Wilmington journal., 1876-02-11

gr'r,nt directions towards the shore
GIleA I, oIder of the two had .lready
luz ~ the strand aud was preparing
ttao', tt,Le leap, tho design of which
!" not 10 be mistaken bnt at that
wa ,ont the voungAI seized hlm by the
axclainling Sir, [ believe you
mi TO drown yourself
"1 Won have guessed it. What is that
to You?
This was the answer, spoken IN the
most angry tone.
Tothjug, | know. [ would simply
roorest y1u 10 wait a few minrttes-
TheD. if you like, we will make the
craat Journey together, arm In arm
fhe best way of dying.
With these words the younger ex-
tanded his hand to the elder, whose
was not withheld. The younger coh-
+;pued in tone Of seeming enthusi~
osm. So be it. Arm in arm Tru-
Ir drd not dream that a human
Heart would beat with mine III this
last hour. I viii not seek TO know
--bo Won are-an honest man or vii
lain. Come, let Us begin the Journey
together
I'll elder held the young man back,
ard fixing his dim. half-extinguished
eyes searchingly upon the cOnntenance
ri his companion, exclaimed: Hold
You seem to me too young to end
von- life by suicide. A man of your
year, has still a brilliant, aliuring
future in his grasp
Brilliant answered the young
man. scornful}y. What have I to hope
in the midst of a world full Of wick
edness, faisehOOd, treachery and un-
happiness Come i-quick
You are still y0uDg You must
nave had very .sorrowfui experiences
TO make life already thus insupport-
able to you
desplSF mankind.
without exception =?
without exception.
Well, then, you have now perhaps
found man whom you Will not ncce
sariIy despise. [ have, believe me,
during my whole life, lived All honor
able man.
Really That is highly interesting.
It's pity | had not earlier made your
acquaintance.
Leave me to die alcne, young man.
Live on. Believe me, time heals all
wounds, and there are men of nonor
yet to be found.
Now, if you take this view, why are
you hurrying SO fast from the world
Oh, am an old, sickly man, unable
TO make livelihood; a man who can
not, will not longer see his only child,
his daughter, blighting her youth, and
laboring dav and night to support him.
How, sir ! Have you daughter
who does this for you ? asked the
young man. surprised.
And with what endurance, with what
love, does she sacrifice herself for me
She works for me, she goes hungry
for me, and has only the tenderest
words of lova-a sweet smile for me
always.
And you want to commit suicide ?
Are you mad
Shall murder my daughter? The
life which she is now leading is her
certain death, answered the old man,
in despairing voice.
Good sir, come with me to the near
est inn that is still open. You Will re-
late to me your history, and, if you
Ike. [ will let you hear mine. so
much, however, wilt I say to you be
forehand: chase all thoughts of self
murder out of your head. / am rich,
and, if things be as you say, from
henceforth you and your daughter
shall lead pleasant life.
The old man followed the younger
without opposition. A few minutes
later the elder began:
My history is soon told. / was
merchant's clerk, but always unlucky.
As | had nothing by inheritance and
the young girl | married was poor, [
was never able to commence business
on my own account, and remained on
to an old age in dependent, subordi~
nate position. Finally, l was dis
charged on account of my years, and
then began the struggle for subsist-
ance. My wife died of trouble, and
now nv poo, child is wearied to gain
MY support. [ cannot bear to see her
working herself to death for me
therefore, it is better go. Now, you
know all.
Friend, exclaimed the young man.
you are the most fortunate man I ever
encountered i'll my life. It is insane
to call that misfortune Tom orrow [
will make my will, aud you shall be
no resistance!-my heir. The coming
night is my last. Before this, however,
must see your daughter, out of pure
curiosity. | would for once see how
one looks who really deserves the
name of woman!
But, young man, what can it be that
thus early has made you SO unhappy? ?
querled the elder, much moved.
L believe it was the wealth which
my fathar left me. l was the only son
of the richest banker of this city My
father died five years ago, leaving me
more than was good for me. Since
that time [ have been deceived and
betrayed by every one, without excep-
ton, with whom have had any cou-
nection. Some have pretended friend
ship for me-on account of my money.
Others have pretended to love me
agalu for my money; and SO it went
on. [ often mingled, in he garb of
Nmple workman, with the masses, and
thus one day became acquainted with
Charming being, young girl, to
whom my whole heart soon went out
IN love. I disclosed to her neither my
name nor my position. ] longed to be
loved for myself alone, and for time
1t appeared as if 1 were going to be
happy-at last, at last
The young girl and l, whom she still
regarded as a simple workman, met
"h"re we walked up ard down to-
gether, passing many happy hours
one day my dear girl appeared with
req eyes--she had been weeping and
told me that We must part, confessing
mat ina. her life belongt d to another!
Nlth these words she tore herself
from II me and disappeared i'll the crowd.
u Her falthlesness decided my destiny.
Nainiy did [ rush into the pleasures
winch so-called good society has to
oneF, but found nv lost peace of soul
never, neveri l then determined to
piIug my loyless existence to y close.
Unhappy young man, said the older,
TTlplng his eyes; from my whole heart
pity you. L must acknowledge that
Was more fortunate than you, for l,
at least, was by two women-mY wife
ana dauShter-tenderly loved
VIII you give me YOUR addrc