The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1868-11-20
SGleGt Stprp,
THE PERJURED GOLDSMITH.

= :
plainly attred, entered one of the gold
smiths stores on-street and seeing gen
tleman was engaged with the proprietor, she
timidly shrunk aside until he should be al
leisure. The assistants were also occupied
with customers, whose dress and appearance
showed them to belong to the rich aud uprer
circles, and SO she was suffered to remain for
some time standing there before she could
be attended tn.
The gentleman was a fine, noble looking
person, with remarkably polished address,
who, seeing her waiting, stood aside and
said to the goldsmith:
edo not occupy yourself with me now,
Mr.. Broachard | can examine the watches
by myself while you see what this young
person wants, who has been waiting here so
long and patiently to get on opportunity to
speak to you.
"What do you wish, Miss?" asked the
goldsmith, with look that conveyed re-
proof of her interrupting him whlle'cngaged
with customer of more value to him.
The girl hesitatingly approached the coun-
ter and taking from her bosom small gold
clasp bent over to him, and said, in low,
trembling voice: - Nv
Il wish, sir, you would be so kind as to
keep this a few days, and let me have seven
dollars on it, ... ......
Low as she spoke, her soft, trembling
tones reached the ears of McIIenry, the gen
tleman who was present. He turned to OBJ
serve her face and hear the reply of the gold
smith to this timid and painfully uttered re-
quest. The goldsmith took the clasp scorn-
fully between his fingers and threw it down,
when he said sharply to her;
"Ths is no pawnhroker's shop, girl; and
if it was, that thing is not worth two dol.
lars. :" .... ......
&" 1t is of inestimable value to me, sir
it is the only thing valuable that | have,
she answered. earnestly, and her cheek slight.
ly flushed at this rude reply
81 don't know what you may value it at '
he ans Hered, with Il cool laugh, glancng at
Colonel McIIcnry, whom he saw severely
cycling him. . would not give you six
shillihgs for it."
But, SIR" pleaded the girl, - must
have seven dollars to-day and | have nc
other way of getting it; l was in hopes, sir
that you might let me have the sum on it
I will certainly come back and take it uE
again.
81 tell you," answered he, angrily, 81
keep no pawnbroker's shop; go to the
| Jews"
"They won't give me but two dollars; ant
| want seven"
And so you think to get it of me?"
The young girl was about to speak again
but, as if not knowing what farther argu
ment to urge, hesitated and turned slowl.
away when she checked herself and agaiI
spoke to him.
Sir" she said. in thrilling tone o
earnest entreaty, "my mother is lying yer.
| 1,,n Sal, 10
day, and the person we sew for. having dis
appointed rs in our pay, / have no other re
source than this. Oh, sir, will you not TAX
this clasp only for a few days, and l viii
! then repay your
Mr. Brochard felt that Colonel MclIenry'
eyes were upon him waiting7an answer, AM
he wished him to think him a man of bust
ness, (which meant, in his notion, a MAJ
without heart, he answered promptly an
sternly:
"No. Do you think we are simpleton
here? If you have nothing more to say
please stand aside for customers.
"Well, Colonel, what do you think G
those? They are the latest importation, fu
jeweled, aud warranted in all points. l wi
sell you the one you have just laid down fo
one hundred and ninety-fye dollars"
!
him, but watching the young girl, whom b
saw leaving the counter with heavy, drooI
ing step, and approach the door. Her fac
had struck him for its sweet, intelliger
loveliness, and her modesty had for him a
irresistible charm; but her plea of povert
deeply interested his feelings and enliste
them in her benalf He had silently watcl
ed the progress of her interview with EN-,
tions OF contempt for one and pity for I'll
other. tts d tflJ flt
Her hand was on the knob of the doc
when advancing toward her he said:
"You asked | believe, for seven dollars'
He spoke with gentle interest in his tor
that at once awakened hope in her hea
and again brought the light to her eyes, al
the hue TO her cheeks, as she dlfidently a
swered,
yes, sir, should not have been so u
gent"