Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-07-06
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THE BEGGAR.
A TRUE TALE.

One cold windy morning, the last Sunday
"i December, 1S49, a halfnaked man knock
cd timidly at the basement door of fine
substantial mansion in the city Of BROOKLYN.
Though the weather was bitter even for
the season, the young man had no clothing
but pair Of ragged cloth pants, and the re-
mains Of a flannel shirt, which exposed his
muscular chest in many large rents But in
spite OF his tattered apparel and evident ia
tgue, as ne leaned heavily upon the railing
oi the basement stairs, critical observer
could not fail to notice a conscious air of dig
nifty, and the marked traces of cultivation and
refinement in his pale, haggard countenance.
The door was speedily opened and dis
closed large, comfortably furnished room.
with Its glowing CRATE of anthracite before
which was placed luxuriously furnished
breakfast table. fashionaby attired young
map, in brocade dressing-gown and velvet
slippers, was recliuing in ca soft .tautieuZ,
busll y reading the morning papers. The beau
tllui young wife had fingered at the table.
giving to the servant in waiting her orders
Tor the household. matters of the dav, when
the tmld rap at the door attracted ber atten
ton. She commanded it to be opened but
the young master Of the mansion replied that
IL was quite useless-being no one but some
thevlsh beGgar; but the door was already
open, and the sympathies of Mrs. Haywood
enlisted at once.
Come in to the fire." cried the young
wife, lnpulsvely, before you perish /"
Inc lneI'dlcant without exhibiting any
surprise at suS unusual treatment ola street
.beggar, slowly entered the room, manifesting
painful weakness at every step. On his
entrance, Mr.. Haywood, with q displeased
apartment The compassionate LADY unyise.
|, ~ plsc41 tho haff.arar -s.----rcr- rlle ffra,,
wfre she prepared q bowl of fragant coffee
which, with abundant food, was placed be-
fore him. But noticing the, abrupt departure
oil her husband, Mrs. Haywood with q cloud
ed countenancc, left the room, whispering
to the servant to remain until the stranger
should leave.
She then ran hastily up the richly noun
ted staircase, and paused before the entrance
oil a small laboratory and medical library, and
occupied Solely by her husband, who was a
physician and chemist. She opened the door
and entered the room. Mr.. Haywood was sits
ting at small table with his head resting on
his hands, apparently in deep thought.
Edward" said the youny wife, gently
touching his arm, - fear l have displeased
i you but the man looked so wrctched,
could not bear TO drive hina away" and her
sweet voice trcmbled as she added" You
know take the sacrament to day"
Dear Mary" replied the really fond hus-
band, u appreciate your motives. | know
it Is pure goodness OF heart which leads YOU
TO dlsobey me, but still must ipsist upon
my iormer commanGs-tha ne beggar shall
ever be permitted to enter the house. 1t is
ior your safety that insist upon it. How
uceply you might be imposed upon in my
frequent absences from home, | sIrudder to
thlhh. HE man that is now below may be
out burglar in Disguise and already in
your absence taking impressions in wax of
the 0iHcrcnt key holes in the room so as to
enter some night at his leisure Your limi-
teo experience OF city lie, makes it difficult
lor you TO credit solnuch depravity. 1t is
no charlty To give to street beggars it only
encourages vice, dearest"
:" 1t may be SO" responded Mrs. Havwood
: but 1t seems wicked not to relieve sufferin o.
and want even II the person has behaved bad,
ly-and we know It.. But l will promise you
not to ask another hcggar into the hduse. y
1t this moment the servant raped vio-
entiy at the door, crying out that the beg
rer was dying.
Come, Edward, your skill can save him.
f@ow," said his wife fastening from the
IA.
iae. doctor did not refuse this appeal to his
professional vanity, for he Immediately fol-
owed his wifc's Tying footsteps as she des.
ccnded to the basement. They found the
Pnendicant lying pale and unconscious upog
The carpet where he had Slipped in his weak
ness from the chair where'Mrs. Haywood hac
seated him.
" He is handsome follow" muttered The
ioctor as he bent over him to ascertain tn,
state of his pulse.
And we'll he might say SO. The gloss,
ocks of raven hair had fallen awav from
broad white forehead his closed eyelid,
we're bordered by long raven lashes, which
ay like silken fringe upon his pale bronzet
heeks, while a delicate acquiline nose. and