The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1859-06-30
. Test of Friendship. /.

.
! David Wentworth had the kindest Of hcnrts
There was neither mote nor bound to his benev.
olence, except inability. And happy were any
man who had a 1.-THE Of prayers that were Offer,
ed up for the welfare Of my friend by the unfor,
tunate and wretchea whom his hand relieved.
I Ispeak ofprayers-fori II was the only reward
he obtained; I.inean herc--but forget. -.
| David was paying attention to excellent
young lady Of his native city. Shewns wealthy.
beautiful and accomplished. and, consequently,
had many suitors. Among them were richer. no.
bler-in extraction ruean--and handsomer len
than David, but mimportc, there was kind of
frank-heartedness about my friend that could not
iail to carry him somewhere near the heart Of his
mistress, event If an emperor had been his rival
The young lady hit upon project to put her
lorers to the test. She had come across poor
widow with family in distress. ip one of her
benevolent excursions, and the idea occurred to
her, that it wonld be good opportunity to rs.
certain the stuff her lovers hearts were made Of
Letters were forthwith indited setting forth the
good woman's tale. and forwarded to the differ
IN gentlemen in the widows name, requesting
IA an wer and assistance. .-.... -...
The first reply was n lecture on idleness and
begging. and concluded with the information that
the writer was not accustomed to give to those
he did not know. This was from ten thousand
doliars year. The second advised her to ap-
| ply to some of the benevolent societies whose
business il was to relieve those who were truly
in want This was from one who had great
| reputation for benevolence--wbo had taken q
| leading part in several charitable associations,
and whose Pharisaicnl liberality had been bla-
soned in the Gazette. ..
The lody thought that, interested as he was in
the success of these institutions he displayed n
very commendablc reluctance about taking it
out of their hands. A third, from good hearted
| generous, kind fellow--enclosed n five dollar bill
with bis compliments. Several took no notice of
the good woman's petition. But there was
another answer which the lady read with far
| different feelings 1t was from David-from
| eight hundred a yenr-and need not say, like
himself, kind and consoling. 1t spoke Of the
| writer's narrow means, the rule he had adopted,
of never giving, unless persuaded Of the object,
and concluded by requesting aninterview.
"IE' snid he, Il find myself otherwise unnble
to afford the assistance you require, l trust may
be of some service interesting others in your be.
half" -.......
Nor was this mere profession. For It wus but
a few weeks before the widow found herself COM
fortably located, and engaged in thriving little
business commenced by the Recommendation and
carried on by the aid of my friend And NIL this
was done in genuine scripture style. There was
| no sounding of trampets--and the right hand
knew not the doings of the lefk But his kind
| lady love wa. a silent observer of his conduct,
and he received many kind glance from that
! quarter, of which he little suspected the cnusc.
She began to think that the homage Of spirit
like his was not thing to be despised; and she
felt something very much like the palpitntion of
the heart as she questioned herself respecting his
Intentions ..
Such was the train Of thought which was ono
evening. as is often the case, interrupted by the
passed by that night, and he still fingered lie
| could not tear himself away.
"She is the most fascinating creature, thought
he, 1" and good ns she Is beautiful. Can che ever
be mine" And cloud passed over his features
| and he sat for a moment in silence. This sus-
pense must DO ended, )" he at length thought lie
started as the clock told eleven.
"You certainly think me ineufferably tedious,
said he, with a faint smile, but have been SO
pleasantly engaged as TO take no note of the
time. And the sin Of this trespass on the rules
of good breeding must be at your door. Besides,
have heightened this visit" he continued, after
pause, under the apprehension that as 1t has
been the happiest it might also be the last it
shall ever be my good fortune to enjoy with
Miss L."
The lady looked at him with some surprise.
may" said he, "the matter rests with yourself
VIII you forgive my prcsumptionG j know that
others. perIisps more worthy Of you. at least no,
bier and dwealthier aud higher In the worlds es,
tcem, are striving for tho honor of your hand.--
And yet cannot restrain myself from making an
avowal which. though it may be futile, it is yet
a deserved tribute to your worth" And he pop
ped the question.
| The lady did not swoon or turn pale. but a
aush Of gratification passed over her fnce and
lighted her eye for momert.
She frankly gave him her hand and hooked up
archly in his face.
The friend of the fatheriess and widow. /" said
she--David blushed----" cannot fail TO make n
constant lover and a worthy husband"
| "a ...-. t.f --<-ss->--.
1 TupSna AxoSG Conn II would say to every