The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-07-24

make some impression upon Weresford.
Without waiting for reply, Toby con-
tinued:
"You will much oblige me by return
ing those twelve guineas which | lent you
at the same time; nevertbeless,if you are
in want of them, consent to lend them
to you, on condition that you give me a
receipt"
The coolness of the Quaker so much
disconnected the merchant that he dared
not deny the possession of the stolen ar
ticles; but, not wishing to acknowledge it,
he hesitated to reply, and Toby added
~ have told you of the projected mar
riage of my daughter, Mary. had re-
ceived a sum Of two hundred pounds,
sterling for the brides portion, but have
met with an accident; last evening,on the
London road, l was completely robbed 80
completely that l am come to pray you
to give your son marriage portion, which
had it not been for that, l should never
have asked Of you."
"My son'
"Ehl yes; don't you know that it is
him that is in love with Mary, and is to
marry her?"
Edward" cried the merchant throw
ing himself on the foot OF the bed.
edward Weresford,n calmly replied
the Quaker, taking pinch of snuff. "Let
US see; do something for him. 1 should
dislike to have him know what passed
last night, and if you do not furnish the
sum have promlsed,it will be necessary
that I should tell him how / lost it"
Weresford ran to secretary, took out
a box with triple lock, opened it and
placed in his hands his watch, his purse
and his sack ef money.
"Good," said the Quaker, on receiving
them; 81 see was right in depending
upon you"
"Is this all you wish?" said the mer-
chant, in brisk tone.
"No; ! require something further of
your friendship"
"Speakl''
"You must disinherit your son."
"How?"
"You must disinherit him. I do not
wish it said that I have speculated upon
your fortune" and finishing these words
the Quaker left the chamber. "No," ;"
murmured he, when alone, achildren are
not bound by the fault of their parents.
Mary shall marry the son of this man,
but touch his stolen money, never"
When in the yard, "Ho. my friendl"
cried he to Weresford, who was looking
out Of the window, "order my horse to
be brought OUT
A few moments after, Toby well noun
ted, carrying behind his bag of money,
and provided with his watch and purse, at
moderate pace regained his house.
81 have just made nay marriage visit to
your father" said he to Edward, whom he
found there. 81 believe that we shall be
able to agree"
Two hours after, Weresford arrived
at Toby's house, and taking him aside:
"Honest Quaker" said he, "your pro-
ceeding has touched me to the bottom of
my soul; you might have dishonored me,
have dishonored me in the eyes of my
son, ruined me in his estimation, and
have made him unhappy in refusing him
your daughter;you have acted like wise
man, and man of heart. Iwish no lon
ger to blush in your presence. Take
these papers. Goodbye! you will never
see me again.
He then left, and the Quaker opened
papers; first, there were checks of large
amounts on the best houses in London;
then came long list of names, and by
the side of each name was placed the
amount of larger or smaller sums; note
was prefzed to it, upon which the Qua
ker read as follows:
.These are the names Of those who
have been robbed; the figures are the
amounts which ought to be returned
Draw the money from my bankers as
though for the purposes of foreign ex-
change, and then make the restitution Sc
cretly. All that remains will be my le-
gitimate fortune, and your daughter may
be able, some day, to accept my inheri-
tance."
The next morning Weresford left Lon
don, and all believed that he was gone to
live on his income in France.
On the marriage day of Edward and
Mary, the Quaker assembled large COM
pany Of joyous friends, among whom
might be noticed number Of persons re
ljoicing themselves with the proceeds Of
the London thieves, who. by the interfe
renee of Toby, had been induced to re
turn them their lost property with inter
nct