Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-02-18

Kind Act Rewarded.


Every act of kindness carries Its own reward
in the peace and joy OF heart which it gives
But it sometimes comes back in very unexpect-
ed returns. Here is striking instances
Some fifteen years ago. tall, oversrown lad
stood gazing hungriy into pastry-cook's shop
In the principal street of st. Petersburg, So
intense and eager Was his gaze, that it attract
ed the attention Of passer-by, d. Mr.. Berstein,
Hamburg merchant, whom business had call
ed to ST. Petersburg for few weeks. Mr..
Berstein, after he had watched The boy for
few minutes, asked him if lie would like some
tarts, and invited him to enter, and eat as many
as he wished The youth required no second
bidding, but instantly set to, and In short
space of time devoured more cakes, tarts and
buns than one could imagine any boy capable
Of containing.
When he finally came to stand-still, Mr..
Berstcin told him he might put few in his
packet. Our hero straishtway filled every
pocket and corner, and finally, to Mr.. Bern
stems intense amusement, buttoncd his coat
by two buttons, and then filled the breasts on
each side. Then, turning to his bencactor,
and speaking for the first time, he said, with
beaming face
"What is your nsme?"
" Bcrstein," said hi, friend
"Thank you Mr. Bersten," said the boy,
and walked away without another word, leav-
ing the gentleman so much amused at the in
cident that he never thought of asking the
youth any questions until 1t was too late, and
the boy had disappeared. He paid for what
the little fellow had, and departed
Many years rolled on, and everything went
wrong with Mr.. Berstein. From being rich
and prosperous man, lie became poorer and
poorer each year. At length, firm with
which he had formerly had business transac-
ton, more from compassion than anything else,
gave him commission to st. Petersburg.
One day, on passing confectioners the
little episode of cakes recurred to his memory,
and he was wondering what had become Of the
hero of the tarts, when he suddenly found
himself confronted by fine, wel-dresscd and
handsome young man, who exclaimed
"Mr. Bcrstein, don't you know me 2 All, !
have never forgotten you. Come home with
me- l have been looking for you for years"
"Berstein is my name, certain, but | do
not remember you"
"Well, | know you. So come home with
me- and III tell you who am
The stranger was q Russian count, the owner
of an estate of two hundred and fifty square
miles, taking his title from the province in
which it was situated, and the Identical youth
tn whom Mr. Brrste;n had boon so generous
wears before The count then told Mr.. Ber-
stein that at the time OF their frst meeting
there were two lives between himself and the
estate; that he was brought up by two old
maiden aunts, who considered all sweets and
pastry as so much poison; and that he was
never allowed any pockct-moncy lest he should
indulge in such things.
You had your I'll once, at all events-did
you not ?" interrupted Mr. Berstein, laughing
".Yes, indeed did, and a weeks supply in
the bargain but had to hide it. Then your
unlimited gcnerosity-how ! prize the memory
of it, 1t was the brightest day of my Hitherto
dull life have never forgotten it, and | de-
tcrmined to repay you should an opportunity
ever occur"
The count further told Mr.. Berstein how,
since his accession TO wealth, he had vainly
sought him far and near, and how happy lie
was in finding him that he should ever look
upon him as father, and put himself entirely
under his guidance; and the affair ended by
the count establishing Mr.. Bersten as uncon-
trolled manager Of his vast estate, at salary
Of thirty thousand dollars a year. The count
and Mr.. Berstcin are both living, and neither
has ever yet had reason to regret the meetings
which proved the generosity Of the one and
the gratitude Of the other.