Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-01-07

I together for they attended the same school,
These two Children were differently DISPOSE
toned and brought up. Louise was proud
and naughty. Poverty in her eyes was dis
grace and crime, and she thought nothing too
severe for the poor 10 suffer. These views
she learned from her mother. Mrs. Gardner
moved in ore exclusive circle-the ION Ton OF
New York. Without its precincts she never
ventured, except to visit her mothers friends,
and was growing up believing herself cven
better than they.
The teaching that Marism Hayes received
was totally different from this Mrs. Hayes
was acknowledged as one Of her particular
friends yet, though she moved in that cir
ele she was far from being one Of them. Her
doctrine was the text her girl had used-"The
rich and the poor meet together, and the Lord
is Maker Of them ALL" This she taught
Marian. Their was no distinction in wealth
or position that the distinction was in worth
alone She taught her to reverence age, and
to pity the poor and destitute; and that pleas
ant words were rs sweet as honcycomb, sweet
to the soul-a little kindness was better than
money. Marian learned the lesson well, and
was ever ready to dispense her gentle words
to ALL whether they were wealthy and inhu-
entail, or ragged and INDECENT, as the boy she
had that morning befriendel.
A gay brilliant throng was assembled in
Washington. Congress was in session, and
the hotels were crowded with strangers. 1t
was an evening party. The brilliantly light
ed rooms were filled with youth and beauty.
Standing near one of the doors, were two
young ladies, busily engaged conversing to-
gether. The elder Of the two suddenly ez-
claimed
"Oh, Marian, have you seen the new mem
Der from W ?"
" No, but have heard great deal about
him."
ooh, want to see him so badly Mrs. n.
| ~ nun W US Il WISH ShN
would make haste, have no patience"
Don't speak SO, Louise. wish YOU would
not be so trifing," said Marian.
A singular smile played around the mouth
Of a tall, handsome man who was standing
near the girls and as be passed them lie scanu-
ed them very closely.
In short time Mrs n came up with Mr.
Hamilton, the new member, and presented him
to Miss Gardner and Miss Hayes. As they
were conversing together, Mr. usnilton said
"Ladies, we have met before"
Both Marian and Louise declared their ig-
norance Of the fact.
alt has been long years ago, yet have not
forgotten it, nor a single sentence uttered dur
ing that meeting. | will quote one that may
recall it to your memory" The rich and the
poor meet together, aud the Lord is Maker Of
them all
The rich blood tnged the checks Of Marian,
but Louise still declared herself ignorant as
before Mr. Hamilton glanced for a moment
at Marian, then turning to Louise, he said
" Long years ago a little boy, ragged and
dirty, seated himself upon the steps Of stately
dwelling on Fifth Avenue, New York and was
busily engaged in trying to read from bit Of
paper, when his attention was attracted by two
girls richly dressed The eldest Of the two
attracted him, for she was as beautiful as an
angel but as they came near him she lifted
her hand and exclaimed:
"Boy, what are you doing here?'
"The boy answered that lie was trying to
read The child OF aflluence derided him, and
said she bad heard Of intellect in rags, and
that he was the very personiication of it.
Her companions answer was that The rich
and poor meet together, and the Lords maker
of them all" The elder girl drove the boy
away from her steps, but the younger one took
him into her house, and warmed and fed him
there When they parted the girl said you
must not forget Marian Hayes And, Miss
Hayes, he has never forgotten. That ragged,
dirty boy is now before you, ladies, as Mr.
Hamilton, the member Of Congress; and allow
me, Miss Gardner, to tender my thanks to you
for the kind treatment of that boy"
Overwhelmed with confusion, Louise knew
not what to say or do.
In pity fol her, Mr. Hamilton arose and
turning to Marian, said:
"Iwill see you again, Miss Hayes and he
left them.
Louise could not stay in the city where she
daily met Mr.. Hamilton, and in few days
left for New York, leaving Marian, with the
conciousnsss of having done nothing to be
ashamed of and enjoying the society Of dis
tiuguished Congressman.
Harlan and Mr. Hamilton were walking to-
sether one evening, when the latter drew from
his bosom an old and well worn primer, and
handed it to Marian.
From THU" he said, the'man who Is SO
distinguished here first learned to read. Do
you recognize the book y
Marian trembled and did not raise her eyes,
when she saw the well remembered book. Mr..
Hamilton took ber hand end said
Marian, Jimmie has never forgotten you.
Since the day you were SO kind to him aud
I I. - o..,. owo.4