Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-05-25
MIseELLAAEous.
THE BBGGAR.

&NE cold, windy morning. the last Sunday
in December, 1S49, half naked man
knocked timidly at the basement door of foe
substantial mansion in the city of Brcoklyn.
Though the weather was bitter even 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 base,
ment stairs, critical observer could not fail to
notice conscious air of dignity and the
marked traces of cultivation and refinement
in his pale, hageard countenauce.
The door was speedily opened, and disclosed
large, comfortably furnished room, with its
glowing CRATE of anthracite, before which was
I placed luxuriously furnished breakfast table
. A tashionably attired young man, in brocade
dressing gown and velvet slippers, was rccln-
ing in soft fdutcui2, buisily reading tho pa
pers. The beautifulSyoun wife had fingered
at the table, giving to tho servant in waiting
her orders for the household matters of the
day, wheE the timid rap at the door attracted
her attention. She commanded the door TO
be opened; but tho young master of the man.
sion replied that it was quito useless, being
no one but some thievish beggar; but the
door was already opened, and the sympathies
OF Mrs. haywood enlisted at once.
"Come in to the fire." cried the young wife,
impulsively, "before you perish J"
The meDdicant, without exhibiting any sur
prise at such unusual treatment of street
beggar, slowly entered tho room, manifesting
painful weakness at every step AT his Gu
trance, Mr.. haywood, with displeased air,
gathered up his papers, and left the apart.
ment. The compassionate lady unwisely
placed the half>frozen man near the fire, whilo
she prepared bowl of fragrant coffee, which,
With abundant food, was placed before him.
But noticing the abrupt departure of her hus>
band, Mrs. haywood, with cIouded coun>
countenance, left the room, whispering to the
servant to remain until the stranger should
leave.
She then ran hastily up the richly mounted
staircase. and paused before the entrance of
small laboratory and medical library, occupied
solely by her husband, who was n physician
and practical chemist. She opened the door
and entered the room. Mr.. haywood was
sitting at small table, with his head resting
of his hands, apparently in deep thought
- Edward" said the young wife, gently
touching his arm. al fear that have dis,
pleased you but tho man looked so wretched
could not bear to drive him away" and her
sweet voice trembled as she added, lyon know
l take the sacrament to- day"
= StDear Mary, replied the really fond hus.
band, 81 appreciate your motive. know it
is pure goodness of heart which leads you to
,disobey me, but still / must insist upon nv
former commands, that no beggar shall ever
be permitted to enter the house. Il is for
your safety that insist upon it. How deeply
you might be imposed upon in my frequent
absences from home, Ishudder to think. The
man that is now below may be but burglar
IN disguise, and already in your absence TAX
ing Impressions in wax of the different kew
;he!es in the room, so as to enter some night at
his leisure. Your limited experience of city
life makes it difficult for yon to credit SO much
depraVity. Tits no charity to street beggars;
II only encourages vice. dearest"
.ef SIT may be SO. responded Mrs. haywood.
sbut 1t 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 another beggar into the house."
AT this moment the servant raped yiO>
rlently at the door, crying that the beggar was
dying; i.3ga,,, rs-.., -. La, - -.
know, said his wife, Fastening from the room.
The doctor did not refuse this appeal to his
professional. vanity. for he Immediately fol-
lowed his vife's a5ipg footsteps rs she de-
scended to the bascmaut. They found the
mendicsnt pale and unconscious upon the
carpet, where he had slipped in his weakness
from the chair where Mrs. haywood had
seated him. .xs
"He is a handsome fellow" muttered the
doctor, as he bent over him 70 ascertain the
state of bis pulse.
And we'll he might say so. The glossy
broad. white forehead; his closed eyelids were
bordered by long, raven lashes. which lay
like siIken fringe upon his pale, bronzed
cheeks, while delicate squiline nose, and
square, massive chin, displayed a model of
manIu haarkr -.