The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-11-07

inequality of Fortunes gifts to come 20 his
mind.
Why should they be so happy and he so
miserable.
There was one man shorter than himself,
warmly clad, who passed him with his
hands thrust deep into the pockets Of his
oycrcoat. There was pleasant smile upon
his face. He had applied to this man only
two days before for employment, and been
refused 1t was, perhaps, the thought OF
the vile difference between them, rs far us
outward circumstances went, that led Rob
ert Brice to follow him.
After while the merchandise. Grimes
drew his handkerchief slowly from his
pocket. And he did not perceive that his
pocket-book came with it and fell to the
sidewalk.
He did not perceive it but Robert did;
his heart leaped into his mouth, and sud-
den thought entered his mind. He bent
quickly down and picked up the pocket
book. lie raised his eyes hastily to see if
the movement was noticed 1t was not.
The merchant went on uuhecding his
loss.
"This will buy bread for my wife and
children" thought Robert instantly.
ney would bring that chcerless room light
ed up his heart for an instant, but then, for
he was not dishonest, there came another
thought; the money was not his much as
he wanted i.
but cannot sec my wife and children
starve," he thought again. "lf it is very
wrong to keep this money, God will under
stand my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he knew it.
In moment he knew it to be so. There
was something worse than starvation. 1t
was his wife that had said that just before
he had come out. Could he meet her gaze
when he returned with food SO obtained ?
"Tve lived honest so far" he thought; l
won't turn thief now"
1t was with an effort he came to this de-
cision for all the while there was before
his eyes that vision Of a cheerless home,
and he could hear Jimmy vainly asking for
food. 1t was with an effort that lie stepped
forward and placed his hand on the mer-
chants shoulder, and extended the hand
that held the pocket-book.
Sir" he said hoarsely, 'you have drop
ped your pocket-book."
"Thank you," said the merchant, turn
ing around" 81 hadn't perceived my loss"
you dropped it when you took out your
pocket handkerchief"
"And you saw it and picked it up. l am
very much obliged to YOU"
"You have reason to be-" said Robert in
low voice, 81 came very near keeping
it,"
"That would have been dishonest" said
Mr.. Grimes, his tone slightly altering.
4 Il | l,,1 a., l,o 6,
to be honest when he is penniless, and his
wife and children without crust of bread"
"Surely, you and you family are not in
that condition ~ said the merchant earn
estly.
Eyes, it is only too true"
"And are you out of work n
"For two months | have vainly sought
for work. | applied to You two days
since"
81 remember You now | thought had
seen your face before. You still! want
work 2"
81 should feel grateful for it,"
"a porter left me yesterday. win you
take his place at $12 II week ?''
"Thankiully, sir; | will work for half
that"
"Thcn come tomorrow morning, or rath-
er, as tomorrow will be a holiday, the day
succeeding. Meantime take this for pres
ent necessities
He drew from his pocket Il bank note,
and put it in Roberts hand.
otis $780," said Robert, amazed
Il know it, This pockct-book contains
$1,000. But for you, would have lost the
whole"
"God bless you, sir; good night" said
Robert.
Good night"
Jane waited for her husband, in the cold
longer, she might call her own home.
DO you think father will bring some
Bread" asked little Jimmy as he nestled in
her lap.
hope so, darling, she said but her
heart misgaye her. She feared it was a
delusive hope.
An hour passcd-therc was IL step on the
stairs-hcr husbands it could not be, for
this was cheerful, elastic step, coming up
two steps at time. She looked eagerly at
the door.
Yes it was he. The door opened. Rob-
ert, radiant with Joy, entered with bas-
ketful of substantial provisions.
"Have you got some bread, father 2" ask
ed Jimmy hopefully.
YES, Jimmy, some bread and meat from
a restaurant, and here's a little tea and SUI
gar. There's u little wood left, Jane
Let's have bright and comfortable night"
"How did it happen Tell me, Robert"
SO Robert told his wife, and soon
bright fire lighted up the before cherries
room.
The next week they moved to better
home. They have never since known what
it is to want Robert found firm friend
in the Savings Bank, and has reason to re-