The southern aegis, and Harford County intelligencer., 1862-09-13
BEL AIR. MD. SATURDAY MORNING

with mine in this last hour. I will not
seek to know who you are-an honest
man or villain-come, let US begin the
journey together !"
The elder held the young man back,
and, fixing his dim half extinguished eyes
searchingly upon the countenance of his
companion exclaimed
"Hold. You seem to me too young to
end your life by suicide. A man of your
years has still brilliant, alluring future
in his grasp"
brilliant p answered the young man,
scornfully. "What have to hope in the
midst of a world full of wickedness, false
hood, treachery and unhappiness? Come,
quick y
"You are still young. You must have
had very sorrowful experience to make life
life already thus insupportable to you !"
"I despise mankind !"
"Without exception ?"
"Without exception
"Well, then, you have now found man
perhaps whom you will not, necessarily,
despise. I have, believe me, during my
whole life, lived an honorable man."
"Really? That is highly interesting !!
It's pity I had not earlier made your &C.
quaintanee."
"Leave me to die alone, young man i
Live on! Believe me, time heals all
wounds, and there are men Of honor yet to
be found"
"Now, if you take this view, why are
you hurrying SO fast to say VALE to the
world 2"
"Oh, I am an old sickly man, unable to-
make livelihood; man who cannot, will
not see his only child, his daughter, blight
ing her youth, and laboring day and
night to support him. No, would be an
unfeeling father, I would be barbarous,
if | lived on thus.'
"How, sir, you have daughter who
does this for you ?" asked the young man,
surprised.
"And with what endurance, with what
love, does she sacrifice herself for Inc, and
has only the tenderest words of love-a
sweet smile for me always
"And you want to commit suicide Are
you mad ?"
"Shall I murder my daughter? The
life which she is now leading is her GER
tain DEATH" answered tho old man in a
despairing voice.
"Good sir, come, 60 with me to the
nearest inn that is still open, and let us
drink a bottle of wine together. You will
relate to me your history, and, if you like,
l will let you hear mine. Sc much, how
ever, will say to you beforehand -
Chase all thoughts of self destruction, I
am rich, and, if things be as you say,
from henceforth you and your daughter
shall lead pleasant life" 49,.
The old man followed the younger with
out opposition. A few minutes later over
full glasses the elder began:
"My History is soon told. 7 was a
merchants clerk, but always unlucky.-
As | had nothing by inheritance and the
young girl married was poor, l was
never able to commence business on my
own account, and remained in subordi-
nate position, Finally, I was discharged
on account.of my years, and then began
the struggle for subsistence. Ny wife
died Of trouble, and now my poor child
wearies to gain my support. I cannot
bear to see her working herself to death
for me-therefore it is better | go--you
know all p ~.
"Friend,'' exclaimed the young man,
"you are the most fortunate man ever
encountered in my life. It is insane to
call that misfortune. Nobody is easier to
help than you To morrow will make
my will, and you shall be--no resistance
my heir. The coming night is my last.
Before this, however, must see your
daughter, out Of pure curiosity. / would
for once see how one looks who really de-
serves the name of woman @ g
"But, young man, what can it be that
has SO early madeyou SO unhappy ?''-
questioned the elder, much moved.
/ Il believe it was the wealth which my
father left me. ! was the only son Of the
richest banker Of this city. Ny father
died five years since, leaving me more
than was good for me- Since that time
| have been deceived and betrayed by ev-
cry one, without exception, with whom
I have had any connection Some have
pretended friendship for me on account Of
my money. Others have pretended to
love me- again for money; and so il