Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-10-30
THE BEGGAR.
A TRUE TALE.

knocked tmldly at the DaSemet door OF q /
fine substantial mansion in the city of
Brooklyn. Though the weather was bit
ter even for the season, the young man
had no clothing but pair Of ragged cloth
pants, and the remains of flannel shirt. |
which exposed his muscular chestin many
large rents. But in spite of his tattered
apparel and evident fatigue, as he leaned /
heavily upon the railing of the basement
stairs, a critical observer could not fail /
to notice a conscious air of dignity, and
the marked traces of cultivation and re-
fnement in his pale haggard countenance.
The door was speedily opened, and dis
closed a large, comfortable furnished
room, with its glowing CRATE of anthra-
cite; before which was placed luxuri-
ouslv furnished breakfast table. A fash
ionably attired young man, in broeade
dressing gown and velvet slippers, was
7stining in soft fa,stsuiI, busily read
ng he morning papers. The beautiful
ro1ng wife had fingered at the table, Civ
ng to the servant in waiting her orders
for the household matters of the day,
when the timid rap at the door attracted
her attention. She&commanded it to be
opened but the young master of the
house replied that it was quite useless
being no one but some thievish beggar :;
but the door was already open, and the
sympathies of Mrs. haywood enlisted at
once.
81 Come into the fire." cried the young
wife, impulsively, "before you perish"
The mendicant, without exhibiting any
surprise at such unusual treatment of a
street beggar, slowly entered the room,
manifesting a painful weakness at every
step. On his entrance, Mr.. haywood,
with a displeased air gathered up his pa
pers and left the apartment. The COM
passionate lady unwisely placed the half
frozen man near the fire, while she pre-
pared bowl of fragrant cofee-which,
with abundant food, was placed before
him. But noticing the abrupt departure
of her husband Mrs. haywood, with a
cIouded countenance, left the room whis-
pering to the servant to remain until the
-.,,,,r~,- eLouiJ lava
She then ran hastily up the richly
mounted staircase, and paused before the
entrance of a small laboratory and medi-
cal library, and occupied solely by her
husband, who was physician and prae-
teal chemist. She opened the door and
entered the room. Mr.. haywood was
sitting at a small table, his head resting
on his hands, apparently in deep thought
"a Edward said the young wife, gent
ly touching his arm, < fear have dis
pleased you; but the man looked 81
wretched, could not bear to drive hin
away" and her sweet voice trembled a
she added" You know take the sa
crament to-day"
Dear Mary" replied the really fon'
husband, 81 appreciate your motives.
know 1t is pure goodness of heart whicI
leads you to disobey me, but still mus
insist upon my former commands-tha
no begger shall ever be permitted to Ell
ter the house. How deeply you migt
be imposed upon in my absences fror
home 1 shudder to think. The man ths
is now below may be but burgler i
disguise, and already in your absenC
taking impressions in wax of the differel
key-holes in the room so as to enter SON
night at his leisure. Your limited e.
perience of city life, makes it difficult fl
you to credit so much depravity. It
no charity to give to street beggars.
only encourages vice, dearest"
" 1t may be so" responded Mrs. Ma
wood, "but it seems wicked not to r
ieve suffering and want even if the pc
son has behaved badly-and we know
But will promise you not to ask anoth'
beggar into the house"
At this moment the servant rapp,
violently at the door, crying out that t
beggar was dying.
Come, Edward, your skill can sa
him, l know" said his wife, hasteni
from the room.
The doctor did not refuse this appe
to bis professional vanity, for he imme,
ately followed his wife's flying footsteI
as she descended to the basement. Til
found the mendicant lying pale and l
conscious upon the carpet where he h
slipped in his weakness from the ch
where Mrs. haywood had seated him.
He is handsome fellow" mutter
the doctor as he bent down to aseert;
the state of his pulse.
As well he might say so. The glo
locks Of raven hair had fallen back fir