The mountain Democrat., 1864-05-21
such q manner said Philip; .but | am

/ don't think be meant to slight us,
responded Annie, who was always un&ii.
lingto besie1D ~ Of any one; hut only
took that course as che best to relieve US
of the burden Of keeping him. -
Yes, | see 7 responded Philip; 'he
thought we would object to his going, il
be revealed his intentions. was wrong,
and regret my censOrious remark.
A fortnight passed away. Meantime,
as If bis difficulties would never end, poor
Philip was thrown out of employment. -
Again want and misery stared them in
the face.
Good Heaven, give me strength and
patience to bear ell these vicissitudes Z
cried the young man from the depth oI
his aching heart.
Heaven will, Philip, if you only keep
up your spirits and hope!' responded
Annie, with glow of enthusiasm, at the
same time softly clasping her husband
around the neck, and drawing down his
head until their lips met in mutual kiss.
II was about the middle of the forenoon,
and at that moment there was . loud rap
upon the door. Philip and Annie started
with surprise and the former, hoping and
fearing he knew not what, FASTENED to an.
swer the summons.
The postman was standing on the steps.
Philip Duval, said he, holding out q
letter two cents
Philip paid the pennies-the last he had
in the wOrld-received the letter and
closed the door.
Who can it be fromi eagerly ques.
toned Annie. I'VE don't get many let.
ters Of late for our relations and friends
don't seem to think it worth while to in.
quire about our welfare any more
Il was about to say, Annie, that it is
the curse Of poverty, but that would be
rejecting on the Almighty!' responded
Philip. The dispensationS ofProvidence
are all for the best, however they may
seem to US; and in that light, hope We
shall have the grace to regard them
You are brave, good man, dear Phil
ip" exclaimed Annie, deeply, fcrvently
admiringly; 'and my heart tells me thai
the day will yet come when you shall be
amply rewarded for all
l try to do my duty, Annie-nothins
more, nothing less, quietly responded
Philip; but you look at my conduct thro
eyes lighted by love, and see great dea
more. Bless you! it is something tC
merit affection such as yours, and feel Al
peace here!' and he Land his hand on hi.
heart. But darling he added, 'we'v,
quite forgotten the letter; who know,
but that it may bring US fortune!'
| should be quite content. dear Philip
if it only brought US little better pros
poets, responded Annie, without really
attaching any importance to the letter.
And so should !, rcjoined Philip, will
little sigh which he could not Away
repress. However, he added, well Soor
see what it contains. 1t is poStma,ket
in this city, aud so has not come far
With nervous trepidation wholly un
accountable, as he declared to his wife
Philip tore open the common yellow en-
velope. AS he unfOlded the letter, a sliI
of printed paper fell to the floor. On th,
impulse Of the moment he stopped ant
picked it up, and after glancing at it I
moment he wildly exclaimed:
why God help me! Annie, it's checl
for five thousand dollars, in my name!-
Do you hear, wife, in my name. 2
phillip, your troubles have turned you
mind!' cried Annie, gazing at him in al
anxious, half stupid manner.
Look, darling, your own eyes will no
deceive you I! responded Phillip, tremb
lingIy holding out the paper so that hi
wife could read it. Look for yourself
Annie, for it seems to me like dream
His wife slowly read the check, wor,
for word. When she had finished, sht
lifted her staring eyes to her husband,
pale face.
rs it so, Annie, or do my eyes deceive
mes demanded Phillip, spasmodically.
1t is even so, my husband responded
Annie, in the slow. quiet tone Of immeaS
urable astonishment.
If it indeed be real, thank God = fer
vently calculated Phillip. a glimpse of tn,
sunshine beyond breaking through tn,
clouds that Obscured his way.
But who in mercy did it coma from
Phillip inquired Annie. deeply anxiou.
to know more Of the mysterious and won
derful document.
4 forgot to look, darling responded
her husband, smoothing out the letter that
he had crushed up in his hand in the first
excitement. Wen see now, though, in
q moment
In trembling tones Phillip read as fol-
lows:
You've MAN: Accept the enclosed check
from person who wishes to serve you in
the best way one can serve another. Who
the donor is, cannot be known. For rea.
sons of my own | have taken every meas.
ure to prevent discovery. Even these
lines are written by strangers hand
The money is already deposited in the
bank TO your account, and unless you take
it out it will remain there forever. Use
it. by all means, for you are perfectly safe
in SO doing. IL you refuse you will defeat
my object. and wrong yourself and your
family. The blessing Of God and my best
wishes for your prosperity, attend you.
A FRIEND
Nothing in the brief and sententious
note at all to indicate the authorship; and
atter second careful peruSai, fhlllip SO
expressed himself.
Who can have sent it?' exclaimed An
ME, all in amaze.
Vain, utterly vain, however, were their
various conjectures in regard to their Sc
cret and munifcent friend and finally,
though reluctantly. they had to give the
matter up, as beyond their present com.
prehensiOn.
AS the reader may imagine, there was
world Of happiness beneath that humble
roof that day; and many prayer Of trust
and thankfulneSs went up to the giver OF
all good.
After calm and mature reflection, Phil.
lip decided to make use of the money so
kindly and mysterionsIy thrown in his
way; and before the bank closed be drew
out the deposit.