Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1871-03-08
Honesty the Best Policy.

SufiIeS oiTIH 1OSG UObn parents De-
fore he could articulate their names, and
was obliged to go to a charity house for
his education. At the age of fifteen, he
was hired by farmer to be shepherd
in the neighborhood of Lucetta, who
kept her fathers sheep. They often
met, and were fond of being together
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 OPP
portunity of her absence was chosen
for making the proposal. "You want
to marry my daughter, said the old
man. "Haveyou house to cover her,
or money to maintain herr Lucetta' s
fortune is not enough for both. It
won't do. Perrin, it won't do. -" sBut.' y
replied Perrin, 81 have hands to work;
I have laid up twenty crowns of my
wages, which will defray the expenses
of the wedding; I'll work harder and
lay up more" f'Well, said. the old
man, 'tyou are young, and may wait a
little; get rich and my daughter is at
your service"
Perrin waited for Lucetta' s returning
in the evening Has my father given
you refusal" cried Lucetta. "Ah,
Lucetta, cried Perrin. chow unhappy
am / for being poorl But ] have not
lost all hopes. Ny circumstances may
change for the BETTER As they never
grew tired of conversing together, the
night drew on and it became dark.
Perrin, making a false step, fell on the
ground. He found a bag which was
heavy. Drawing towards light in
the neighborhood, he discovered that
it was full of gold. 81 thank heaven, !"
cried Perrin, in a transport, " for be-
ing favorable to our wishes. This will
satisfy your father, and make us
happy"
On the way to her fathers house, a
thought struck Perrin. "This money
is not ours; it belongs to some stranger
and perhaps at this moment he is la
menting the loss of it. Let us go to
the vicar for advice He has always
been kind" Perrin put the bag into
the wears hand, saying that at first he
looked on it as a providential present
to remove the only obstacle to their
marriage; but that he now doubted
whether he could lawfully retain it.
The vicar eyed the lovers with atten-
tion. He admired their honesty, which
appeared even to surpass their affec-
ton. Perrin" said he, "cherish
these sentiments. Heaven will bless
you. We will endeavor to find out the
owner. He will reward your honesty;
I will add what can spare. You shall
have Lucetta.'
The bag was advertised in the news
papers, and cried in the neighboring
parishes. Some time having elapsed,
and the money not demanded, the
Vicar carried it to Perrin. "These
twelve thousand hvres bear at present
no profit. You may reap the interest
at least. Lay them out in such a man
ner as to insure the sum itself to the
owner if he shall appear"
A farm was purchased, and the con-
sent of Lucetta's father to the mar
riage was obtained. Perrin was en-
ployed in husbandry, and Lucetta in
family affairs. They lived in perfect
cordially, and two children endeared
them still more to each other.
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, is very fatal to
me. Ten years ago I lost here twelve
thousand hvres." Perrin listened with
attention. s"What search made YOU
for them 2" said he. cit was not in
my power" replied the stranger, "to
make any search. l was hurrying to
Port fOrient to embark for the Indies,
for the vessel was ready to sail"
Next morning Perrin showed to his
guests his house, his garden, his cat
tie, and mentioned the produce of his
fields. "All these are your property, :"
said he, addressing the gentleman who
had lost the bag; "the money fell in
to my hands; I purchased this farm
with it; this farm is yours. The vicar
has 81 instrument which secures your
property, though I had died without
seeing you"
The stranger read the instrument
with emotion. He looked on Perrin,
Lucetta, and the children. "Where
am I2o cried he, "and what do [ hear?
What virtue in people SO low Have
you any other land but this farm ~
"No," replied Perrin; "but you will
have occasion for a tenant; and I hope
you will allow me to remain here. ;"
Your honesty deserves better recon-
pense," answered the stranger; envy
success in trade has been great, and L
have forgotten my loss. You are well
entitled to this little fortune; keep it
rs your own"
What man in this world would have
acted like Perrin? Perrin and Lucetta
shed tears of affection and joy. "My
dear children" said he, "kiss the hand
of your benefactor. Lucetta, this
farm now belongs to us, and we can
enjoy it without anxiety or remorse.
Thus was honesty rewarded
Let those who desire the reward
practice the virtue.