Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1874-05-11

"Hers, little ones, )" he called as the two chill
dren went away from the shop window. He
was touched with The sober look on their sweel
young faces, as they turned at his invitation.
"Come In, and I'll get you some apples" he
said.
Katie beld back, but Maggie drew out her
hand, eager to accept the offer, for she was
looking for the fruit.
"Come, repealed Mr.. Sterling, speaking very
kindly.
The children then followed him into the shop
end he filled their aprons with apples and
oranges. Their thankful eyes and happy faces
were in his memory all day. This was his re
ward, and il was sweet.
Three months after, and again Mr. Sterling
had visit from the pale young widow This
time she had only 500. 1t was all she had been
able TO save but she made no excuse, and Of
fered no complaint.
MIR. Sterling took the money and counted it
In hesitatng way. The touch thereof was
pleasant TO his fingers, for he loved money.
But the vision OF the child-faceo was before
his eyes, and the sound of pleading child-voices
In his ears. Through over taxing toll and the
denial of herselfand little ones, the poor widow
had gathered this small sum, and was now pay
Ing II into his hands, to make good the hopora-
BILE contract of her dead husband. lie hesita-
ted, running in half absent way the edges OF
thc httio Piio Vi pis tihb lay u0uer ms ungefs.
One thing was clear to him--he would never
take anything more from the widow. The bal
ance of the debt must be forgiven. People
would get to understand the widows case; they
would ask who was the eyactinX creditor,
This thought affected him unpeasantly.
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 com
partments the note on which Mrs. Granger had
IN au, ma IN t,al Ii
in hand. looking at the face thereof. He saw
written down in plain figures the sum of $500.
Seventy of this had been paid. If he gave ND
or destroyed the slip of paper lie would lose
$3.50. 1t was something. Of trial for one who
loved money so well, to come up squarely to
this issue. Something fell in between his eyes
aud the note In his hand. He did not see the
writing and figures Of the obligatioo, but he saw
q sad pleading littleface, and with the vision OF
this came to bis ears the sentence:
NO, my dear, it's fathers honor -
The debate in Mr. SteIling's mind was over.
Taking up his peu he wrote across the face of
the note the word "canceled,' and then handed
1t to the widow.
What does this mean?' she said, looking be-
wildered.
1T means that hold no obligation against
your husband, said Mr.. Sterling.
Some moments went by e'er Mrs. Granger's
thoughts became clear enough TO comprehend
IL all Then she replied, as she handed back
The note.
4 thank you for your generous kindness, but
he left his honor In nay keeping, and must
maintain it spolless.'
'rhat you have already done,' answered Mr.
Sterling, speaking through emotions new ia
him, 'it is as white as snow
Then he thrust upon her the $40 she had just
paid him.
NO, Mr., Sterling,' said the widow.
1T shall be as l WILL was the response. Il
would rather touch the fire than your money.
Every dollar would burn upon my conscience
like living coals'
But keep this last payment; shall feel bet
ter urged the widow.
no, madam! would you throw fire upon your
conscience? Your husbands honor never had
stain. All men knew him to be pure and up.
right. When God took him, he assumed all
his earthly debts and did not leave upon you
the heavy burden of their payment. But he
%iss X@y SRsF eaa %aEs shfrea eart O8ra
led voice.
TO minister to the wants of your children,
whom you have punched aud denied In their
tender years-giving of their meat to cancel an
obligation which death has paid. And you
made me party in the wrong to them. All
madam ~ Mr.. Sterlings voice softened very
much, if VIZ could all see right in the right
time, how much wrCng and suffering would be
saved! honor your true hearted self devotion
but shall be no party to its continuance. Al
ii is, | am your debtor in the sum of fifty dol
lars, and shall repay it in my own way ane
time.'
Mr.. Sterling made good his word. Unde
Providence the circumstance was the means o.
breaking through the hard crust of selfishness
and cupidity which had formed around hi.
heart. lie was not only generous to the W idov
in after years, but he was doer of many q
deeds of kindness and humanity to which in
other times he had been stranger.