Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-08-05

Mr.. Arnet stood in little office OPEN
ing from the main bank, where the long
rows of clerks were bending over their
desks. He had been looking over lit
tie pocket book, which he always carried
about him, for some note or bill; and. as
he turned lis pages, a bit of folded pa
per dropped out.
The banker opened it, and although
twenty years had deadened the first edge
of his sorrow, the tears rushed to his
eyes as they fell on the contents. A
pencil sketch. rude and unfinished, of a
meek browed chiid-a lock of soft brown
hair, and that pcrfumed dust of crimson
rose-thcse were dearcr to the banker
than his vaults of yellow gold.
! As he looked at them. trcmulous
voice without arrested his car.
Il would DO glad if you would buy,
gentlemen, for my need is very great. !
have sickly daughter at horne, who
must be fed.
BE off about your business was the
sharp rejoinder. Il won't let you in.
Don't you see you are not wanted here ?
The voice seemed to strike respon-
sve chord in the rich man neart; sure
ly he had heard its mild tones before.
lie partially opened the door. and called
out stcrnly:
Mr. Waters, show the gentleman in,
i you please
The abashed clerk obeyed not without
surprise, and the bowed old man, with
his heavy basket of Strawberries, came
hnmoly into the private room Of the
great banker
will you take a chair politely in
qured Mr.. Arnct, moving forward a lux
urions tauicuH.
The old man took ofhis hat apolog2t-
ically.
Sir, | fear that intrudc on your val
liable time. If you would buy some Of
my fruit-nccessity, you know is strong,
and my poverty is extreme. | was not
always in such position.
Mr.. Arnet watched the proud turn of
that gray head with singular smile;
then sitting down to his desk he wrote
off check and handed it across the IN
bic.
'Nnc thousand dollars faltcred the
old man, as he read, turning red and
white in breath. He held it toward
the banker.
"sir, l hoped you were too much of
gentleman to make sport age and dis
tress. Is there anything to jest about
III my want:,
Not at all, sir. You spoke of sick.
ly daughter. | have cottage vacant.
just outside the city, with fountain.
grounds and observatory. If you and
your daughter will occupy it, rent free,
| shall be very glad to have you take
care of it for me-
Tne old man stood white and breath
less, as if in a dream. In an instant his
hand was taken in the clasp Of that great
banker.
My friend. my bencfactor. you have
forgotten me, but my youthful memory
is stronger than yours. Is it possible
that you have no remembrance of me :
The old man shook his neat.
yet it is folly to expect it when am
so changed. Listen, sir he resumed.
with a bright, earnest smile; have you
any recollection of a forlorn boy, on a
crowded pier. whose little all was seat
rered BY rude blow: Have you for
gotten that kind stranger stopped to
comfort him, not only by money, but by
cheering words
is it possible 2 stammered the old
man.
Yes, it is possible; am that forlorn
boy. Your money, which that night
supplied my dying sister with luxuries
and pleasures, proved the stepping stone
to my princely wealth. Sir, | was a
ragged, friendless boy, but my heart
treasured up your kind words as price
less Jewels; and now tho time has come
when | may, in some measure, repay
them with interest.
The old man moved his p le lips as
though he would speak; the banker ,e
sumed instantly
Il am alone in the world; my mother
is dead, and my little sister, whose last
words were of your kindness, has gone.
years ago, to her eternal home. | owe
everything to you; and now have a IA
yor to ask.
~ favor, and of me-
That you will henceforth allow me to
provide for you, and consider me as your
son. My carriage is at the doo-, and
will take YOU wheresoeyer you wish to
90. But a moment first
He took tiny volume from his breast
bound in faded velvet, with claspinss Of
tarnished gilt.
This book was my dead sisters BIZ
bic; it lay on her pillow when she died,
and since that hour it has been my con
slant companion. There is a passage
here that has ever been present to my
mind since your kind deed gave hope
and courage to my | fe.'
He opened the volume, and, through
a soft mist of grateful tears, the old
man read the Scripture words
Gas: thy bread upon the paters; for
taou stat fna it after many days
NoUSc NAN ATTENTION -NOunp