, 1864-04-09
waAYv of Life.

ward the shore. The elder OF the two had
already reached the strand, and was pre-.
pairing to make leap, the design Of which
was not to be mistaken; but at that instant
the younger seized him by the arm, ex-
claiming:
"sir, l believe you want to drown your
self" -
"You have guessed it. What is it to
you"
This was the answer, spoken in the most
angry tone.
"NOthing, know. I would simply re.
quest you to wait couple Of minutes
when, If you like, we will make the great
journey together. Arm in arm-the best
way Of dying"
With these words the younger extended
his hand to the elder, whose was not with
held. The former continued, in tone Of
seeming enthusiasm:
$50 be it! Arm in arm! Truly did
not dream that human heart would beat
with mine in this last hour. Twill not seek
to know who you are-an honest man or a
villain-cOme, let us begin the journey to-
gether" ss
The elder held the young man back, and,
fixing his dim, halfextinguished 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 a brilliant, alluring future in
his grasp"
"Brilliant y answered the young man,
scornfully. "What have to hope in the
midst Of a world full Of wickeduess, false
hood, treachery and unhappiness! Come,
quick"
"You are still young! You must have
had very sorrowful experiences to make
life already thus insupportable to you"
al despise mankind"
"Without exception ?"
"Without exception"
"Well, then, you have now, perhaps,
found man whom you will not necessarily
despise. l have, believe me, during my
life, lived an honorable man."
Really? That is highly interesting
It's pity had not earlier made your ac-
quaintancew
"Leave me to die alone, young man
Liveon! Believe me, time heals all wounds,
and there are men Of honor yet to be
found"
"Now, il you take this view, why are
you hurrying sc last to say Vale to the
world.
"Oh, l am an old, sickly man, unable
to make livelihood man who cannot,
will not, longer zee his only child, his daugh.
ter, blighting her youth, and labOring day
and night to support him. No, I would be
an unieeling father, l would be barbarous
If lived on thusr'
How, sir, you have daughter who does
this for your asked the young man sur
prised.
"And with what endurance, with what
love does she sacrifice herself for me She
works for me, she goes hungry for me, and
has only the tenderest words Of love--a
sweet smile for me alwaysl"
"And you want to commit tsu;cide! Are
you mad I"
"Shall murder my daughter5 The
life which she is now leading is her certain
death" answered the old man in despair
ing voice.
GOOD sir, come, 20 with me to the near
est inn that Is still open, and let US drink q
bottle Of wine together. You will relate to
me your history, aud, II you like, I will let
you know mine. So much, however, will
say to you beforehand. Chase all thoughts
Of self.murder out Of your head. l am
rich, and, il things be as you say, from
henceforth you and your daughter shall
lead-a pleasant 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. / was mer-
chants clerk, but always unlucky. As /
had nothing by inheritance, and the young
girl I married was poor, was never able
to commence business on my own account,
and remained on to old age in dependent
subordinate position. Finally, l was dis
charged 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. lcannot bear
10 see her working herself 10 death for me
-thereiore Il is better l gO-nOw you
know all I"
"Friend," exclaimed the young man,
/" you are the most fortunate man / ever
encountered in my life. 1t is insane to
call that misfortune. Nobody is easier to
help than you. Tomorrow I will make
my will, and you shall bono resistance
my heir. The coming night is my last.
Before this, however, l must see your
daughter, out Of pure curiosity. I would
for once see how one looked who really do.
serves the namc Of woman
I" But, young man, what can IL be that 50
early has made you so unhappy" ques-
toned the elder, much moved.
al believe Il was the wealth which my
father left me. / was the only son Of the
richest banker in this city. My father
died Eve years since, leaving me more than
was good for me. Since that time / have
been deceived and betrayed BY every one,
without exception, with whom I have had
any connection. Some have pretended
friendship for me on account Of my money.
Others have pretended 20 love me-again
for my money; and 90 Il went on. l often
mingle, in the garb Of q simple workman,
with the masses, and thus ono day became
acquainted with charming being, young
girl, to whom my whole being went out in