Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-09-09

/ iou"o HiihSei tHfough tue iady love, tn,
virtual possessor OF large property, both il
England and France. The presence O
friends had certified and sanctioned the up
ion, yet as has been stated, Fredrick fel
some strange fears, in spite of himself les
1T should prove an illusion, and he craspec
his brides hand, as if to prevent her beine
spirited away.
My dear Frederick, said the lady. 'tsi
down beside me and let me say somethins
to you.
The young husband obeyed, but he die
not quit her hand. She began, "Once or
time Frederick started. and half seri
ously exclaimed, Heavens it is fairy
tale !! Listen to me, foolish boy" said
she. ''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 hope sprung up and induced
them to come 20 Paris; but it is difficult tc
| stop in the descent down the path of mis-
| fortune. For three years the father strug-
gled hard against poverty, but at last died
| in a 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 appearance but
-, i l.
without friends or protectors, harrassed by
debts which she could not pay, and seeking
in vain for some species of employment
She found none. Still it was necessary for
her to have food. One day passed on which
she tasted nothing. The night that follow
ed was sleepless. Mkt day was again pass
ed without food, and the poor girl was forced
into the resolution of begging.
''She covered her head with her mother's 5
veil, the only heritage she had received, and
STOPPING SO as to simulate age, she went out
into the street. When there she held out
her hand; alasl the hand was white and
youthful and delicate. Thus concealed, the
poor girl held out her hand , a young wo-
man who passed-one more happy than
herself-and asked, "a sou-a single sou to
get bread ? The petition WIS unheedcd
An old man passed. The mendicant thought
that the experience OF the distresses of life
might Rave softened one Ike him, but she
was in error. Experience had only harden
ed, not softened, his heart.
The night was cold and rainy, and the
hour had come when the night police ap
peared to keep the street clear of all mendi-
cants and suspicious characters. AT this pc
riod the shrinking girl took courage once
more 10 hold out her hand to passer by
1t was young man. He stopped at the
silent appeal, and, diving into his pockets,
pulled out piece of money, which he threw
to her, beng apparently afraid to touch a
thing so miserable. Just as he did this, the
police said to the girl:
''Ah, have caught you, have I?-you
are begging. To the Office with you Come
alongi'
The young man interposed. He took
hold hastily of the mendicant, of her whom
he had before seemed to be afraid to touch.
and addressing himself to the policeman,
said, ,reprovingly; This woman is not beg
gar No; she is-she is one whom know.
But, sir, said the oficer-'I tell you that
she is an acquaintance of mine. repeated
the yonng stranger. Then turning to the
girl, whom he took for all old and feeble
woman, he continued
- Come along. my good dame, and per-
nit me to see you safely to the end of this
street Giving his arm to the unfortunate
girl, he then led her away, saying: Here
IS a piece OF hundred sous. 1t is all |
haVe-take it poor woman
The crown of a hundred sous psssed
from your hand into mine continued the
lady, ''and as you walked along supporting
my steps, then, through my veil, distinct
ly saw your face and figure
My fgure!' said Frederick, in amaze
ment.
Yes, my friend, your figure, returned
his wife. 1T was 10 me that you gave aims
on that night. 1t was my Efe-my honor,
perhaps, that yod saved. -
You a menlicant-you, so young, so
beautiful and now so rich, cried Frederick.
Yes, my dearest husband, y replied the
lady, Il have in my life received alm5-once
only-and from you; AMI those aims have
decided my fate for life On the dav follow
ing that miserable night, an old woman in
whom had inspired some sentiments Of
pity enabled me to enter as Seanstress in
respectable house Cheerfulness returned
to ue with labor. had the good fortune
to become favorte with the mistress whom
| served, and indeed did my best by un
wearied diligence and care. to merit her IA
vor. She was often visited by people in
high life. One DAY Sir James Melton, an
Euglishman of great property, came to the
establishment along with a party of ladies.
He returned again. He spoke with my mis-
tress, and learned that | was of good family;
in short. learned my whole history. The
result was that one day he sat down by my
side and asked me plainly if | would marry
him.
g Marry you cried |, in surprise.
Sir james Melton was man OF sixty, tall.