The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-10-21

!" No, no, Montin, you must forget what
said in the first moment Of anger, and let us
try to find remedy for the misfortune. The
diamond was worth GOO; you must endeav-
or to repay me half that sum out of your wa
ges, which, when you work regularly, amount
to e3 or "a week. With industry and So
briefly you wills get out Of debt" ay9
From this time will work steadily" said
MONTH, with tears in his eyes. :" You shall
see, sir, that though have been drunkard
I am not thief 'Ai4sa
Il believe you" replied the jeweller-
have every confidence in you;i you are good
workman; I will furnish you plenty of work
and in few years you will be right again
Well! will chat suit you p
7" Oh yes sir ! only tell me once more that
you do not think sold the hammond ~
q repeat, on my honor, that only said SO
in the first moment Of anger. am conyinc-
ed that you are an honest man-in fact
prove it by trusting you with more work.
4. 6 6 Yes that is true, and promise will not
disappoint you. I will repair my fault; the
lesson has been severe, but it will not be with
out its fruits"
Montin kept his word-he rose early and
worked indefatigably che lost stone was re-
placed by another which was polished as if by
cnehantment Faithful to his promise, he
went no more to the tavern, and became a
model Of steadiness and industry, At the
end Of the year he had paid considerable
part of his debt Sixteen months passed
thus, when one fine morning in May, having
finished his work, he placed himself at the
window, and watched the boats passing and
repassing on the river, which flowed close to
the walls of the house. Suddenly his eyes
were attracted by something glittering on the
extreme edge of an old chimney What was
his surprise to discover his half-polished dia-
mond! It seemed as if breath would pre-
cipitate it into the water beneath and yet
there it had been for SO many months suspend
ed between heaven and earth $50 - ,5r
At this sight his emotion became almost as
great as on the day when he had seen it dis.
appear out of the window; he dared not re-
move his eyes, fearing to lose sight Of the al
most recovered treasure. tH7&
g 1t is-it is my diamond, which has cost
ME SO many tears" said he; but how shall
I reach it J! If it were to fall But no, |
will take every precaution; not too fast! let
me consider well p
At this moment his employer entered the
room.
g Oh, sir" cried Month, " it is there"
"What 2" said the jeweller.
81 My diamond, or rather yours. All, do
not touch it, we shall lose it forever"
1T is true; it is certainly the diamond
that has so tormented US, but the difficulty is
how to get it, Wait moment [ know how
to do it," So saying, he left the room, but
quickly returned, bearing in his hand a net
prepared for catching butterflies. With its
aid, and that of long stick, he proceeded
carefully to try and get the precious stone
Montin, hardly daring to breathe, watched all
his movements with the greatest anxiety. At
last his efforts were crowned with success, and
he cried, :" Here it is, Montin congratu.
late you on its recovery. am now your debt
or to the amount of nearly hundred pounds
What do you intend to do with the amount ?"
g Leave it in your hands, sir, if you will be
kind enough to keep it fer me-"
!" Most willingly; Twill pay you the inter
est, and if you continue TO add to it you will
soon have nice little sum-" replied the jew
eller.
This was the beginning of Months for
tune. In few years he became a partner
with his master, whose daughter he marrieds
and he is now one Of the principal jeweller,
in Paris.