The Van Buren press., 1870-02-01


and, timidly crossing the street, she made
her way into the hall, and there, bewil-
dered by the light, she knew not what to
say, till twice asked by servant what
she wanted. OF course she could do no
more tkan describe the stranger by his
tall stature and flowing hair. But he had
already gone out again she must call on
the morrow, they said, and ask for Mr..
Ashcraft.
The next morning, having eaten moth
ing--for she could not touch farthng
of the money-shc was admitted into the
room where sat the Stranger. lie arose
as she entered, and gazed with curious
air till she presented the purse, Then he
started with pleased surprise, laid down
his paper, took the gold and carefully
counted it over.
1T is all safe," he said, you have
not takcn--"
"Not one piece, sir" she cried, eager
ly, trembling as she spoke.
You seem poor" remarked the stran
ger.
Il am poor" she replied.
WV SupPOSC'
"Four little boys, sir /; | am a widow"
"Humph so | suppose; that's the old
story
"Ask Mr. Hart, the tailor" cried the
widow, stepping forward little; +" he
knows me well he knows that though
am psor am honest"
A bright red spot burned on her cheeks
hn ln a1 ola hau bo
tears.
"Now confess" said the stranger, ris-
ing and walking to and fro before the
fire, " tell me, did you not expect large
reward for this z"
al did think, perhaps--" aud she
turned with quivering lips to the door.
"Stop, stop!' cried the stranger; 'you
know you would never have returned the
purse had you not expected to be well
paid for it."
"Sir % said the widow, her voice ris-
ing beyond its usual tone, and her thin
form erect.
The stranger paused, holding the purse
in his hand; then drawing forth small
coin, offered it to her.
VI u ulOHuCUJ sue QICW UdCh Dut
then, remembering that her poor boys
were hungry at home, and in bed because
there was no fire, she burst into tears as
she took it, saying, "This will buy bread
for my poer children" and hurrying
away she buried the bitterness Of that
morning in her own heart
1t was four o'clock on the same day
Sarah Goodwin sat by scanty fire, busy
in sewing patches on the very poor cloths
of her four boys.
"Run to the door, Jimmy she said
to the eldest, as n loud knock was heard.
"Oh, mother ~ the boy cried, return
WHAT chig rPqpadlc for us "Wha. 10 i''
"Work for me, perhaps said the wild
ow, untying the large package, whom
suddenly there came to light four suits of
grey clothes, with four neat black, shin.
ing caps, each exactly fitting to the heads
Of her boys. Almost overcome with
wonder, the widow fell on her knees, her
eyes fixed on the words, GA present for
the fathcrless - while the bsys, laying
hold of their suits of clothes, jumped
about the floor shouting with glee.
whats in the pocket, here? what's
in the pocket ?" cried Jimmy, thrusting
his hand into that place, when, 10! out
came the very purse tho widow had re-
turned that morning, with five pieces of
gold still in it
A scene Of joyous confusion followed,
and the voice of prayer ascended from
Sarah Goedwin's full heart. Again and
again she looked at the glittering treas
ure. 1t seemed a fortune to her. How
her heart ran over with gratitude to God
and the stranger.
She could not rest, till, throwing Oh
her bonnet, with cheeks glowing now
with hope and happiness, she ran back
to the hotel to pour forth her thanks.
A carriage stood at the door laden
with trunks behind The driver mounted
the seat as she reached the steps, and,
turning her head, there within sat the
stranger. She had not time to speak
but he nodded his head, as he saw her
with clasped hands standing there, and
prayer on her lips. Sarah never saw
the stranger again. She took a little shop
and stocked it well, and put her boys to
school To-day she is the owner Of a re
spectacle shop OF her four boys, two
are ministers, one is doctor, and the
other thriving tradesman.
Nobody knows where the man with
the flowing hair has gone; but if he is
living, and should ever hear of widow
Goodwin, he will have the joy OF know
ing the noble results of this generous
deed towards the worthy woman and her
four boys -Erchange.
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A IIsEEIlI uINr EoK Coll WEAruER -