The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1876-12-15
A Test of Charity.
BY PAULUS MCKANE.


Two young Iadies-both very hand
some-were sitting together in an ele-
giant parlOr one bright May afternoon.
Their names were Annie Dale and Car
RE Hunt. The former was a young
mistress of the house, and the latter her
most intimate friend; they were like
sisters to each other, and shared every
thing in common.
Annie had recently engaged herselfto
young man named Edward Cheever,
and, as the ladies were totally unre-
served in their friendly intercourse, the
betrothment was now the subject of
conversation.
81 have heard it said that Mr.. Cheever
is parsimOniOus, even miserly," re-
marked Carrie, with privileged freedom;
land liz that case, Annie, you will lead
most sorry life. L am no advocate of
extravaganza or improvidence, but a
stingy man is almost invariably ty-
rant, and by no means the proper per-
son for a woman to marry"
81 agree with you in that, Carrie" re-
sponded Annie, "but most emphatically
deny the application in this case. Ed
ward is careful and economical, l admit
for he has laudable ambition to get
ahead in the wOrld-but nothing more;
and 1 would far rather have him that
way than to be made to feel that he was
more generous than just, more free than
wise"
"Why, Annie, Ed Cheevers stingi-
ness is proverbial among all the young
men of his acquaintance !" exclaimed
Carrie. 81 have heard several speak of
it in no complimentary terms"
'Indeed ~ responded Annie; "and
1. =.
stinginess ?"
Certainly. my dear; he's never ready
to spend as the others do" rejoined Car
rie, quickly. "ThOse may not be the
exact words, but that was what it
amounted to-"
'But that does not constitute stingi-
ness" said Annie, calmly. "If he will
not squander his limited means in idle
and useless dissipation, he's more pru-
dent than parsimOnious, and far more
deserving of credit than censure. Mr..
Cheever enjoys himself in all reasona-
BILE and rational ways, 1 feel certain;
and lie is never clOse-handed when the
call is of a deserving character; nor is
he at all backward in contributing to
the enjoyment of his lady friends, as
you well know. But let me ask you a
question, Carrie-probably that will
biilOW sOule SlI Ou lLe SuuJecl. DOeS
Mr.. Cheever accept of any favors from
his friends which he does not show
willingness to reciprocate? ?''
"Oh, no; he neither gives nor re-
ceives, and makes it practice to refuse
all invitations to participate in those
pleasures generally so congenial to
young men of his age"
''rhen it SEEMS that EIr Cheever's
stinginess is but a misunderstanding
between himself and bis friends in re-
gard to the true meaning of the word," !"
replied Annie, with undisturbed seren-
Ity. "His friends think that because he
will not consent to treat and be treated
i believe those are the terms, my dear
because he will not actually squander
his means and injure himself both in
body and reputation, that he is stingy;
he thinks differently, and, with a true,
manly Independence, conducts himself
according to his own impressions. Isn't
that just so, Carrie ?"
"Well, yes, perhaps it is; but still he
might be little more social and liberal
and yet not hurt himself. And it don't
follow, either, that he must really be
dissipated, as you seem to think, Annie.
Now, for my part, | feel certain there
must be something in it more than we
can see, or such a report would never
have got into circulation. Still, | have
nothing to charge against Mr.. Cheever
myself and wouldn't have you think so
for anything. I speak only for your
own good, my dear. Stingy men were
always my aversion, however, and I'd a
hundred fold rather die an old maid
than link my fate with one who bears
the suspicion of such character"
"And so would I, Carrie" earnestly
I.I A I Al. l.
mistaken in regard to Mr.. Cheever, and
1 fancy you have been led astray by
others who do not properly appreciate
his motives"
"And 1 suppose you think that you
do understand him? ?"
81 hope so, and to prove my werds,
I'll make you challenge"
"Well, my dear, what is it? I'm
open to conviction, and, therefore, agree
to anything reasonable"
At that moment something about the
person of Carrie appeared 10 attract An
nie's particular attention.
"What is it, Annie ?" inquired Miss
Hunt, instantly noticing the circum-
stance.
"What a beautiful new bracelet YOU
have got ~ exclaimed Annie. "I.et me
look at it. A gift from papa, L sup
pose ?"
'Oh, no; Tom Bently gave me that
with papa's consent, of course"
Thomas Beutly-it may be well to re-
mark-eya PEASANT, was generally looked
upon as Miss Hunts most assiduous
and, indeed, most acceptable suitor.
'Of course !' said Annie. "And SC
Tom Bently made you a present ot
this?" she added, turning the bauble
over and over. at is very handsome
and must have cost fifty y'doilars at least.
Tom is very generous"
'Just as free as water, my dear! And
like me, Tom hates stingy people most
ardently."
''He hates Mr.. Cheever, thenr' re.
Joined Annie, as she handed the glitter
ing bracelet back TO her friend.
"Oh, no, he does not hate him, by any
means 90 exclaimed Carrie, in a depre.
eating manner. "He thinks him very
close, though, and very queer, too, for {
young man."
"Well, must say, Mr.. Cheever nevel
goes to such lengths as that; neverthe
less, I'd be willing to make you hand
some present if, upon trial, my NeC