Bloomsburg democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1867-1869, 1868-07-01
BLOOMSBURY, PA, WEDNESDAY,, JULY |, 1868. I

-1A~< ~ &v-A-v>) - - -
spoken Of Invitations 70 other parties fol.
lowed; and, to be brief, The young man soon
found himself an established visitsnt at the
1 house Of Lady Melton. She, rich and
beautiful widow, was encircled by admirers.
One by one they disappeared, giving way to
the poor clerk, who seemed to sngross the
lady's whole thoughts Finally, almost by
her own asking, they were hotrothed. Fred.
| erick used to look sometimes at, the class
which hung in his humble lodging, and
wonder to what circumstance he owed bis
happy fortune. He used to conclude bis
meditations by the reflection that assuredly
the lovely widow was fulfilling some una.
voidable award Of destiny. As for his own
feelings the lady was lovely, young, rich, &C.
complished, and noted for her sesibility and
virtue-could he hesitate?
When the marriage contract was signed
his astonishment was redoubled, for he found
himself, through the lady's love, the virtual
possessor oflargc property both in England
and France. The presence Of friends had
certified and sanctioned the union, yet, as
has been stated, Frederick felt some strange
fear, in spite Of himself, lest all should
prove an illusion, and he grasped his brides
hand as il 10 prcycut her being spirited
away from his view.
MY dear Frederick" said the.lsdy, smil.
insly, "sit down beside me and let me say
something to you." y ,,
The young husband obeyed, but did not
quit her hand. She began, "Once on a
time"-Frederick started, and halfseriously
exclaimed, Heavens! it is a fairy tale !"-
"Listen to me, foolish boy" resumed the
lady. ''There was once young girl, the
| daughter Of parents well-born, and at one
time rich, but who had declined sadly in
circumstances. Until her fifteenth year the
family lived in Lyons, depending entirely
for subsistence upon the labor Of her father.
| Some better hopes sprung up and induced
them to come to Paris; but it Is difficult to
stop in the descent down the path Of misfor-
tune. For three years the father struggled
hard against poverty, and at last died IN an
hospital. The mother soon followed and
the young girl was left alone, the occupant
Of garret Of which the rent was not paid.
IF there were any fairy connected with the
story this was the moment for her appear.
ancc; but none came. The young girl re-.
mained alone, without friends or protectors,
harrassed by debts which she could not pay,
and seeking in vain for some species of chi
ployment. She found none; still it was
necessary for her to have food. One day
passed Oh which she tasted nothing The
night that followed was sleepless. Next
day was again passed without food, and the
poor girl was forced into the resolution Of
begging. She covered her head with her
mother veil, the only heritage she had re-
ceived, and, STOPPING to simulate age, she
held out her hand. Alas! the hand was
white, and youthful, and delicate. She felt
tho necessity Of covering it up in the folds
Of the veil, as if it had been leprosied.
Thus consealed, the poor girl held out her
hand to young woman who rassed-one
more happy than herself-aud asked, "A
sou-a single sou--to get bread! The pc
tition was unheeded. An old man passed.
The mandicant thought that experience Of
the distresscsof life might have softcned one
like him, but she was in error Experience
had only hardened, not sottened, his heart.
"The night was cold and rainy, and the
hour had come when the night police ap-
peared to keep the streets clear Of all men,
dicants and suspicious characters. At this
period the shrinking girl took courage once
more to hold out her hand to q passsr by.
It was young man. He stopped at the
silent appeal, and diving into his pockets
pulled out a piece Of money, which he threw
to her, being apparently afraid to touch a
thing so miserable. Just as no did this,
one Of the police said to the girl:
"Ah, ! have caught you, have I?--you
are begging. To the Office with you! come
alongr
1.-THE young man. interposed. He took
hold hastily Of the mendicant, Of her whom
he had before seemed afraid to touch. and
addressing himself to the policeman, said re.
provingly: This woman is not a beggar.
No; she is--she is one whom I know
"But sir, said the officer, II tell you
that she is an acquaintance Of mine, repet.
ed the young stranger. Then turning to the
girl, whom he took for an old and feeble wo.
man, he continued:
Come along, my good dame, and permit
mo to see you safely to the end Of tho street.
Giving his arm to the unfortunate girl, he
then led her away, saying: Here isa piece
Of q hundred sous. 1t sall have-takeit,
poor woman" .,.a
1.-The crown ofa hundred sous passed from
your hand to mine," continued the lady
"and as you walked along, supporting my
steps, I then, through my veil, distinctly
saw your face and figure. -
"My figure said Frederick, in amaze.