Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1866-09-28
THE OLD HOUSE IN THE JuDEN srRAssE.

Frankfort is the juden Strasse, or Jews
street, the Old Jewry Of that celebrated ci-
'y. Although in the very heart of the
town, it is quiet, and not much freqlented
A people distinguished only for great
wealth, who rarely make use Of it, and on
iy hoard it in their Golfers without con-
trlLu,ing to beautify the city in VIII 'cl,
they reside, will rarely attract others to-
ward them; and, therefore, tho julien
Strassc, at the date Of the story, represon
ted but a small number Of the busy resi-.
dents of Frankfort.
In one Of the houses dwelt Jew, whose
love Of gain, if indeed such passion had
entered into his soul, was under the full
domination of his honesty and integrity.
These were jewels which he priced far
above the gold and precious stones with
which his brethren sought 20 solace them
selves for their outward poverty Of appear
ance.
will not say That he was not earnestly
seeking for the means to provide against
tho future contingencies Of fortune, and to
lay up something for The little ones who
sat around his board but high above ell
these was eutlf foned pure principle of
honor and Justice, perfectly incorruptiLle,
TO the loss Of which wealtl, and honors
could not b'ibe, nor poverty compel
him.
Tho wife of B.n-IIebcr HothschIJ was
fit companion for such a man. Stately
rs an eastern princess, and beautiful as
only her race can Le, in the wealth and
brilIiancy Of her deep black eyes and ra-
ven hair, distinguished for tho peculiar
purple tint that flashes over 1t in the suns
rays, just as the gIca,n over the ring dove
neck, Sara Rolllsclli!d was Us good as she
was beautiful.
Their house was neat aud tastefulIy Or
dcr,d Although the furniture was all Of
H simple form, yet it was made Of rarc old
wool, that would now bring its weight in
gn:<l. One closet was devoted to seats Of
differently fashioned aud painted Dresden
China-the heir-looms Of families who
had tccu impo> crished, anl'wlo were glad
to let them lie in the jews closet while they
lived upon tie money they brought All,
how few could redeem them!
This closet was often carccssly exposed
10 strangers, anil its wealth of beautiful
cups AMI plates was the th,mc Of many
lips. as thoy were the admiration Of tho
children Of Ben-IIeber, They, indeed,
never tired gazing upon the paint
ings and fine gliding that cnric..:ed the Chi
ma.
Although the outer closet was thus fear
lessly exposed, few would have imagined
that behind its seemingly secure back there
was an inner one that contained princely
inheritances in gold and diamonds.
This was tile trust-closet-se construe-
ted that the closest inspection would not
reveal its existence; and 10 it were hid
den-Eot the treasures That extravaganza
had pawned, and for which the worthy
Jew was receiving profit, but simply those
which had been intrusted to his integrity to
keep, and for which accommodation lie
would never be paid.
Ono night, when the family was about
to retire to rest, faint knock was heard
at the door, and was answered By the
master Of the house. gentleman, plain
and simple inhis dress, and carrying moth
ing, not ever cane, with which to defend
himself, appeared on the steps. His person
was wholly unknown to the Jew; and it
seemed that his was equally SO to the stran-
ger, for he was particularin asking for him
by name. 80
He ushered the visitor to tue room
where his wife was still sitting, as he left
her, in front frihe famous closet, which
stood with its wide glass doors quite
epefg pt'saa ns3 - -
AZ first The stranger seemed lialf-disro-
sed to object to the presence Of the lady;
tnt when she turned her. bead, and ac-
knowled his own presence by bow, while
her grave aud serene countenance relaxed
:nto q smile, he seemed content that she
! she should stay and witness bis sbnsiuess
With her husband. Tkis was soon unfold
ed. The.visitor was German pripce,
who from some political or fpersond .,rea-
son, was forced to flee from Frankfort,
He bad heard of tho purity andeuprigLt-
! nsssssf The nan with whom be had come
70 dsa'. and he wished to place all, he had
in the world under his charge, il be would
accept ths Ras.. i
II wish aalg said TIE plinee,.to retain
enough ior my expenses Is 1 foreign iand,
9ass sy u i 81! sin go tasif I cannot fInd