The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-08-03
Platform BenevOIence-A Page from
DickenS's Novel.

Critics opine that all the world loses by
the non-completion Of EDWIN Droou.'
and there is nothing that would have been
in better vein than the dclincation of the
mock philanthropy in the character and
career OF g Mr.. Honcythundcr.' 1t i thus
In the seventeenth chapter Of the "MyStc-
ry," in the person of the amiablc clergy
man. MIR. CriSparkle, that the creator of
MeStlamcs ,Jcllyby and Pardig@lc la>heS the
prctcnsions Of that professional philanthro-
pist
AN ACCOUNT RENDERED UP BETWEEN CRlSPAR-
KLE AND HONEYTHrNDER.
Enough" beloved Mr.. lloncyth,m-
der, with Il solemnity and severity that
would have brought the house down at Il
meeting, E-e-nough! My late wards
being now Of age, and | being released
from trust which | cannot contemplate
without thrill Of horror, there are the ac-
counts which you have undertaken to ac-
ccpt on their behalf, and there is state
ment OF the balance which you have under
taken to receive, and which you cannot re-
ceiye too soon. And let me tell you, sir,
wish, that rs man and q Minor Canon, YOU
were better employcd,' with mod. bet
ter employed" with another nod. Bet
ter em-ployedr' with another and the
three mods added up.
MIR. Crisparkle rose, little heated in
lIlt llSCg UuG VIII ISiklSp vi
himself.
s.Mr. Honeythunder," he said, taking up
the papers referred to, "my being better
or worse employed than | am ut present is
n matter of taste and opinion. You might
think me better employed in enrolling my
self a member Of your society"
cay, indeed, SIR retorted Mr.. Honey
thunder, shaking his head in a threatening
manner. at would have been better for
you if you had done that long ago.
81 think otherwise"
his head again, " might think one of your
profession better employed in drv0tn.
himself TO the discovery and punishment OF
guilt than In leaving that duty to be under.
AIKEN by u layman."
g may regard my profession from 4
point Of view which teaches me that its first
duty is towards those who are in necessity
and tribulation, who are desolate and on.
pressed" said Mr.. Crisparkle. "IIow-
ever. as have quite clearly satisfied myself
that 1t Is no part Of my profession TO make
owe 1t to MIR. Neville, and to MIR. Ncyille's
sister (and in much lower degree to nv
sell }, to say to you that kraolr ! was in the
full possession and understanding of Mr.
Neyille's mind and heart at the time of this
occurrence; and that, without in the least
coloring or concealing what was to be de-
plOred In him and required to be corrected.
feel certain that his tale is true. Feeling
that certainty befriend him. AS long as
that certainty shall last will bcfriend him
AND II any consideration should shake me
Ill this resolve, should be so ashamed Of
myself Tor my meanness that no mans good
opin!on-no, nor no woman's-so gained
could compensate me for the loss Of my
own"
Good fellow Manly fellow! And he
was so modest, too. There was no more
self-assertiOn in the Minor Canon than i'll
the schoolboy who had stood in the breezy
piaying-telds keeping a wicket. He was
simply and staunchly true to his duty alike
in the large case and In the small. SO all
true souls ever are. SO every true tsoul
ever was, ever is, and ever will be. There
is nothing little to the really great in spirit.
"Theu who do you make out did the
deed?" asked Mr.. Honeythundcr, turning
Heaven forbid" said Mr. Crisparkle
THAT in my desire to clear one man
should lightly crimlnate another! accuse
no one"
"Tcha!' CALCULATED Mr.. Honcythunder
with great disgust; for this was by no
means the principle on which the Philan-
throplc Brotherhood usually proceeded,
"Aud, SIR" you are not disinterestcd
witness, we must bear in mind"
"HoW am [ an interested one /" inquired
Mr.. Crisparkle, smiling innocently, at il loss
to imagine.
"There was certain stipend, sir, paid to
you for your pupil, which may have warped
your judgment Bit" said Mr. Honey
thunder, coarseiy.
"PerhaDs Iexpect to retain II still ?" MIR.