Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-06-25
miscellaneous.
THE PERJURED GOLDSMITH.
ny y H. tEGHAHAN.
CHApTER l.

gentleman was engaged with the proprietor,
she timidly shrunk aside near the door until
he should be at leisure. The assistants we're
also occupied with customers whose dress and
appearance showed them to belong TO the
class of the rich. and she was suffered to re-
main for some time standing there before she
could be attended to-
The gentleman, who was a fine, noble-look-
ing person, with a remarkably polished adj
dress, seeing her waiting, courteously stood
aside, and said the goldsmith
"Do 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 speak to you"
"What do you want, Miss r. asked the
goldsmith, with look that conveyed a re-
reproof to her for interrupting him while en-
gagged with a customer Of more value to him.
Tho girl hesitatingly approached the coun-
ter, and taking from her bosom a small gold
clasp, bent over to him and said, in a low,
trembling voice,
81 wish you would be so kind as to keep
this fow days, and let me have seven dollars
on it,
Low as she spoke. her soft. trembling tones
reached the cars Of Col. McHenry, the gen
tleman who was present and he turned to
observe her face, and hear the reply of the
goldsmith to this timid and painful uttered
request. The goldsmith took the clasp
scornfuly between his fingers, and throwing
it down, said sharply to her,
"This is no pawnbroker's shop, girl-and
If it was, that thing is not worth two dol
lars
at is Of inestimable value to me, sir -- in
deed, it is the only thing valuable l have
said she, earnestly. and her check slightly
flushed at the rude manner Of the reply.
IL don't know what you may value it at, ~
he said, with a cold laugh glaucing at Col.
MclIcnry. whom he saw severely eyeing him,
81 would not like to give you six shillings
for it,
"But, sir, plead the girl, unconscious Of
being overheard, Il 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, will certainly come back
and take it up again.
u tell you. answered he angrily, 81 keep
no pawnbroker's shop 20 to the Jews
They won't 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
tn urge. hositated. and was turning slowly
away, when she checked herself and again
spoke TO him.
"Sir' she said in a thrilling tone Of earn
est entreaty, "my mother is lying very ILL.,
and our rent is due at p o'clock to-day, and
the persons we sew for having disappointed
us in our pay. ] have no other resource than
this O. sir. will YOU take this clasp only
for few days. and will then repay you
Mr.. Broochard felt that Col. McHenry' $
eyes were upon him, awaiting an answer and
as he wished him to think him a man of bus
mess (Which meant in his notion a man with
out hoart) he answered promptly and stern
ly:
"Do you think We are simpetons here, to
throw away money in this way lfyou have
nothing more to say, please stand aside for
customers. Well, Cllonel, what do you think
Of those They are the latest importations !:
full iowellod and warranted in all points. 1
will sell You the one you just laid down for
one hundred and ninety-fvo 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 approaching the door. Her
face had struck him for its sweet, intelligent
loveliness. and her modesty had for him an
irresistible charm, but her plea OF poverty
deeply interested his feelings aud enlisted his
sympathics in her behalf He had silently
observed the progress of the interview with
emotions Of contempt for one, and pity for the
other
Her hand was on the knob Of the door,
when advancing towards her
you asked believe, for seven dollars :"
he said, with gentle interest in his tone, that
4. l.,
brought light to her eyes and the hue to her
checks, as she difidently answered,
''Yes sir, should not have been so ur-
gent
''None too much So There is a ten dollar
note / have no smaller bills
"Sir, you are too kind
mot word am happy to do you a
service"
take the clasp sir, though am aShamed
to offer it to you since the gentleman 'ays it
is so yauloss. But to me it is as valuable as
life, and | foolishly thought it must be 50 to
others
81 do not want it, child" said McHonry,
feelingly putting the hand aside, while she
urged it upon him.
''Indecd, sir you must take it, for | shall
feel in some degree under obligations to a
stranger Besides | wish to call and redeem
it, viii you give me your address, sir p
and as she spoke, he still declining the jewel,
she laid it on the showcase.
so, no matter-but if you insist, it is the
United States Hotel.
"Thank you sir; you can never know the
blessing to others that will follow your kind
ness to me to-day" Thus speaking, and look
ing upon him with an expression Of gratitude
in her fearful eye, she left the shop, forgetting
the clasp, which she left upon the showcase
"Will you look at one of these watches
now, Col. McTIenryi" supercliously asked
the goldsmith, without lifting his condemned
eyes.
"No, sir" answered the gentleman, stern
ly and taking his gloves and cane, walked
from the shop of the avarcious goldsmith
Who too close to risk triae to relieve the
wants of poor family, had probably lost Q
large amount by the purchases his wealthy
customer might have made, as well as his Owl
self-respect, such as it was for ayarice al
ways sinks into its own shell before the broad
sun Of benevoence.
snow there goes a man who throws away
{ his money upon yagrants, while | keep min'
, | IN sunnort nv family" said the goldsmith