The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-11-06
Honesty the Best Policy.


Honesty the Best Policy.
Charles Perrin lost both parents be-
fore he could articuIate their names,
and was obliged to go to charity house
for his education. At the age of fifteen,
he was hired by farmer to be shep-
herd in the neighborhood of Lucetta,
who kept her fathers sheep. They
often met and were fond of being to-
gether. Five years thus passed, when
their sensations became more serious.
Perrin proposed to Lucetta to demand
her from her father; she blushed and
confessed her willingness. AS she had
an errand to the town next day the op-
portunity of her absence was chosen for
making the proposal. 'You want to
marry my daughter" said the old man.
"Have you house to cover her, or
money to maintain her? Lucetta's for
tune is not enough for both. 1t won't
do, o,iPerrin, it won't do"
'sBut," replied Perrin, "I have hands
to work; have laid up twenty crowns
of my wages. which will defray the cx-
penses of the wedding; I'll work the
harder and lay up more"
'Well," said the old man, ''you are
young and may wait little; get rich
and my daughter is at your service"
Perrin waited for Lucettas returning
you a refusal?" cried Eucetta. "Ah,
Lucetta," cried Perrin, chow unhappy
am I for being poor! But have not
lost all hopes. My circumstances may
change for the better" AS they never
grew tired of conversing together. the
night grew on and it became dark. Per-
rim, making false step, fell on the
ground. He found bag which was
heavy. Drawing towards light in the
neighborhood, he discovered that it was
full of gold. ''I thank heaven" cried
Perrin, in transport, "for being favora-
BILE to our wishes. This will satisfy yonr
father, and make us happy"
On their way to her fathers house,
thought struck Perrin. "This money is
not ours; il belongs to some stranger,
and perhaps at this moment he is lament
ing the loss of it. Let us go to the vicar
Perrin put the bag into the wears hand,
saying that at first he looked on it as
providential present to remove the only
obstacle to their marriage; but that lie
now doubted whether he could lawfully
retain it. The vicar eyed the lovers with
attention. He admired their honesty,
which appeared even to surpass their af-
fection. Perrin" said he, '.cherish
these sentiments. Heaven will bless you.
We will endeavor to find out the owner.
He Will reward your honesty; will add
what can spare. You shall have Lu-
cetta."
The bag was advertised in the newspa-
pers and cried in the neighboring pa
rishes. Some time having elapsed, and
the money not demanded, the vicar car
ried it to Perrin. ''These $4,000 livres
bear at present no profit. You may reap
the interest at least. Lay them ont in
such manner as to insure the sum it.
self to the owner, if be shall appear"
Perrin, one evening, returning home
ward from his work, saw chaise over
turned with two gentlemen in it. He
ran to their assistance, and offered them
every accommodation his small house
could afford. ''This spot" said one of
the gentlemen, sis very fatal to mo.
sand livres." Perrin listened with at
tention. "What search made YOU for
them?" said he. cit was not in nv
power" replied the stranger, ''to make
my search. I was hurrying to Port
TOrient to embark for tho Indies, for
the vessel was ready to SAIL"
Next morning, Perrin showed to his
guests his house, his garden, his cattle,
and mentioned the proouce Of his fields.
"All these are yonr property" said he,
addressing the gentleman who had Lost
the bag; "the money fell into my hands,;
purchased this farm with it.; this farm
ls yours. The vicar has an instrument
which secures yonr property. though 1
had died without seeing you"
The stranger read the instrument with