The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1868-06-13

enough to hear the worst, and bray
enough to bear all, for those she love
Father, speak to your boy
My son, let us know the wors
You have your mothers promise of hell
| will do all she wiShes.'
"Oh. you may save me from impr
sonment, but the terrible shame for yo
to bear. Your name borne by a tor.rl
er p gasprd forth the guilty youth.
"OId Truman will have no mercy
I heard him say that when he discovered
the guilty one, he would make an ex
ample of him." he continued.
Swiftly flew the thoughts of the fathe
back to the time, long years ago, who1
another young man stood before him
writhing under his relentless hand Ant
now comes back to him tLe lons-forgot
ten words:
"Do you not fear you may yet need
the mercy you now deny to me ?'
At last he hoarsely whispered.
1.-THE amount tell me -
Five thousand dollars Father, YOU
can easily fix that, but the shame,' be
answered, unconsc;ousIy probing still
deeper and deeper the W. unled man.
my wife, you will have to suffer
more than tbs disgrace. For years
have been living beyond my means. I
can meet this, but only by Withdrawing
from the firm. This property and every
thing else is no longer mine, nor has it
been for three years past. | have tried
to keep this from you, hoping could
manage these Difficult les until Uncle
Jacobs death. | feared that if the
strange old man should know | was no
longer prosperous, he would destroy his
will. and Cut me entirely off: Now if
he heard of this, fear the consequence.
"Oh this is a severe blow"
A loud ring came from the hall door,
and girlish voice softly said
"Papa! there is a gentleman in the
next room, who wishes to see YOU, and
he asked if Dayton was Lomr.'
" After me, I know. Father let me
80 away. | have money enough to car
ry me out OF the country" pleaded the
boy.
'Remain with your mother, 7 will see
this gentleman, aud try to make terms
with him."
"God bless you, my husband, do not
think OF me, think only of your son, and
your name"
" Mr.. Marbury, l am here en- very un-
pleasant business. | hope, however, to
give you some comfort Your son is
with You, | hear; | was fearful he had
fed. He has told you, | think, of his
trouble" said the stranger.
You are right. sir. The amount
can return, that is nothing; but Oh God
the disgrace Can l hope torany mercy?
CaI any thing induce Mr.. Truman to
spare us Mat?
"Mr. N. rbury, I am man Of few
words, and wish not to prolong your
snatrInss. l have pleaded With Mr..
Truman for your sou. He is stern,
rather hand man; but I think have
induced him to yield. He is under
to me, in fact, only my repre-
sentative; the capital is mine. When
he became aware of this unhappy busi-
ness, he Immediately telrgraphed for
ne,-brfore he had ascertainrd the guilty
me. This affair is known only to Mr.
Truman, the book-keeper, and myself,
md | am here this morning, to pledge'I
o you, sir, that this knowledge shall 20
10 further. Relieve your mind, your
'dn's and your w,fe's. The name Of
Harbury shall remain spotless.''
How can ever thank you! On
What terms is this mercy granted us. |
will be ready to meet them, immedi- |
Itely."
Il have made all the necessary ar
know You are proud
nan, therefore [ will not release your son
rom the payment of the money. | must
INSIST, however, that he shall pay it.
1ere are notes (Which he must sign.
,ou will see | have made them in ten
ayments; yearly. This will be tive
undred each year. have an object in
hiss 1t will arouse him; give him
to work for, bring forth his
elf-respect. and more than all, will make
man of him. am queer fellow,
ou may think. but I choose to try this
Experiment.. For years past have been
,aking myself happy. by doing little
for triends--people who loved
'e. This time | thoug ght would try
ow much happier I should be in doing
ood to him 'who hated and dispitefully
sed me-
What can you mean? Who are
ou? Why have you acted thus asked
10 astonished man.
Il feel deep sympathy for your son,
n. Marbury, because in years gone by
was tempted, and yielded. | plead j.
ith one for mercy, and it was granted
e. You know at what cost. More
AN all, l could not suffer Clara Day
MS son should wear the brand ofshame
know me, George Marbury ?
as time and these grey hairs altered
9 so much?
g. Everett Morse. Just Heaven, how
ysterious are thy ways! Yes, | pared i
III, but for dreadful sacrifice. For.
We, oh !! Forgive me ! Oh! how pro-
le'ic were your Words" burst from the
os of the humiiated man.
" I do forgive you-have long years
%. I have known she was happy with
III, and l was content. Will you some
ne, when you best can, let her know
Nv it was I lost her? Is this asking
o much? L
How can II This is ssyere task,
1t be it as you wish"
The door opened, and Clara stood be.