The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-11-19

life which sheis now leading is her certain
DEATH" answered the old man, in despair.
"Good sir, come, go 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
[ will let you know mine. So much,
however, L will say to you beforehand.
Chase all thoughts of selfmurder out of
your head [ am rich, and if things be
as you say, henceforth you aud your
daughter shall lead a. .nleasant life."
The old man followed the younger with
out opposition. a few minutes later, over
full glasses, the elder began:
"My history is soon told. am mer-
chants clerk, but always unlucky. AS
had nothing for inheritance, and the girl
[ married was poor, was never able to
commence business on my own account,
and remained on to old age in a dependent
subordinate position. Finally 1 was dis
charged on account of my years, and then
began the struggle for subsistence. My
wife died of trouble, and now my poor
child wearies to gain my support. / can
not bear to see her working herself to
death for me-therefore it is better 60
now you know ali 2"
"Friend," exclaimed the young man,
encountered in my life. 1t is insane to
call that misfortune. Nothing is easier
than to help 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 looked who really
deserves the name of woman"
"But young man, what can it be that
so early has made you unhappy % ques>
toned the elder, much moved.
81 believe it was the wealth which my
father left me. | was the only son of the
richest banker in this city. My father
died five years since, leaving me more
have been deceived and betrayed by every
one without exception, with whom l have
any connection. Some have pretended
friendship for me-on account of my mon
ey. Others have pretended to love me
on account of my money and so it went
on. L often mingled in the garb of
simple workman, with the masses, and
thus one day became acquainted with
charming being, a young girl, to whom
my whole heart went out in love- | dis
closed to her neither my name nor my
position. [ longed to be loved for myself
alone, and for time it appeared as if [
was going to be happy-at last, at last
The young girl and /, whom she still
regarded as simple workman, met every
afternoon in the Marcusplatz, where we
walked up and down together, passin o
many happy hours. One day my girl
appeared with red eyes-she had been
weeping-and told me we must part !:
confessing that her life belonged to anoth-
er! With these words she tore herself
from me and disappeared in the crowd
Her faithlessness decided my destiny
Vainly did l rush into pleasures which So
called "good society" has to offer, but
found my lost peace of soul never !neyerI !
then determined to bring my joyless
existence to close"
"Unhappy young man." said the elder,
wiping his eyes, "from my whole heart [
pity you. [ must acknowledge that was
more fortunate than you: for [, at least,
was, by two women-my wife and daugh-
ter-tenderly loved"
y
sir, that may convince myself of the
truth of your story? 1t is not exactly
mistrust, but [ must see to believe. To-
morrow [ will arrange my affairs as / have
already told you. You will remain in
this inn tonight, ana in the morning early
will return. Give me your word of
honor that you will not leave this house
until I come back, and that you will not,
in the meantime, speak to any one Of what
has taken place between u.s."
"You have my word ! Go tony dwell
ing, to my daughter, and you will find that
[ have told you the simple truth. My
name is Wilhelm s.. Here is my
address," ~
With these words he handed the young
man paper giving the locality of his
dwelling. 1t lay in a suburb inhabited
by the poorer class, at some distance from
the city proper.
"And my name is Carl Tt said
the young man. "Take this bank note
it may reach until my return
Carl rang for the waiter, had the pro-
prietor called, commended the old man to
his care in suitable terms, and left the
house.
X X X
Hardly had the morning broke, when
Carl found himself on his way to the
suburb where lived the daughter of the
old man with whom he had become ac-
quainted under such peculiar circum-