The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1868-09-15
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and beloved by all Hs was always
kind 10 the uAioriuuase, oAauty never
pleaded va nly at bic dou lis purse
aua influence were ever a. tie ooin-
maud ol lie deserving His vile was
his very counterpart and many a iaih-
crless child aud widowed mother 1nFok-
cd Gods blessing 90 her bead.
One summer afternoon, tbe merchant
had just returned 30 has honse, the
tolls aud cares Of the day being over,
and IN gown and shppes comfortably
esoonced himself IN las arm char, ms
loved consort by his side, reading the
Evening Chronicle. when the door bell
rang, and the servant ushered stran e.
er into the room.
lie was very young man: indeed
had not reached manhood. De was
dressed IN the very lowest grade OF so
ciety, and his ill-httng graments were
worn and soiled, betraying great power
ty. Through all this meanness Of at
tire, to reader OF human countenanee
there was yet in has aspect something
to arrest attention. He was pale, even
TO haggardness, but his eye and lp, the
exprssion written by Gods own hand
on his manly brow, once seen could
not he easily forgotten.
As be entered, be bowed low, with q
step forward, tried 10 speak, but the
words died away in a whisper.
We'll, young man, said the merchant,
kindly, what is your business with me =
Alas, sir; / wish to obtain employ
ment, IL am suffering for want Of
food 7
And he turned away his head as a
tear started TO his eye
Indeed Why, wife, this must not
be- Where are your friends--your
home, young sir?
Home / have no home but the open
street, Friends had friends; but
now-I-I-
Never mind, never mind. / have no
employment to give you, but you shall
not lack food. Dinner waits. Come,
dear, take my arm, and you, young
man, give the servant your hat, and
dime with us. Wen hear the remain :
der Of your story afterward'
The stranger hesitatingly followed
the merchant 70 the table, for his beg
carly garb u oeC4me place at the
sumptuous board before them.
They had dined, and the stranger
felt pal TALLY relieved
Now, young man, sad his host,
tarnipg toward him, you have enten,
tell me why one like you is reduced to
rags
Alas sir it is a simple story. My
father died when | was al infant, leay-
ing my mother pennyless among strang-
ers, to provide as best she might for the
support Of their only child. Reduced
from afluence to poverty by lawsuit
involving the whole Of his estate, my
father left his home heart broken, with
the hope OF retrieving bis fortune in a
foreign land My mother being a lady
OF superior education, supported her
self by her talents comfortably and gave
me collegiate education. Three years
ago that loved parent died; and after
breathing last prayer on her grave
and moistening the green sod with my
tears, | set forth in the vide world
alone. / came TO this city and procu-
cred a situation in mercantile house,
which held until my employers failed
by their influence, soon obtained an
other, with every prospect of advance
ment A fellow clerk and myself al
ways slept in the store, and one night
be arose from his bed unknown to me
took the key of the safe from under my
pillow, and robbed it Of large amount
The theft was Immediately known, and
so strong was the suspicion against US
both, that, afraid Of being discovered,
the thief secreted the money in my bu,
reau, where it was found / was ar.
rested, thrown into prison and kept 9
year. Three weeks ago my time expir.
ed, since which have vainly endeavor.
ed to establish my innocence and gel
employment Ny character is gone
and those who were once friendly nov
spurn me from their doors. Poverty
has compelled me to pawn garments of
my wardrobe, until the last we're e1.
changed FOR these rags Last night
slept in the open air; today am beg
gArr
oyerpowered by his feelings the
stranger sank back in bis chair, and
covering his face, wept bitterly.
The merchant rose from The table
much affected. while the wife, still more
affected by the strangers story, and
whispering TO the husband. desired the
youth TO follow him 10 the library