Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-11-16
SafDliistellaneous, SafDlii
The Test of Love.

" Ii | ever marry, Saln margaret bally 10
her cousin Olivia, 1T will be man who
does not live entirely for himself, but who,
ont of the benevolencc Of charitable heart,
will not pass unheeded the cry of the widow
and orphan who call on him for relief"
"You speak warmly, Margaret"
" Because feel it. have always thought
that charitable man would make good
husband"
"But how will yon be able to Judge Of
this? You are an heiress, and of course you
have many suitors. DO you not believe that
any one of them would be willing to do a
Charitable mood for while, if they supposed
that upon this issue depended the hand of
the wealthy heiress 2"
"Perlaps you are right" said Margaret,
though,tully; but she added suddenly, " An
idea has just come into my head, by which
I think this embarrassment can be avoided"
"What is it ?" asked olivia, curiou>ly.
Let me confess, in the first place, that
among all who are generally consider suitors
for my haud-perhaps fortune would be the
most appropriate word-there is none whom
I would think of as husband except Herbert
Lee and Henry Ainsworth. The former, you
know, is wealthy, the latter clerk, depcn-
dent on his income, which, should judge,
was not large. Now, have mind to sub
icct these two to test"
"a good idea; but how will you manage
it?" asked Olivia.
aYou know that there is poor family on
Allen.strect, the ono of whom We heard to-
day, consisting Of a mother who is sick, and
three young children. Now | am going
anonymously, of course-to recommend this
family to the charitable Offices of both Her.
bert Lee and Henry Ainsworth, and we will
see the result. They will not recognize your
handwriting; therefore, | want you to take
pen and paper and write note at my dicta-
tion.n
Olivia procured the writing materials, and
her cousin dictated as follows:
sDEAR SIR-Though stranger to you, l
take the liberty Of calling your attention to
the cause of my poor family now living in
single room in Allen-street, who in conse-
ouence of the illness Of the mother, who has
supported them by plain sewing, are reduced
to extreme want. A little aid at this time
would be to them like the visit of an angel
from heaven. Will you extend it2 At least,
call upon them, and you will be convinced
that this is but simple, plain statement OF
the truth. CHARITY"
The note was copied and dispatched through
the post-ofice to the address of both gentle
men.
Perhaps three days atterward, Herbert
Lee called at Margaret's residence. Margaret
adroitly led the conversation to the subject
of charity and charitable institutions.
"Ah," said Herbert Lee, that reminds
me Of an odd circumstance. 1 received
letter the other day, recommending to my
notice poor family in Allen-street. 1t was
signed Charity, and advised me to go and see
them"
"And did you co. asked Margaret quickly.
"No!" was the laughing reply. 81 haven't
time to waste in hunting up all the destitute
families in this city. l should have my haRds
FULL"
"But the family may be suffering from
want"
off they are, Charity would be in better
business in relieving them himself than in
sending anonymous letters Of advice to Others"
Would Herbert Lee have laughed so merri-
ly if he had known the effect of his want of
feeling on her whom he was most anxious to
please?
"I think, after ALL" said Margaret, when
Herbert had withdrawn, "that must go
and see Mrs. Green myself If Henry Aims
worth is no more charitable than Herbert, he
will fare very hard"
The ladies arrayed themselves for walk.
A few minutes brought them to the residence
OF the widow Of whom they were in search.
To their surprise they found, on being ad-
mitted, that cheerful fire was glowing in
tie stove, Willie pleasant smell of dinner
filled the apartment. On the table by the
side of the window was some medicine. The
hearth was brushed up, and tue room, though
scantily furnished, presented neat and very
comfortable appearance.
Margaret looked around in surprise.
was led to believe" said she, that you
were in great want"
$50 we are," said Mrs. Green but thanks
to the generosity Of noble young gentleman,
who stepped forward to our relief, we are
no longer So"
-" Indeed, who was it that thus bcfriended
YOU"
/" His name is Ainsworth. He sent for a
doctor for me- and at his own cost purchased
food and Goals, so that, by the blessing OF
God, hope soon to recover my health, and
then all will go right once more"
After little more conversation Margaret
and her cous.l withdrew, leaving with Mrs.
Green some money for her present necessities.