The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1862-03-19
Margarett's S Test,
III . w OVO y . OoVl
OR CHARITY ITS OWN REWARD.

On NLl-AItIl l10 Wv n hEA AM.
'If ever marry" said Margaret Bailey to her cou-
-in Olivia, III will be who does not live entirely
for himself but who out Of the benevolence of chari
table heart will pass unheeded the cry of the wild
ow and orphan who call on him for relief"
''You speak warmly Margaret"
Because l feel it, I have always thought that a
charitable man would make a good husband"
But how will you be able to Judge this You are
an heresS and of course have many suitors Do YOU
not believe that any Of them would be willing do
charitable mood for while, if they supposed that
upon this issue depended the band of the wealthy heir
ess?"
perhaps YOU are right said Margaret thoughtfulIv
but, added she suddenly "an idea has just come into
my head, by which think this embarrassment can be
avoided
,'|N bat is that? - asked Olivia curiousy.
s'Let me confess, in the first place that among all
who generally considered suitors for my hand, per
aapS fortune would be the more appropriate word
there are none whom would think of as husband ex-
cept Herbert Lee and Henry Ainsworh. The former,
rop know. is ~ealthg the latter clerk dependent
his income which should Judge not large. Now
have mind to subject these to a test"
a good idea; bat how will YOU manage it !"
S'YOu know there is a poor family in Allen street.
the Of whom we heard to-day consisting of wild
owed mother, who is sick and three young children
Now am going, anonymously of yours toreeonlmend
them the charitable Offices Of both Herbert Lee and
Henry Ainsworth and we will see the result They
=
YOU to take pen and paper and write note at my die
tation"
Olivia procured writing materials, and her cousin
dictated as follows:
DEAR SR-Through a stranger to you ] take the
liberty of calling your attention to the case Of POOR
family now living in single room at Allen street who
in consequence Of the Illness of the mother who has
hitherto supported them By plain sewing, reduced
extreme want. little aid at this time would be to them
like the angel from heaven. VIII you extend it? At
least call upon them and you will be convinced that
this is but simple statement Of the truth.
The note was copied ard dispatched through the
posoffice to the address of both gentlemen.
Perhaps three DAYS afterwards Herbert Lee called at
Nargarets residence Margaret adriouy led the con
vcGsatiou objects of charity and charitable institutions
"Ah, said Lee, 'that reminds me Of an odd circum-
stance. received letter the other day commend
ng to my notice poor family in Allen street. It was
signed Charity, and very earnestly advised go and
see them
"And did yoa 90 ?" asked Margaret quickly.
-'Not = was the laughing reply.-"I haven't time
o waste in hunting up all the destitute families in the
.ity l should have my hands full.
But the family may be suffering from want"
''If they are Charity would be in better business in
eleyiug them himself than sending anonymous letters
II advice to others"
Would Herbert Lee have laughed so mery ifhe had
the effect of his want of feeling on her whom he
vas anxious to please?
u think. after ALL said Margaret, when Herbert had
that must go and see Mrs Green myself
f Henry Ainsworh is no more charitable than Herbert
he will fare hard"
The ladies arrayed themselves for a walk. few
minutes brought them to the residence of the poor wild
wv of whom they were in search.
To their surprise they found on being admitted that
cheerful fire was glowing in the stove, while pleas
mt smell Of dinner filed the apartment.-On table by |
he side Of the widow were some medicines. The /
,r4bu I,rIcbnd M and the thOUph SC9Dty /
omshed, presented neat and comfortable appearance
Margaret looked around in great surprise.
Il was led to believe" said she that you were in
reat want"
so we were,n said Mrs. Green; "but thanks to the
enerosty of noble young gentleman, who stepped .
Drward to our relief, we are no longer So"
Indeed who has thus befriended you?"
His name is Aansworth. He sent for a doctor for
le and at his expense purchased food and coal so
nat by the blessing of God hope soon to recover my
ealth and then ali will go right once more"
After little more conversation, Margaret and her
1usin withdrew, leaving with Mrs. Green some money "
,r her present necessities.
That evening Herbert Lee offered his hand to harga
It Baly and to his surprise no less than his dscom
ture was rejected.
A week afterwards Hery Ainsworth made his appear
nee lie seemed unusual thoughtful.
"a penny for your thoughts" said Margaret, gay. :
He looked at her earnestly and then replied.
will indeed tell you the subject OF my thoughts, and
k YOU to forgive me afterwards. ltis know an act :
presumption for poor clerk to speak Of love-of :
arriage to wealthy heiress, but cannot keep Sc.
ct any longer-I love you Margaret, with truth and
ncerity.--Do you pardon me?'
Mo- said Margaret, promptly, ''for you have said
,thing that requires it And if you indeed think me t.
orthy of taking, you may have me and welcome" 8
Do hear aright?' was the delighted reply. "How p
We deceived such good fortune ?" S
Listen. and will tell you. had resolved never
marry one unless was convinced that he was char o
bic. Last week you received anonymous letter k
commenting poor family to your charitable notice
ind you have visited them and relieved their rnecessi o.
s. feel that can safely trust my happiness in your
nds, since you have 50 nobly stood the test ca
.Trulvn said Henry Answorth as bis eyes lighted ia
with gratitude charity is its own exceeding great m
ward" &C
In choosing husband is oftener influenced hi
the opinion Of others than by her own. an