The Van Buren press., 1871-03-21

make gOOu tue nonoiaoiS 0oHsi"Ns VI III
dead husband. He hesitated, rufiling in
a half absent way, the edges of the little
pile of bills that lay under his fingers.
One thing was clear TO him--he would
never take anything more from the wld'
ow. The balance of the debt must be
forgiven. People would get to under
stand the widows case; they would as's
who was the exacting creditor5 Tie
thought affected him unpleasantly.
Slowly, as one in whose mind debate
still went on, Mr. Sterling took from his
desk large pocket book, and selected
from one Of the compartments the note
on which Mrs Granger had made three
payments for some moments he held 1t
in his hands, looking at the face thereof,
He saw written down clear in figures the
sum of $500. Seventy of this had been
paid If he gave up or destroyed the
slip Of paper, he would lose $3.50. 1t
was something OF a trial for one who
loved money so well, to come up square
| ly 10 this issue. Something fell between
his eyes and the note Of hand. He did
not see the writing and figures Of the OBJ
liz alton, but sad pleading little face,
and with tho vision Of this came to his
ears the sentence" No, dear, it's for
fathers honor"
The debate in Mr.. Stcrliig's mind was
over. Taking up the pen he wrote across
the face Of the note the word " cancelled
and then handed it to the widow.
What does this mean?' she asked
looking bewildered.
at means that | hold no obligations
agains, your husband" said Mr.. Sterling
Some moments went by ere Mrs
Grauger's thoughts became clear enough
to comprehend it all. Then she replied
as she reached back the note.
Il thank you for your generous kind
ness-but he left his honor in my keep
lug, and l must maintain it spotless."
That you have already DONE an
swered Mr. Sterling, speaking through
emotions new to him, =" it is white as
snow"
Then he thrust upon her the twenty
dollars she had just paid him.
"No, Mr., Stering," said the widow
1T shall te as / will !" was the re-
sponse. 81 would rather touch the fire
than your money. Every dollar would
burn upon my conscience like live Goals y
but keep this ,ast payment urged
the widow, Il shall feel better"
mo, madam would you throw fire
upon my conscience? Your husband $
honor never had stain All men knew
i'm to be pure and upright. When Coo
took him he assumed all his earthly
debts, and did not leave upon you the
heavy burden Of their payment. But he
left with you most sacred obligation
which YOU have overlooked in part"
What" asked the widow, in an al
most startled voice.
TO minister to the wants OF your
children, whom you have pinched and
ened in their tender years--giving OF
heir meat to cancel an obligation which
leath hath paid And you made me a
party in the wrong to them. All, mad
EN- Y'' Mr.. Sterling's voice softened
very much, "if we could all see right in
the right time, and do right at the right
time, how much wrong and suffering
might be saved / honor your true
hearted self devotion, but shall be no
party to its continuance. AS it Is am
your debtor in the sum of $50, and will
repay it in my own way and time"
Mr.. Sterling made good his word.
Under Providence this circumstance was
the means of breaking through the hard
crust Of sellishness and cupidity which
had formed around his heart He was
not only generous friend to the widow
in after years, but he was doer many
leeds of kindness and humanity to which
he had been in other times a stranger.