The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1858-04-16
"ETERNAL HOSTILITY
MISCEAMATlS0US0
The Puriured Goldsmith.
BY ,. n. INGRAHAM.

gHI, piaiH'y oNHSui eh'citu ohO VI uo eo'u'
smiths stores on - Street, and seeing
that gentleman was engaged with the pro.
, prietor, she tlmidly shrunk aside near the
door until he should be a, leisure. The as.
sistants were also occupied with customers
whose dress aud appearance showed them
TO belong to the class Of the rich, and she
was suffered TO remain for some time stand
ing there before she could be attended to.
The gentleman, who was fine, noble
looking person, with remarkably polished
address, seeing her waiting, courteously
stood aside, aud said to the goldsmith
"Do not occupy yourself with me now,
Mr.. Broochard, can examine these watch
es by myself, while you see what this young
person wants who has been waiting so long
and SO patiently to get IN opportunity to
speak to you."
"What do you want, Miss 2" asked the
goldsmith, with a look that conveyed a re-
proof to her for intenupting him while en-
gagged with customer Of more value.
The girl hesitatingS approached the coun-
ter, and taking from her bosom a small gold
clasp, bent over to him and said, in low,
trembling voice,
al wish you would be so kind as to keep
this few days, and let me have seven dol
lars on it,"
Low as she spoke, her soft, trembling
tones reached the ears Of Col. McHenry,
the gentleman who was present, and he
turned to observe her face, aud hear the
reply Of the goldsmith to this timid and
painfully uttered request. The goldsmith
took the clasp scorniully between his fin
gers, and throwing II down, said sharply to
her
"Tbis is no pawnbroker's shop, girl-and
il it was, that thing is not worth two dol
lars"
ut is Of inestimable value to me, sir-in-
deed, j, is the only thing valuable tha, |
haye,' said she, earnestly, and her cheek
slightly flushed at the rude manner OF the
reply.
III don't know what you may value il at"
he said, with cold laugh, glancing at Col.
McHenry, whom he saw severely eyeing
him. ii would not like to give you six
shillings for it,"
"But sir" plead the girl, unconscious Of
being overheard, al must have seven dol
lars to-day, and have no other way Of get
ting IL. was in hope, sir, that you might
let me have the sum on II. i will certainly
come back and take II up again"
I'll tell you," answered he angrily, 81 keep
no pawnbroker's shop; 20 TO the Jews"
."They won't give me but two dollars,and
l want seven"
"And so you think to get it out Of me ?"
The young girl was about to speak again,
but, as IL not knowing what further argu-
ment to urge, hesita,ed, and was turning
slowly away, when she checked herself and
again spoke to him.
"Sir," she said in thrilling tone Of earn
est entreaty, "my mother Is lying very Ill,
and our rent is due at l2 o'clock to-day,
and the persons we sew for having disap-
pointed US in our pay, have no other re-
source than this. D, sir, will you take this
clasp only for few days, and will then
repay you!"
Mr. Broochard fel, that Col. Mclienry's
eyes were upon him, awaiting an answer
and as he wished him to think him man OF
business (which meant in his notion man
without a heart) he answered promptly and
sternly:
"Do you think we are simpletons here, TO
throw away money in this way" II you
have nothing more to say, please stand aside
for customers. We'll, Colonel, what do you
think of thosei They are the latest i'm
portations iull jewelled, and warranted in
all points. ] will sell you the one just laid
down for one hundred and ninety-tive dol
lars"
The gentleman, however, was not heed
ing him, but watching the young girl, whom
he saw leaving the counter with heavy,
dropping step, and approaching the door.
Her face had struck hun for its sweet, in
telligent loneliness, and her modesty had for
him an irrisistable charm, but her plea Of
poverty deeply interested his feeling and
enlisted his sympathies in her behalf. He
silently observed the progress OF the inter-
view with him, with emotions vi contempt
for one, and pity for the other.
Her hand was OH the knob Of the door,
when advancing towards her
"You asked, | believe, for seven dollars 2"
he said, with gentle interest in his tone,
that at once awakened hope in her heart,
aud again brough, light TO her eyes and the
1 hue TO her cheeks, as she diifidently an
swered,
ayes, sir, should not have been so ur-
gent"
"None too much so. There is ten dol
lar note; have no smaller bills"
"Sir, you are too kind
"Not word. am happy to do you a
service"
take the clasp, sir, though ] am asham-
ed to offer 1t to you, since the gentlemen
says il is so valueless. But to me It is as
valuable as life, and foolishly thought 1t
must be 50 TO Others"
81 do not want it, child" said McHenry,
feelingly putting the hand aside, while she
urged IL upon him. .,
"lndeed, sir you must take II, for shall
feel in some degree under obligations 10
stranger. Besides, / wish to call ana re-
deem 1t. Will you give me your address,
sir 2" aud as she spoke, he still declining
the jewel, she laid it on the show box.
-, no matter-but if you insist, It Is the
United States Hotel"
"Thank you, sir, you can never Know tue
blessing to others that will follow yoar
kindness to me today" Thus speaking, and
looking upon him with an expression oil
gratitude in her fearful eye, she leit the
shop, forgetting the clasp, which she iei'
upon the showcase.
"Will you look at one Of these watches
now, Col. Mclieny z" supcrciliously asked
the goldsmith, without lifting his condemned
eyes.
mo, sir" answered the gentleman, stern,
ly; and taking his gloves and cane, walked
IRON the shop Of the avsrieious goldsmith
who, too close to risk trihe to relieve the
wants Of poor family, had probably lost
large amount by the purchases his wealthy
customers might have made, as well as his
own seli-respect, such as IL was; for avarice
alNays siNks int, a.. o~n shsll hei0fa the