Amador weekly ledger., 1858-06-12
The Blind Beggar-A Sketch from Life

Can you give me crust of bread | am
very hungry y
Such was the petition of an aged blind
the door of the habitation of wealth by his
faithful dog.
Go to the work house, zoe have nothing
for paupers," said the heartess servant, as
she shut the door in his face
AS she did so a light step was heard in the
hall, and a light hand threw wide the door
again while kind and gentle voce-that of
a lady-thrilled to the old beggars heart as
it uttered these words:
Mary, show the poor man to the kitchen.
aud set the remains Of our dinner before him.
See, he looks faint and furnishing. Give him
plenty to eat and to drink"
At the first sound of the lady's voice the
beggar had started, and an impression of
pleasure fitted for a moment over his worn
features. 1t was as if her voice awakened
some memory Of the past some recollection
which had long slumbered in his mind.
May heaven reward you" he muttered
through his quivering lips.
The servant with polteness far different
from her former insulting air, led the old man
into the kitchen. The kind lady turned to
retrace her steps up the stairs, but bent over
the bannsters and again addressed the SER
want girl
Mary, be sure the little dog has his share
She then walked lightly mp to an elegant par
or, and stood at one of the windows, where
she ndulged in reverie. The beggar's face
was familiar to her. She was certain she had
seen it before. Her heart beat strangely.
She could not define the emotions which
swelled within her soul. What was there
about the forsaken blind beggar and his dog
that could so disturb the usual peaceful cur
rent of this wealthy persons lifeg
After having been engaged in deep thought
for several minutes, she started nervously.
and touching silver bell she sat down to
regain composure. A liveried servant an
swered the bell.
Has the poor blind man who was recent
ly admitted left the house ~ she eagerly in
quired
No, maam, he is yet below"
Has he satisfied his hunger 7"
HE says he has, but he has taken moth
ing but half slice of bread and cup OF
tea"
"And can he not eat more 7"
." 1t seems not, ma'am; his appetite is very
poorly. for that of man who appears half
famished"
"You may lead him to this room" said the
lady, / wish to speak with him"
The servant bowed and departed. Soon
toteripg and uneven step was heard on the
stairs, aud the next moment the blind man
entered the apartment. She rose and gent
ly taking bis hand, led him up to the sofa.
Be seated she said 81 sent for you
to know the cause of your present situation,
aud what has brought you to it, for the ex-
preston Of your face tells me that you have
not always been as now ?"
You speak kindly, lady" answered the
beggar "and If my simple history can
afford you any interest. / will with pleasure
give you slight sketch of it.
"i'm of wealthy parents | grew up IN
the halls of fashion and gaety. My twenty
second year arrived. and found myself FOL
the first time in love. The object OF my al
lection was a young lady Of wealth and higt
birth she was as virtuous and high-mndet
as she was beautiful, graceful aud gentle
will not tire you with an account of my
courtship, and the many weary days ant
sleepIess nights endured, but will come u
that most likely to prove Of Interest to you
After some time elapsed, resolved to bea