The Lambertville record., 1874-01-14
MISCELLANY
CHARITY ITS OWN REWARD.
ny IIoRArIo ALaER, JR.

Z u 4
eff I ever marry said Margaret Bailey to
her cousin Olivia, I" it will he man who
does not live for himself, but who, ont of the
benevolence of a charitable heart, will not
pass unheeded the cry of the widow and
orphan who call on him for relief"
!" You speak warmly, Margaret
" Because feel it. Ihave always thought
a charitable man would make u good hus-
band.''
- But how will you be able to Judge of
this? You are an heiress. and of course have
many suitors. Do you not believe that any
of them would be willing to don charitable
mood fora while, If they suppose that upon
this issue depended the hand of the wealthy
heiress?
Perhaps you are right" said Margaret,
thoughtfuly; "but," added she suddenly,
ian idea has just come into my head, by
which think this embarrassment can be
avoided.".
"What is that?" asked Olivia, curiously.
LET me confess, In the first place, that
among all who are generally considered
snitors for my hand. (perhaps fortune would
be the more appropriate word, there are none
whom would think of as husband except
Herbert Lee and Heury Ainsworth The
former, you know, is wealthy the latter a
clerk dependent his income, which ]
should judge was not large. Now have
mind to subject these two to test
ga good idea, but how will you manag,
it?"
You know there is poor family in Allel
street.-the one of whom we heard to-day
consisting of widowed MOTHER who is sick
and three young children. Now l am going
anonymously of course, 10 recommend t,
them the charitable Offices of both Herber
Lee and Henry Ainsworth, and we will sc,
the result, They will not recognize you
pen and paper and write a note of my dicta
| tion.'' % @@
Olivia procured writing materials, and he,
cousin dictated as follows:
DEAR SIR Though a stranger to you,
take the liberty of calling your attention tc
the case of a poor family now living in q
single room on Allen Street, who in conse
quence of the illness of the mother, who has
hitherto supported them by plain sewing, are
reduced to extreme want. A little aid at this
time would be to them like the visit. of al
angel from heaven. Will you extend it? Al
least call upon them, and you will be convinced
that this is but simple statement of the
truth. NAf@ F4ff CHARIry.
The note was copied, and despatched
through the post-office to the address of both
gentlemen.
Perhaps three days afterwards Herbert Lee
called at Margaret's residence Margaret
adroitly led the conversation to the objects Of
charitable Institutions.
"Ah," said Lee, "tllat reminds me of an
odd circumstance. I received letter the
other day, recommending to my notice a poor
family in Allen Street. 1t was signed Charity
and very earnestly advised me to 20 and SEE
them.'
"And did you goe" asked Margaret
quickly"
"Not II" was the laughing reply. 81
haven't time to waste in hunting up all til.
destitute families in the city. / should have
my hands full. y.
"But the family may be suffering from
want.'
IF they are, Charity would be in bette,
business in relieving them himself than in
sending anonymous letters of advice te
others.'
Would Herbert Lee have laughed SO merrill,
if he had known the effect of his want n,
feeling on her whom he was most anx;ous n
please?
81 think, after all, said Margaret, when
Herbert had withdrawn, "that must 90 and
see Mrs. Green myself. If Henry Ainsworth
is no more charitable than Herbert. she will
fare very hard.
The ladies arraycd themselves for a walk
A few minutes brought them to the residence
of the poor widow Of whom they were in
search.
To their surprise, they found on being ad.
mitted, that cheerful fire was glowing in the
stove, while pleasant smell of dinner filled
the apartment. On a table by the side y the
window were some medicines. The hearth
was brushed up, and the room, though scan.
tily furnished, presented neat and comfor.
table appearance. 9a
| Margaret looked around in surprise.
"I was led to believe" said she, that YOU
were in great want"
So we were,'' said Mrs. Green, "but
thanks to the generosity of a noble young
gentleman, who stepped forward to our relief,
we are no longer so."
! Indeed, who has thus befriended you 20