The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1872-11-21
A STORY FoR our own TIMES.

! A venerable old Dutchman, after hay.
ing occupied all of the OH ces Of one
of the principal cities Of the republic,
with great honor, and having amassed u
! great fortune IN the most unexceptlonablo
manner, finally formed the resolution of
going to terminate his days TRANQUILITY at
his country seat. But before retiring he
wished to take leave of his friends aud
connections, and accordingly invited
them all TO a feast at his house. The
guests, who expected most sumptuous
repast, were much surprised on going in
to the eating room, to see there n long
oaken table barely covered with coarse
blue cloth. On being seated, they were
served on wooden plates, with salted her.
ring, rye bread and butter, with some
cheese and curdled milk. Wooden yacGs
filled with small beer, were passed round
for each of the guests to serve themselves.
This extreme oddity Of the old gentleman
caused secret murmurings among the
company but, out of respect for his ago
and wealth, instead of showing discon-
tent, they pretended to relish their frugal
fare and some of them even compliment
ed with him for the cordiality Of those
good old times which he had brought 20
remembrance. The old man-who was
not duped by this feigned satisfaction
did not wish to carry the joke any farther
but at a signal which he gave, some
servants, habited as country-womcn, en-.
tered, bringing the second service. A
white aloth succeeded the blue ono, aud
pewter plates replaced the wooden ones.
Instead Of rye bread, dried herring, and
cheese, they were served with good
brown bread, fresh beef, boiled fish, and
strong beer, AT this unexpected change,
the secret murmurs ceased the polite in-
yitalions on the part Of the old mau BE-
came more pressing, aud the guests ste
with better appetite. Hardly had they
time to taste the second service when they
saw butler enter, followed by half
dozen servants in brilliant livery bring.
ing the third.
A superb table Of mahogany, covered
with beautiful fowefed cloth replaced
the oaken one. A sideboard was immc-
diately covered with the richest plate and
most curious china; aud the guests
charmed at the sight of a prolaaon Of
rare and exquisite meats. The most de-
licious wines were freely passed around
while a melodiOus concert was heard Ia
an adjoining room. Toasts were drank,
and all we're merry Dat the good old
man, perceiying HAT his presence hinder
ed the guests from giving themselves 10
their iull joy, rose aud addressed them
thus: ] give you thanks, ladies aud geiI-
tIemen, for the favor which you Lave
granted ne II il time that fshUuld
retire, myself aud leave you 10 your
liberty. But before The bali commeu-
ce-, which I have ordered 10 be pie.
pared for those who lose 10 dance.
permit me to aequaiut you win the de-
,ign thai proposed 70 myself Ia inyii-
nag you 10 fcpaai Whlcli bas appeared
% odd. fhaye wisled thereby 70 giga
you an idea Of our repHblic. Our anees
ors rose 70 their high state, a0d aequllcd
liberty, riches, aBd power, 81 llsas iH
Ao frugal manner which sou .2w Ia lue
ifst service, Our lAtbers preserved
bose great blessings only living VI the
iimpIe manner Of which tile setond set-
ice Aas rcIaced AZ image Il permit
ed TO an old man who Is aboni ~ leave
100, aud Who teBderly loYes you, 10
peak freely what he thinks, must al,
hat I fear tic e1ffayagant pr0fasiJa
Fhieb sou may have remarked 10 ths last
sniee, AID which l. the present style 0f
wing viii deprive Us % more than oar
ancestors have acquired by tie sweat ~
heir brow, and our fathers have irAns-
liued to as BY their industry aud vice
.aleulaiion.