Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1859-11-24
The Test Of Love.

The Test Of Love.
If l ever marry, said Margaret Baiiy TO
her cousin Olivia, it will be man who
does not live entirely for himself, but who,
out of the benevoence of charitable heart,
will not pass unheeded the cry of the wild
ow and orphan who call on him for re-
lief.
You speak warmly. Margaret.
Because feel it. have always thought
that charitable man would make a good
husband.
But how will you be able 10 judge Of
this? You are an hciress, and of course
YOU have many suitors. Do you not be-
ieve that any one of them would be will
ling to don a charitable mood for while,
if they supposed that upon this issue de-
pended the hand of the wealthy heiress.
Perhaps you are right said Margaret.
thoughtfully, but she added suddenly, an
lea has just come into my head, by which
think this embarrassment can be avoid
ed.
What is it? asked Olivia, curiously
Let me confess, in the frs. place, that
among all who are generally considered
saitors for my hand--perhaps fortune
would be the most appropriate word
there is none whom would think of as a
husband except Herber, Lee and Henry
Ainsworlh The former, know, is veal
thy, the latter clerk. dependant on his
income, which, should Judge, was not
ai ge. Now ! have mind to subject these
two to a test.
A good idea. but how will you manage
K? asked Olivia.
You know that there is poor family on
Allen Street, the one of whom we heard to-
day. consisting of a mother, who is sick,
and three young children. Now | am go
ing-~anonymousiy OF course--to recon
mend this family to the charitable Offices of
both Herbert Lee and Henry Ainsworth,
and we will see the result. They Will not
recognize your hand writing; therefore, |
want you to take pen and paper and write
note at my dictalion.
Olivia procured the writing materials,
and her cousin dictated as follows:
DEAR SIR:--Thoagh stranger to you.
| take the liberty of calling your attention
to the cause Of my poor family now living
in a single room in Allen street. who III
consequence Of the illness of the mother,
who has supported them in plain sewing,
are reduced 70 extreme want. A little aid
IA; this time would be to tlem ike the visit
of an angel from heaven. Will you extend
il? At least, call upon them, and you will
be convinced that this IS but simple,
plain statement of the truth.
The note was copied and dispatched
through the Post Office to the address OF
both gentlemen.
Perhaps three days afterwards, Herbert
Lee called at Margaret's residence. Mar
garet adroilly led tho conyersation to the
subject Of charity and of charitable institu-
tionS.
All, said Herbert Lee, that reminds me
Of an old circumstance. | received let
ter the other day recommending to my
notice poor family in Allen street. Ii
was signed Charity. and advised me to sc
and see them.
And did you go? asked Margaret quick
ly.
No. was the laughing reply. | havn''
time to waste in hunting up all the desti
tute families in the city. l should have
my hands full.
Blu. the family may be suffering from
want.
If they are. Charity would be in better
business in relieving them himself than in
sending anonymous letters of advice tc
others.
Would Herbert Lee have laughed SC
merriIy if he had known the affect Of his
want of feeling on her whom he was mos
anxious to please.
I | think, after all, SAID Margaret wher
Herbert had Withdrawn. that | must &c
and see Mrs. Green myself. If Henry
Ainsworth is no more charitable thai
Herbert Lee, he will fare very haid.
: The ladies' arrayed themselves for a walk
a few minutes brought them to the re 81
dence Of the wido0 of whom they were ii
search
To their surprise they found, on being
admitted. that cheerful fire was glowing
in the stove, while pleasant smell OF din
ner filled the apartment. On the table by
the side Of the window was some medicine
The ,arh was brushed up, and the room
though scantily furnished. presented nca
and very comfortable appearance.
Margaret looked around in surprise.
was led to believe. said she, that yor
were in great want.
SO we are, said Mrs. Green, but thank:
to the generosity of a noble young gentle
man VIII. stepped forward to our relief, we
are no longer so.
Indeed, who was it that thus befriendeC
you.
His name is Ainsworth. He sent Tor ;
doctor for me. and at his own cost pur
chased food and Goals, SO that by the bIes
sing of God, hope soon to recover my
health, and then all will go right once
more.
After little more conversation Marga
ret and her cousin withdrew. leaving will
Mrs Green some money for her presen
necessities.
That evening Herbert Lee offered hi
hand to Margaret Baily, and his surprise