The Grand Haven news., 1865-03-15

tnere was no distinction rs W wealth aud
position; that the distinction was in worth
alone. She taught her to reverence age
and to pity the poor and destitute; and
that pleasant words were as sweet as hon
eycomb, sweet to the soul; little kind
ness was better than money. Marian
learned the lesson well, and was ever
ready TO dispense her gentle words to all,
whether they were wealthy and infuen-
tial or ragged and INDECENT as the boy she
had that cold morning befriended.
A gay and brilliant throng were assem-
bled in the city Of washington. Congress
was in session, and the hotels we're crowd
ed with strangers. 1t was an evening
party. The brilliantly lighted rooms were
filled with youth and beauty.
Standing near one Of the doors were
two young ladies busily engaged convers-
ing together. The older Of the two sud-
denly exclaimed
"Oh, Marian, have you seen Mr.. HAM
ilton, the new member from W"
"No, but | have heard a great deal
about him."
"Oh, l want to see him so badly
Mrs. NJ is going to introduce him 10
us, | wish she would make haste, have
no patience"
"Don't speak so, Lousic, / wish you
could not be so triAing," said Marian.
A singular smile played around the
mouth of the handsome gentleman who
was standing near the girls; and as he
passed them, he scanned them very close
y.
In short time Mrs. N. came up with
Mr.. Hamilton, the new member, and pre-
sented him TO Miss Gardiner and Miss
Hayes. As they were convcrsing togeth-
er Mr.. Hamilton said: '
"Ladies, we have met before"
But Louise and Marian declared their
ignorance of the fact.
at has been long ago yeti have not
forgotten it, nor a single sentenced utter
ed during that meeting, / will qoute
one that you may recall j. TO your mom-
ory. The rich and the poor shall meet
together, the Lord is the maker of them
ALL"
The rich blood tinged the cheeks of
Marian, but Louise still declard herself
ignorant ms before. Mr.. Hamilton glanced
at Marian, then turning TO Louise he
said:
"Long years ago, a little boy, ragged
and dirty, seated himself on the steps of
a stately dwelling, on Fifth Avenue, New
York, and was busily engaged trying to
read from bit of paper, when his atlen-
ton was attracted by two little girls rich
ly dressed. The oldest Of the two par
ticularly attracted him; but rs they came
near to him, she lifted up her hand and
exclaimed:
Boy, what are you doing herel
"The boy answered that he was try
ing to read. Tho child of af1uence de-
rided him and said that she had heard of
intellect in rags, and he was the personif-
cation of it. Her companions answer
was that the rich and the poor shall meet
together, and the Lord is the maker Of
them all. The elder girl drove the boy
away from the steps, but the younger
one took him into ber dwelling and
warmed and fed him there. When they
parted, the little girl said, you must
not forget Marian Hayes And, Miss
Hayes, he has never forgotten her. That
ragged, dirty boy is now before you, la
ides, as Mr.. Hamilton, the member Of
Congress; and allow me, Miss Gardiner,
to tender my thanks to You for the kind
treatment of that boy"
Overwhelmed with confusion, Louise
knew not what to say or do.
In pity for her Mr.. Hamilton rose, and
turning to Marian, said:
II will see you again, Miss Hayes"
and bo left them.
Louise would not stay in tho city,
where she daily met with Mr.. Hamilton,
and in few days returned 10 New York,
leaving Marian with tho consciousness Of
having done nothing to be ashamed Of,
and enjoying the society Of distinguished
Congressman.
Marian and Mr.. Hamilton were walk
ing out one evening, whenthe latter drew
from bis bospm an old and we'll worn
primer, and handed it to Marian.
"From this" said he. the man who Is
SO distinguished here, first learned to
read. Do you recognize the bookT
Marian tremblcd, and did not raise hcr
eyes, when she saw the well remembered
book. Mr.. Hamilton took her hand and
said: s'sf-i sRF
"Mariap, Jimmie has not forgotten
IL l.