The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-12-16
CHAPTER II.

The day before Paul had conveyed that
intelligence to his sister, \ scene had TAX
en- place in n gloomy mansion in one OF
the gloomicst squares of our grand old
city. A city merchant lay upon his DEATH
bed. His gray hairs were spread over the
pillows. his cheeks were sunken and can
daveous, and there was film over the
ance bright blue eyes, that betokened the
approach Of the King Of Terrors. His
shaking hands grasped those of a young
man. and the dim eyes sought the loved
features of the other, In anxious desire to
communicate something ere his power to
do so was taken from him. Let us give
the substance Of that communication, with
out the breaks In Il that characterized the
speech ofthe dying man
Roland when you come to lie ut the
gates Of death. il will not be the brilliant
successes you have known In life that will
occupy your mind, but the few mistakes
that, in spite of your utmost endeayors.
have occurred
Surely you can recall nothing Of that
kind. to trouble you. father said the son,
soothingly. Your name has been one oi
the most respected upon Change. and
your private character has fully borne out
your public reputation
Nevertheless replied the old man,
there have been duties neglected, or care
,esSly filled. aud my conscience makes
them prominent To me now. My son,
you may carry out what have failed To
do. You remember. before you went to
India. my intimacy with n fellow-mer-
chant, for whom had great respect and
liking
You mean Simon Grassland p said the
son.
Il do was the reply. -Four or five
years ago he died insolvcnt. and under
circumstances that compelled all men To
pity rather than to blame him. lie left a
family
And You wish me tn seek out that fam
ily and provide for their wantsr said Ro-
land Newton. soothingly. The family
Simon Grassland had or had not left was
of small account in his mind; its all-par-
amount desire Just then was tn remove
the earthly anSietics of the dying man.
Never fear. father. il they are upon the
face OF the earth, will find and relieve
them
They are not lost said Mr.. Newton.
Il have not utterly neglected them. Paul
Grassland occupies the second stool in the
Office. but beyond giving him employ
ment l have never Interested myself to
discover whether or no he has other wants.
fear things have not all been going ON
rs they should in the Office; If when you
come To examine matters You should find
Paul Grassland In error. remember = hat
his father was 10 me, and how upon my
,iesth.bed I reproached myself FOR not
having taken q warmer interest in his
welfare. and given him that assistance
that might have lifted him above temp
tation.'
4 promise You that Paul Grassland shall
find as merciiul Judge In me, and one rs
ready to overlook involuntary transgrcs-
sion N he would have done In you,' said
Roland.
There are others OF them too, Roland,
sisters or sister; you have abundant
means. don't let the wretched girls de-
grade themselves by hard work. lwould
have attended TO this had lived
At seventy.five years Of age mans
race Is pretty nigh run, and seldom II fur
ther space granted him In which to per-
form duties he has neglected before that.
None was granted to Joseph Newton.
On the morrow he died. and Paul and
Millicent Grassland were leh q sacred
legScy upon the hands Of his only son and
heir.