Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-12-03
SELECTED STORY.

SELECTED STORY.
ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.
Some years ago, I knew lapidary who
gained considerable fortune by great
misfortune. An excellent workman, honest
as the day, Month had but one fault-he
was too fond of good wine, which caused him
to neglect his work, sometimes for days to-
gether, to the great dissatisfaction of his
employer, who in all other respects valued
and esteemed him highly both for his skill
and probity.
One day Montln received from his master
diamond of the finest water to cut and pol
ish, with strict recommendations to keep
sober until the work was finished. 3.
II rely on your activity" said the jewel
Ter, on giving him the stone. IL must have
it without fail on the 18th instant; and il
you disappoint me this time, it will be the
last you will have from me-"
Montin promised exactitude, asked, as
was usual with him, part Of his pay in ad-
vance, and set himself courageously to work.
Under his skilful hand the diamond soon be-
gan to show forth its beauty in few hours
it would have been finished, when, unfor-
tunately for Montin's resolutions, a friend
called on him, an old comrade, who had been
long absent from Prais: what could they do
but take glass together ? Arrived at the
carabet, the time passed quickly away, and
Month thought no more of his unfinished
work.
During the morning his employer came to
see how the polishing Of the diamond pro.
ceeded The concierge assured him that
Month had only just gone out and would
not fail to return directly, as he had for some
days been working steadily and unremitting
ly. Only half satisfied, the jewellcr went
away, to return in two hours, and to find
Montin still absent. Convinced he was al
the tavern, the master charged one Of his
men to seek him and induce him to return
to his work. This was done, and Month,
grumbling between his teeth, quilted his
comrade and assembled to his workshop; but
his head was no longer clear nor his hand
steady. To add to his trouble the diamond
became unfxed he seized it hastily to re-
place it; his trembling fingers gave jerk,
and by strange fatality, the precious stone
flew out Of the window ! Sobered in a mo-
ment by this terrible accident, Month con-
tinued gazing out of the easement as if pc
tri6ed, his pale lips murmuring tho words,
''lost lost lost J"
For more than an hour he remained al
most motionless, and was onl y reused from
his lethargy by the entrance Of his master
els it thus you work, Montin 2" exclaim-
ed he ''three times have I called for the
diamond, and you spend your time at the
tavern. Give me the stone; l must have
it, finished or unfinished"
Montin looked wildly at him without ut
tering word.
"What is the matter with you p asked
the jeweller. "Why don't you answer p
Have you drank all your senses away?'
The lapidary tried in vain to speak. Hi
tongue seemed paralyzed. At last he rose,
and hiding his face in his hands, murmured
"It-is-lost !''
explain yourself. What has happen
ed?"
"Out of the window"
"What! when ?"
"The stone"
"Well, we'll, well tell me what has oc.
Cured"
"The stone flew out"
It was now the turn of the master to be-
come silent with astonishment then, furi
GUS with rage, he cried II don't believe 8
word of your story; you have sold my dia-
mond to pay for your dissipation
This accusation was coup de grace FOL
Montin. He fell fainting at the feet of biz
master; and it was not without difficulty
that he was recalled to life, or rather to {
despair which amounted almost to madness
The jeweller, who understood what was pass
ing in his mind, tried to console him, ane
at last succeeded in rendering him more calm
cit is a most unfortunate accident, M
Doubt" said he, ''but it is not irreparable.
"You do not, then, believe that | sole
your diamond for drink" said Montin eager
No, no, Montin, you must forget what
said in the first moment of anger, and let III
try to find remedy for the misfortune
The diamond was worth 5000; you mus
endeavor to repay me tho half of that sun
out of your wages, which, when you worl
regularly, amount to 93 or "a week
With industry and sobriety you will soor
get out of debt"
:sFrom this time I will work steadily,
said Montin, with tears in his eyes. "Yo'
shall see, sir that though I have been
drunkard, I am not thief"
II believe you" replied the Jeweller.
I have every confidence in you; you are
good workman; I will furnish you witt
plenty of work, and in few years you VII
be right again. Well! will that suit you T
"Oh yes sir! only tell me once more tina
you do not think [ sold the diamond" :.
II repeat, on my honor, that | only sale
so in the first moment Of anger. am con
vinced you are an honest MANN fact
prove it by trusting you with more work
eyes, sir, that is true, and I promise yo'
I will not disappoint you. I will repair ny q,
fault the lesson has been severe, but it vii
not be without its fruits"
| Mont;n kant his 1vord-he rose early ant