The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1875-05-13

fhAWs
do. ma'sm9 answered Jerry, cmphat-
ieslly; aud know it, sight better
than people weuld try to make ii.
Abb cried Clara, gratefully, her face
radiant as iuyoluulafily sbe extended
her haud, sou think he may be tFue2
He'd be the greatest villain under the
sun II he were not, my dear; said the old
man, ebeerily; adding 10 himself Poor
ehiId-poor child she, then, has to learn
that lovers VOWS are easier broken than
shoe strings, and thought about rs little.
Amer this, still protesting Il was cheap
er for him, a. miscr, TO supply Mrs,
Weston's FIRE than burn enc of his own
be frequently passed his evenings with
them. Tie also procured Clara some
shoebinding 10 do, which, though hard
and difficult work, was something.
At the end Of the week, he was grim
aeing at boy through the boots in the
window, when Clara came to pay the
rent.
Take Il away, be said; let il stand over,
Oh, we could not think of thati began
the girl. We were going to ask you If
you would not mind portion Of it being
left for next
Take it away reiterated Jerry, getting
into a fury; won't touch a iarthing! /
like being creditor--for can charge
/ INTEREST,"
This kindness, after all you have done
| sohbed Clara, her tears falling,
Go away roared Jerry; | ain't going
to have a scene here-theyll be taking
me for assault aud battery next! BE of,
aud III be up to tea in five minutes,
Bless your generous heart which no
assumed roughness can hide! exclaimed
Clara gratefully, as she hurried from the
shop.
Sitting down, Jerry bent his head on
the counter, and bright tears trickled
from his eyes into the boot on his lap.
Poor thing-poor thingl he murmured; /;
she's yet to learn that vows are broken
easier than shoe strings, and
lie was interrupted by the shop door
opening. Looking up. be beheld before
him tall well dressed man, with q
bronzcd face and thick beard and nous
tache. Jerry started.
Pardon my intruding, said the strang-
er; but can You give me the address Of
Mrs. Weston and her daughter; heard
they were living somewhere on this
| street?
No, said Jerry. What do you want
| with 'em!
They are friends Of mine.
Swells such as you don't often, should
think, have friends in this neighborhood.
In the land came from, friend, the
rank is not the guineas stamp. But III
seek elsewhere.
Stay a moment; III inquire.
Jerry, carefully closing the door be-
hind him sat down on the stairs and en-
joyed a mute chuckle, fearfully apoplec-
tic in character. On the landing he re-
peated it, with much movement of the
legs. Then he entered bis lodgers' par
| lor.
Dropping into the chair placed ready
for him by the fire, rubbing his knees,
his face one beaming smile, he cried:-
Does any one believe in man? don't!
Does any one believe in Australian gold
diggers? don'tl Does any one believe
in lovers keeping their vows? Lor' bless
you, don't-not a syllablel Then turn
ing abruptly to the astonished woman,
he proceeded: Look here; III give you
riddle. Suppose certain Australian
should come to England; suppose he
should come to me; supposing he should
come into this room, how would certain
party behave? Would she laugh? Would
she faint2
Oh, motherl cried Clara, starting up {;
know what be means. 1t is Gilbert!
Ny dear, reflect, interrupted the widow
restraining her.
Yes, she's right! exclaimed Jerry, with
caper. It's Gilbert.
| Flying to the door, almost precipilating
himself over the balustrsde, be shouted;
You Australian, come up! You nugget
Of fidelity, come herel
There was bang OF a door, firm,
rapid tread On the stairs, aud the beard
ed stranger shot past Jerry into the room.
Clara-my poor Claral he cried.
Gilbert! she calculated, rushing into
/ his arms.
The cobbler, sfler another csper, dis
creety retired to his shop, and let of
his superhuman excitement by a charge
at the boys in the street,
Gilbert Fernside, a rich Australian
cattle owner, proved, indeed, a nugget
of fidelity. There was a grand wedding,
to which Jerry was asked, but he ans
wered be was far too wise q man 10 make
himself uncomfortable Instead, be sent
the bride a pretty good bracelet as his
wedding gilt--a present sfiectionately
treasured by Clara.
Years after, the young wife in her
home at the antipodes, received The fol-
I lowing Characteristic letter:
/ Nh DEAR-W While writing this l'm 20
ing or When you gel Il shall have
len. 80 THE il to say goodbye. Bless
youl | am a kiuIess old man, and you
know, miser; bat am not going to
give my money 10 you. What would
El 90 be to your Australian digger 4
drop IN the ocesu. Besides you cau do
without It. No; it's going to the h..l.fal