Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1860-03-10
S2.OO PER ANNUM.

had not received the small relief which had
been granted to the good Alice, by the resto-
ration of her purse Besides this, both Walter
and Mary had during their prosperity, given
way to sloth and self-indulgence therefore
they were quite untitled for any exerti,n
Mary could do nothing but weep and Wal
ter sat in sullen silence, resting his burning
temples on his hands, and only occasionly rous-
ing himself, TO silence, with fierce threats the
opportunities of bis hungry children.
The day was far advanced, and things were
still in the same sad state, when gentle knock
was heard at the door. ''Come in" said Wal
ter, in surly tone The latch was raised, and
Alice stood before them.
| g Are you come to mock our sorrows?" ex-
claimed Walter, bitterly.
"God forbid m replied Alice "bnt bring
you food, and money to buy more," and she
handed basket to Mary, who was instantly
surrounded by her famishing children, who
with clamorous eagerness seized and deyoured
the bread which she distributed amongst
them.
1
countenance. Itwas hard struggle between
his pride and his wants Bnt hunger prevail
ed, and he received the food which Alice had
brought, though not with thanks, yet with
sort of sullen resignation.
| On her return Alice found her husband busi-
ly employed; during her absence he had pro-
cured some materials, and now be had set in
| good earnest to work at his old trade.
When it was known that Robin was come
back, he soon got plenty fwork. The shoe
maker who had set up in his absence was idle
and drunken, and, finding that no one would
employ him after Robins return, he went away
to try his luck elsewhere
CHAPTER x.
Time rolled on; and when the end of the
\ year approached, it found Robin and his wife
contentedr and in tolerably prosperous circum-
stances, They had been able by degrees to
supply the place of most ofthe furniture, which
during their former distress they had been
obliged TO part with and their cottage had
| again assumed neat and cheerful aspect
Robin would have been quite happy, but re-
morse kept its place in his heart, and he could
| not be at rest; and whenever he beheld the
care worn, sorrowful face of Walter Collins
and his wretched wife, and ha1f-naked little
ones, he felt that no sacrifice would be too
heavy, IL by it he could restore to them what
in moment Of anger, he had deprived them
Of
Again the anniversary of the memorable day
l. lind arrival Tho frt,oa cunnor bad haan
moved, and the small oaken table drawn near
to the fire, and by it sat Robin and his beloved
Alice.
Robin was n wiser and better, though a
sadder man. He had learned how fault, COM
mitted in moment of unguarded passion, may
destroy that peace which the repentance of a
whole life cannot restore. "What would not
give" he said, "if the fairy would not grant me
| one more requestp
"Dearest Robin, you would not ask
al would not ask for worldly riches inter-
rupted Robin, no, would entreat him to give
me back my peace-to destroy this demon
which is gnawing ut my heart, by restoring to
poor Walter, aud his helpless babes, the wealth
which in an evil hour took from them but
it is all in vain; and Robin covered his face
with his hands, and sighed deeply.
Robin" said Alice, after a loug silence,
"the fairy told US he would not answer again
to your call, or grant any future request OF
yours; but he did not say he would not come
if sought him, or grant my wish. Suppose
were to raise the stone."
"You, Alice you couldnot move that heavy
stone"
"Iwill try, at least said Alice, and she pro-
ceeded to remove the earth from the edge of
the stone, as she had seen her husband do on
a former occasion
Scarcely had she commenced her efforts
when the stone began to move, and in another
moment it slowly rose from its resting place
Alice drew up the trap door, and the fairy stood
before her, repeating the same words as before
in the same soft cadence, "Mortall thou has
sought me, thou hast found me; what is thy
whip
Alice was so much overcome by surprise ant
delight at the success of her attempt that al
she could do WAS to burst into tears, repeating
the name of Walter.
| "11iSIch u shiu hic iaiiys ~ 10 w NY pu"
er TO grant to thee but one wish. 1t is only tt
those who have been placed under my specia
care that can grant three requests. ! Civ
thee permission to reconsider thy wish, and L
consult with thy husband, before thy final de
cision is made. Remember, If restore Waite
Collins to wealth at thy desire, thou wilt be ltf
in poverty"
"Poyerty is light compared to the weight o
|, an uneasy conscience said Robin. I'VE hav
enough for our wants, only give me back m
peace. Ask him, dear Alice, to restore Wal
ter's wealth to him, and we will be happy j
our poverty"
The request was made, and the welcom
words, "'Tis we'll, thy wish is granted wer
, heard with unmixed Joy by the now happy cou
pie But the fairy did not vanish MS usual; !
remained gazing on them with besning cour
tenance. Once more he spoke his word
"Mortalsl Though had only the power
grant to thee one request, have yet the pov
! = or of bestowing upon thee boon unaskcd;
: therefore give thee back all that thou hast los
> and thou art worthy to enjoy 1t, for thou ha
learnt to be moderate in thy desires, and TO I
= as thou wouldest be done by. Farewelli"
The BEST FRrENp.--The most agreeable
- all companions is simple, frank man, witho
ir any high pretensions TO an oppressive grea
D. ness; one who loves life, and understands u