood
aside, and said to the goldsmith
"lo not occupy yourself with me now, Mr..
Broochard, / can examine these watches by
myself, while you see what this young person
wants, who has been waiting so long and so
patiently to get an opportunity TO speak to
you"
"Nhat do you want ?" asked the goldsmith,
with look thnt conveyed reproof TO her
for interruptiug him while engaged with q
customer of more value to him.
The girl hesitatiagly approached the coun-
ter, and taking from her bos Jm small gold
clasp bent over to him and said, in low,
trembling voice,
81 wish you would be so kind MS to keep
this few days, and let ME have seven dollars
on it,"
Low as she spoke, her soft, trembling tones
reached the ears Of Col. MclIenry, the gen
tloman who was present, and he turned TO
observe her face, and hear the reply of the
goldsmith to this timd and painfully altered
request The goldsmith took the clasp scorn-
fully between his fingers, aud throwing it
down, said sharply to her
This is no pawnbroker's shop, girl-and
if it was, that thing is not worth two dollars"
1t is Of inestmable value to me, sir
indeed il is the only thing valuable ! have"
said she, earnestly. aud her cheek slightly
flushed at the rude manner of the reply.
81 don't know what you may value it at"
he said, with cold laugh, glsncing at Col
Mcllenry, whom he saw severely eyeing him.
II would not like to give you six shillngs for
it,"
but, sir" plead the girl, unconscious of
being overheard II must have seven dollars
to-day, aud have no other way of getting
it, was in hope, sir that you might let me
have the sum on it. / will certainly come
back aud take it up again"
Il tell you" answered he, angrily, 81 keep
no pawnbroker's shop; go to the Jews"
They wont give me but two dollars and
want seven"
"And SO you think to get it out Of me ?"
The young girl was about to speak again,
but, as if not knowing what further argument
TO urge, hesitated, and was turning slowly
away, when she checked herself and again
spoke to him
Sir she said in thrilling tone Of earnest
entreaty, my mother is lying very i'll, and
our rent is due at II o'clock to-day. and the
persons We sew for having disappointed US in
our pay, have no other resource than this.
Oh, sir, will you take this clasp only for few
days, and | will then repay you ?"
MIR. Broochard felt that Col. McHenrys
eyes were upon him, awaiting an answer
aud as he wished him to think him man of
business (which meant in his notion a man
without heart he answered promptly and
ste;nly
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 They are the latest importations
full jeweled aud warranted in all points.
will sell you the one just laid sown for one
hundred and ninety-lye dollars"
The gentleman, however, was not needing
him, but watching the young girl whom he
saw leaving the counter with heavy, droop.
ing STEP aud approached the door. Her face
had struck him for its sweet, intelligent love
illness, and her modesty had for him an ire
sistable charm, but her plea Of poverty deeply
interested his feelings and enlisted his sym
pathies in her behalf. lie had silently oh
served the progress of the interview with
him, with emotions Of contempt for one, and
pity for the other.
Her hand was on the knob of the door,
when advancing toward her he said
You asked, believe for seven dollars ?"
he said, with gentle interest in his tone,
that at once awakened hope in her heart, and
again brought light TO her eyes and the hue
to her checks, as she diflidently answered,
Yes, sir, should not have been SO ur-
gent"
None too much so. There is ten dollar
note l have no smaller bills."
''Slr, you are too kind"
Not a word. am happy to do you
Take the clasp, sir, though am ashamed
to offer it TO you, since the gentleman says it
is so valueless. But to me it is as valuable
as life, and ! foOlishly thought it must be SO
to Others"
II 90 not want it, child" said McHenry,
feelingly putting the hand aside, while she
urged it upon him.
"Indeed sir, you must take it, for ! shall
feel in some degree under obligations to a
stranger. Besides wish to cali and redeem
IT, VIII you give me your address, sir p and