The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-06-07


shook his small fist impotently in the di-
rection which the fat man had taken
But in moment feeling of forlorn
wretchedness came over him; no tempting
bit of cake-no purple grapes for poor
Katy-perhaps not even superior he
knew his mothers wages must go to-
wards the rent of the room. They de-
pended entirely on his exertions for their
evening meal, and the sun was declining
| in the west already.
The reflection was too much for his
boyish heart and he was so5biDg violent
ly, when gentle hand was laid on his
shoulder. He started up, and before him
stood pleasant gentleman, who had
watched the whole transaction.
"Thcre, my boy" he said, laying sill
yer dollar in the boys hand, ''that will
set you up again. No thanks; this money
was intended for some piece of extrava-
gance, end [ choose to use it thus. But
remember this, my boy, when you are
pushed down in the race, don't stop to
rub the bruises, but pick yourself up and
start again
jamie thought the smile with which
this was said, the pleasantest and kindest
expression that ever frightened human
face; but ere he could stammer out his
thanks the gentleman was gone.
The boy started home with light and
joyous heart, stopping to purchase the
cherished morsel of fruit and cake on his
way. The gentleman walked leisurely up
Broadway. Seeing in a book store the
title Of newly published book that he
had desired to read, his footsteps invel-
UNFAIRLY turned in that direction, but in
an instant he went on, buttoning up his
pockets and muttering to himself with a
smile-"Can't afford it; one luxury day
ought to be enough" There was vast
difference between man and child in their
capacities for enjoyment, but both were
happy that night. The supper was a
joyful ceremony in the garret room that
evening. The grapes pleased Katy's ap
petite to charm, and the story of the
dollar was listened 10 with interest.
''I wish I could see the kind gentle
man" said the child earnestly; II would
give him my beautiful rose, if he liked
aoweIs."
She looked strangely beautiful that
right; her head resting upon her brothers
shoulder, while Jamie fed her with the
juicy berries, one by one, as a bird might
feed her young.
.sWhy, how bright the color in your
cheeks!" cried Jamie. 'sI believe you
have been stealing the red shadows from
your iavorite rose. Mother, / am sure
Katy will get we'll.
The next morning, while yet the golden
spear of sunrise was in rest among pur-
pie hills, Katy died.
X & ~ X X 4 *
The moss of twenty years had gather
ed upon Katy's headstone; the violets of
twenty years had blossomed over her
grave, and it was glorious summer day,
whose ight streamed along the busy thor
oughfare, and shone on the magnificent
marble erection devoted to the extensive
operations of the celebrated bank of k.
A splendid carriage, cushioned with
velvet. and glittering in the sunshine, was
drawn up opposite the door, waiting to
take the great banker to his palatial
home.
The spirited horses, foamiug and pran-
cing, could hardly be curbed ,and the dri-
yer looked wonderingly toward the door,
and wondered why his usually punctual
master did not come.
Mr.. Arnet stood in little Office open
ing from the main bank, where the long
rows of clerks were bending over their
desks. He was looking over a little
pocket-bpok which he always carried
about him, for some note or bill, and as
he turned its pages, bit Of folded paper
dropped out.
The banker opened it, and although
twenty years had deadened the first edge
of his sorrow, the tears rushed to his
eyes as they fell on the contents. A pen
cil-sketch, rude and unfinished, of meek
browed ehild-a lock of soft, brown hair,
and the perfumed dust of crimson rose;
vaults of yellow gold.
AS he looked at them,a tremulous voice
without arrested his ear.
II would be glad if you would buy,
gentlemen, for my need is very great. l
have sickly daughter at home, who
must be fed
s.Be off about your business" was the
sharp rejoinder. II won't let you in.
Don't you see you are not wanted here?''
Tne voice seemed to strike aresponsive
chord in the rich mans heart; surely he
| had heard its mild tones before. He par
TALLY opened the door and called out
sternly:
aMr Waters. show the gentleman in,
if you please
Tne abashed clerk obeycd, but not
without surprise, and the old man, with
his heavy basket of strawberries, came
humbly into the private room of the
great banker
"Will you take chair, sir7' politely
inquired Mr.. Garnet, moving forward a
luxurious fauteui5.
The old man, taking off his hat, said:
"Sir, I fear ] intrude on your valuable
time. If you would buy some of my
fruit-necessity you know, is strong, and
my poverty is extreme. / was not always
in such position.
Mr.. Arnet watched the proud turn of
that gray head with singular smile; then
sitting down to his desk he wrote off a
check and handed it across the table.
'One thousand dollars!'' faltered the
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