Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1875-07-09
Selected 5elistellamv.
THE BEGGAR.

One cold, wintry morning, the last
Sunday in December, 1919. half
naked man knocked timidly at the base
ment door of fine substantial mansion
in the city of Brooklyn. Though the
weather was bitter for the season, the
poor man had no clothing but pair of
ragged cloth pants, and the remains of a
flannel shirt, in many large rents, which
exposed his muscular chest. But in
spite of his tattered apparel and evident
fatigue, as he leaned heavily upon the
railing of the basement stairs "a critical
observer could not fail to notice con-
scious air of dignity, and the marked
traces of cultivation and refinement in
in lis pale, haggard counteuance.
The door was speedily opened and
disclosed large and comfortably fur
nished room, with its glowing crate of
anthracite, before which was placed a
luxuriously furnished breakfast table.
A fashionably attired young man, in a
brocade dressing gown and velvet slip
pers, was reclining in soft tdnteUil,
busily reading the papers. The beau
tiful young wife had fingered at the ia.
bic, giving to the servant in waiting
her household matters of the day, when
the timid knock at the door attracted her
attention. She commanded the door to
be opened, but the young master of the
mansion replied that it was quite useless,
being no one but some thievish beggar,
but the door was already opened, and
the sympatbics of Mrs. haywood en-
listed at once.
Come to the fire before you perish !"
cried the young wife, impulsively.
The mcndicant, without exhibiting
any surprise at such unusual treatment
of street bcggar, slowly entered the
room, manifesting painful weakness at
every step. At this entrance, Mr.. May
wood, with displeased air, gathered up
his papers, and left the apartment. The
compassionate lady unwisely placed the
half frozen man before the fire, while she
prepared bowl Of fragrant coffee. which,
with abundant food, was placed before
him. But noticing the abrupt departure
of her husband, Mrs haywood, with
clouded countenance, left the room,
whispering to the servant to remain un-
til the stranger should leave.
She then ran hastily up the richly
mounted staircase, and paused before the
entrance Of small laboratory and medi-
cal library occupied solely by her hus-
band, who was physician and practical
chemist. She opened the door and en-
tered the room. Mr.. haywood was sit
ting at small table. with his head rest
ing on his hands, apparently in deep
thought.
Edward" said the young wife,
gently touching his arm. II fear that
/ have displeascd you but the man
looked SO wretched that I could not bear
to drive him away" and her sweet voice
trembled as she added, "you know /
take the sacrament to-day"
Dear Mary" replied the really fond
husband, II appreciate your motive. |
know it is pure goodness Of heart which
leads you to disobcy, but still must in
sist upon my former commands, that no
baggar shall ever be permitted to enter
the house. 1t is for your safety that |
insist upon it. How deeply you might
be imposed upon in my frequent absences
from home. | shudder to think. The
man below may be but a burglar in dis
guise. and already in your absence tax
ing impressions in wax Of the different
key-holes in the room, 50 as to enter
some night at his leisure. Your limited
experience in city life makes it difficult
for you to credit so much depravity. 1t
may be So" responded Mrs. haywood,
"but it seems wicked not to relieve
suffering and want, even if the person
has behaved badly, and we know it.
But / will promise you not to ask anoth-
er beggar into the house."
At this moment the servant raped
violently at the door, crying that the
beggar was dying.