Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-10-01
MISCELLANEOUS.
eff Only Had tho Money"

Ii ! Suly I1t1 IAAO LII SACy.
- .t-l =" .f
Betsy Morgan had counted it a great piece
Of good fortune when she had secured place
for her daughter Jane in Mrs. Harlands kitch-
en-. She was also employed at times when
there was extra work to be done, aud many
good dinner and warm garment did she receive,
besides her regular wages. She was grateful
for all these favors, and tried herself 10 be
kind, useful neighbor in the humble sphere in
which she moved.
"Oh, if only had the money. Jane, she
used to say, chow much good would dbl
Poor Nancy should have warm FIRE the whole
winter through. Her granddaughter Ruth
should never go to her work again with that
Door old shawl on. Wouldn't We feed the hun
grv and clothe the needy? Be thankful,
child, for your good home and kind mistress.
| feel sure she will never leave us to want,
whatever our trouble am sure, | shall be
grateful to her as long as live, for all she has
done for u.s."
Many, like Betsy, have thought the same IN
their low estate but no one can tell what is
in his heart until lie is tried
The money came at last. a relative in far
off lands died and left a fortune to his niece,
Betsy Morgan. The news, at first, was so sur
prsing that it could hardly be believed but
when she was really convinced Of the fact,
her poor, foolish head was quite turned.
All the good she had proposed. to do was
forgotten. All her thoughts now were on
new purchases for herself and her girl, Ey-
cry extravagant piece.ofinery she saw was COW
eted /; her wardrobe soon became 4 most curious
museum Her selections were without taste
and Judgement, and instead OF making herseIt
admired, she made herself laughing stock.
Betsy removed to fine lodgings at once and
now she would toss her head and pass by
all her poor neighbors without even bow
1t was wasting time TO repeat the tale OF SUI
fering in her ear She had no money to
spare for poor old Nancy or her shivering
grand-chld. She was ever tormented with a
reasonable fear that her riches would take
wings; and on the other hand, WAS ever long
ing for things still beyond her REACH,
Never fancy you can reach point where
you would be satisfied, when you have made
it the business of life to heap up the fine
things of this world. Only one kind Of riches
can ever satisfy the soul.
There was one trouble which Betsy Morgan
found her money could not help her out Of
She could not purchase the respect OF refined
and cultivated persons.
1--WE shall never get on with the quality,
Jane" she said "until we learn their ways
Now that old Mrs. Harand had lost her prop
erty. it might DO to ask her Edith to come and
live with you She could teach you many a
thing about ady-ways, and it would be rather
fine to tell her to come and go inst as she used
to YOU. But mind you don't offer her too
much wages. They are poor now, and must
put up with what they eau get. 1t isn't IN
reason that she should have as much as you
used to get. because she wasn't brought up so
handy about the house. She might do toler-
ably well for lady's maid :" and the old lady
pleased herself greatly over the proposed pro-
iect. She made haste to array herself in all
her most gorgeous apparel, and taking her
daughter with her. set out on her errand.
Mrs Harland received her kindly, as she did
every one, but her mild dignity and the quiet
elegance of the lovely Edith, at first rather
abashed the overdressci pair. She summoned
resolution, however, aud made the offer, but,
greatly to their surprise, it was quietly de-
clined
"Maybo you doa't know we live in as fine
a house as you used to ?" remarked Jane.
az shall be very glad to have you comfort
able said Mrs. Harland Wealth is a
great blessing, ifrightly used.
al am sure it has changed our case consid-
erably." said the widow. 1t has been bles-
sing to US, | think you'll allow"
al am not at all sure that it has been, Bet
sy." said Mrs. Harland, kindly, but seriously.
Gift has led you to a more lowly walk with
/ God, if it has drawn you nearer to Him, If 1t
has made you more ready to bestow Of your
property to His service, then it will be indeed
blessing. But if the opposite is true, my
poor woman, you will mourn forever that this
legacy has fallen to you"
Other kindly words dill the good woman
speak to her former domestic; and when both
arose to leave, it was with different feelings
from those with which they entered.
Let us all remember that nothing is bless
ing which leads our hearts away from God
Let US not sigh for wealth which He has seen
best to withhold but let US improve, as well
as we can, the talents lie has given US.
MEMoRr.-When the. tolls and fatigues Of
the day are over, who does not love OCCASION
ally to indulge ip review of bygone years ?
No toll, no perplexity. attends it. 1t is an
exercise we reserve for an idle hour. In sum
mer, we may repose beneath the shade of a
favorite tree, and whilst we recall the .adyen-
lures Of childhood, enjoy, at the same time,