Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-06-03

W DOb ldlE "
him into the kitchen. Preparations 70
dinner had already commenced. Their
was baking, boiling and roasting-such
dinner as would have tempted the appe
tite of an epicure. 1t was torture for
man faint with hunger to sit there will
the delicious smell of the different dish
es falling on the olfactory nerve and stim
ulating the demands of the stomach al
most beyond endurance.
The two hours passed slowly away, bu
MIR. Carlton at length came in, and hi
visitor was summoned to the parlor. The
/ poor man cast Il bewildered look around
the magnificent apartment. He scarcely
dared step on the soft carpet, which gave
no sound beneath his feet, and he shrunk
back, as he caught sight of himself in s
mirror, that extended from the ceiling tc
the tioor Mr.. Carlton motioned him tc
chair, and he seated himself on the
edge, fearful lest he should soil the Grim
son velvet cushion.
Have you business with me, Sir?, said
the gentleman in an impatient tone.
Yes, ST." said William, producing the
pockel book and handing it to him. 81
found this yesterday, and as it bears youI
name have brought it to you"
''Ahl then you have found my pocket.
book. am glad to see it again which |
never expected to do" He carefully ex.
amined it. "All right" he said, land
Pm obliged to you for returning it, for
it contains some valuable papers," and
he carelessly placed it in his pocket.
William had no more to say. He arose
and with no further evidence of graft
tude or obligation, he was suffered TO de-
part.
Il am sorry that you did not give that
poor man something, father" said fair
girl, as she seated herself on an ottoman
at her fathers feet. did you notice
how pale he looked, and how he almost
staggered as he rose to go?"
Did he? no I did not notice it. |
would have given him fifty dollar bill
if | had thought of it, But he has gone
now"
But, father, you might send it to him.
You know him do you not. fear he is
very poor"
''Yes"I had some dealings with him
years ago. When | built the Charlotte
he had something to do with supplying
the timber, and now | do remember that
heard he had lost his farm"
How far did he come this cold morn
ing to bring you that pocket book?"
He lives in B.; he must have
come fifteen or twenty miles 1 ought,
indeed to have paid him well for it, and
will not fail to do so yet"
Mr.. Carlton was not a selfish or a cold
hearted Inan, but he was not observant of
the wants and woes of others, and his
good deeds must have been few, but for
the gentle promptings of his daughter
Mary. She, good girl, had quick eye as
we'll as Il warm heart. Misery never
passed her unnoticed, and many were the
blessings which fell on her young head
many were the generous deeds performed
Dy her father, of which he would never
have thought but for her suggestions.
But when the rich man was enjoying
MS plentiful repast, William Carter, with
| sinking heart and weary frame, turned
lis steps toward home. He had not tast-
I'd food since early dawn, and now full
fifteen miles lay before him. He felt in
iignant, disappointed, ,grieved at the cold
md Indifferent manner in which his SER
yices had been received. He did not ask
| reward for restoring what was not his
'wn, but he might with justice have de-
handed recompense for his time and
rouble. But even that was not offered
lin. He remembered the wastefulness
# wealth, the extravaganza of luxury
which he had witnessed, and something |
"You were fool. That man |
carcely thanks for returning what he !
would never have missed. 1t would have |
made you happy for months and years"
Resolutely putting down the evil |
thoughts, he raised e silent prayer for |
lelp and resignation, and pressed on his
7ay. He grew weaker and fainter every
tep, and little more than half the dis
aace was gained, when he sat down by
he way utterly exhaused. He covered |
is face with his hands and wept, and but |
Or the thought of his wife and children !
t home, he would have crept aside, and |
aid down upon the snow to die. Fortu-
ately man came along with a sleigh, |
nd he rose up and asked for a ride. The
tranger took him, and brought him with
4 a mile of his own door
1t was late when he reached home, and
e had scarcely strength to pass the
hreshold, and throw himself on the bed.
lis overtaxed physical system had given
way, and before morning he was raving
l the delirium of violent fever. Then
id the poor woman feel that the hand
the Lord was heavy upon her, but her
nth failed not. As earthly hope faded
way, brighter aud brighter grew the
ope of eternity; and as she watched by
he suffering couch, bathing his burning
row and soothing his wild frenzy with
er loving voice, she was able to say
Though He slay me, yet will l trust in
im." Oh, blessed, sustaining power of
18th and hopel-faith, not in man, but
| God-hope, not of earth, but of Heav-
D. Cling to thy faith, poor woman =
AXE thyself strong in confidence, for God
i'll not forsake thee. Even now he is
repairing thy reward He Will not break
lie burised reed, nor crush the humbled 1
cart. |
Did the rich man rest sweetly, as he |
y down on his downy pillow Were
ere no remorseless thoughts when he
the careless acts of injustice J
which he had been guilty? Like I
hasuerus, he could not sleep, for God |
oubled him, and he resolved to make I
nple recompense for the wrong he had
me. He concluded at first to send him i
letter, and handsome present, but the /
ought did not satisfy him, and he re- d
we'd to go himself, and see what could v
done for his poor friend, that would a
ost benefit him, and quiet his own con- a
Ience. +
1t was the fifth day of William Carter's q
'kness, and the physician said that night a
luld be the crisis; if he lived through /
he might recover. He had then fallen v
to lethargic sleep. His pale wife sat |
lding his hand and gazing anxiously "
his sunken features and half shut eyes, n
e children with sad face and noiseless a
p crept round the room. There was n
, at the door-it was opened, and "
ntleman entered. Mrs. Carlton locked ii
tn surprise on her unexpected visitor. t.
S dress and bearing, so different from a
ose of their humble neighbors, at an d
Ter time might have awed hel', but a
1t was no place to feel the paltry dis
ctions of human society. In the pres "