The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1861-05-29
CIV 9istutifal S>ketth
THEOLDHOUSE
.JUDEN SrTESASSE!
THE REWARD OF INTEGRITY.

In one Of the most distinguished
quarters of Frankfort on the Maine,
was the street called Juden S rasse,
or Jews Street. Although in the
very heart of the city, it was quiet
and retired, and represented but a
small number of the busy residents of
Frankfort.
In one of these houses dwelt Jew,
whose love of gain-if, indeed such a
passion had entered into his soul-was
under the full domination of his hon
esty and integrity. These were jewels
which be priced far above tie gold
and precious stones with which his
bre thren sought to solace themselves
for their outward poverty of appear
ance.
/ will not say he was not earnestly
seeking for means to provide against
the contingencies of fortune, and to
lay up something for the little ones
who sat around his board, but high
above all these was enthroned a pure
principle of honor and justice, perfectly
incorruptible, to the loss of which
wealth and honors conld not bride,
nor poverty compel him.
The wife of Ben Heber Rothschild
was a fit companion for such a man.
Stately as an eastern princess, aid
beautiful as only her own race can be,
in the wealth and brilliancy CT her
deep dark eyes and raven hair-dls-
tinguished by the peculiar purple tint
that flashes over all in the SUMS ray s,
as they CLEAN over the ring doves
neck-Sarah Rothschild was as good
aB she was beautiful.
This house was neat and beautifully
ordered. Although the furniture was
of simple form, it was made of rare
old wood, that would now bring its
weight in gold. One closet was de-
voted to sets Of differently patterned
Dresden china-the hair-looms of a
family who had been impover isheG,
and who were glad to let them lie in
the Jews closet while they lived upon
the money they brought. All ! how
few could redeem them This closet
was often carelessly exposed to Stran-
gers. and its wealth Of beautiful cups
and plates was the theme of many lips,
as it was the admiration of the CHI
dren of Ben Heber. They, indeed,
were never tired of gazing upon the
paintings and fine gliding that enrich
ed the china.
Although the outer closet was thus
fearlessly exposed, few would have
imagined that behind its seemingly Sc
cure back there was an inner one that
contained princely inheritances in gold
and diamonds. This was the trust
closet, so construc ed that the closest
inspection would not reveal its exis-
tence and in il were hidden not the
treasuresthat extravaganza hadpawned
and for which the worthy Jew was re-
ceiving profits, but simply those which
had been entrusted to his integrity tc
keep, and for which he would never be
paid.
One night when the family were
about to retire to rest, q fain knock
was heard at the door, and was ans.
wered by the master of the house. A
gentleman, plain and simple in his
dress, and carrying nothing, not even
a cane, WITH which to defend himself
appeared on the steps. His person
was wholly unknown to the Jew, and
it seemed that his was equally SC
to the stranger, for he was particular
in as ling for him by name.
He ushered his visitor to the room
where his wife was still sitting as he
left her, in front of the famous closet,
which stood with its wide glass doors
quite open. At first the stranger
seemed disposed to object to the pres
ence of the lovely Jew4ss, but when
she turned her superb head and ack-
nowledged his own presence by bow,
while her grave and serene counten-
ance relaxed into smile, he seemed
content that she should stay and wit
ness his business with her husband -
This was soon nnfolded. The visitor