, 1877-06-29

ventured to suggest that in a case
like this there was no imperative call to
such course, and that forbearance might
rightly be shown.
Il do not see it, l can't see it." an
swered Mr.~BlendOn, crossing his legs
with an air of resignation, as much as to
say, THE man is a nuisance, but l must
bear with him." He resumed
"You do not appear, sir, to observe the
immense importance of Furnishing delin-
quency of this kind. l would not take
your money on any account. Dear me!
If l were to let this man off, l would be
ashamed of myself. He ought to be in
custody now, and he will be very shortly.
have just overcome some foolish hesi-
tation of my partner. l am always firm
myself" Not always, Mr.. Blendon-nOt
when l last saw you. But | waited a
bit. A little further into my net, please,
land therefore, however sorry may be,
sir, | must say NO. Dishonesty is a fear
full thing, and it must be punished. If l
were myself to commit an act Of this kind,
and"-
Why did he stOp9 bowed quietly, and
rising, said
"You are quite right, Mr.. Blendon.
Dishonesty is a terrible thing, and while
not for another moment pressing my re-
quest, know you will forgive my calling
to remembrance, before 1 leave, curious
case known to myself. May tell it youl
Some twenty years ago, a poor young
couple, not long married, had fallen into
poverty. The wife and infant were ill.
The doctor had ceased to attend because
he was not paid. Comforts there were
none. Even necesssries were wanting.
The husband was distracted. He would
get money, he must get money. His
young wife and infant child were we'll
nigh starving, what was to be done2 Stay,
stay, Mr.. Blendon, w;H complete my
story. The money was obtained, sir-Mr.
Blendon, you know how. l need not tell
you that. But in what way was it re-
paid ere mischief came, and how was the
husband saved-saved from ruin and deg
redation-saved to become rich and re-
spected merchant Whose money saved
him2 Ali Mr.. Blendon, that you do not
know. But will tell you. The twenty
pound note which rescued the poor hus-
band rested only ten minutes before in
the pocket book of this very Staining
whom you are about to prosecute, strange
ly enough for precisely the same sum.
Yes, at that time Staining was rich, may
be, as you are now but with his riches he
was kind, charitable, Christian man.
Mr.. Blendon-I have right to ask you
to what character do you lay claim2"
have often thought since what admir-
able advantages are a clear head and
calm temper. In the delivery of the fore
going had worked myself to a white
heat. 1t was only at the moment when
he first saw my drift that my listener
manifested any strong emotion. Then he
rose from his chair, and his face flushed,
but he resumed his seat, and by the time
1 had finished he was sitting as calmly
as when 1 entered. There was a slight
pause, and then Mr.. Blendon said:
"You have acquired, sir, some knowl-
edge q will not say whether accurate or
mott of an incident in my early life which
am not called upon to discuss. May
ask if this knowledge is confined, and is
intended to be confined to yourself7"
81 believe it to be confined to myself
and my informant, and have no desire
that it should be otherwise"
Mr.. BleDdon bowed. ~ will not con-
ceal that l shall be glad for it to be an un-
derstanding between Us that this matter
does not go further" q made gesture
of assent "Well, then, on that footing,
will say that Mr.. Staining shall be en-
tirely absolved, and / will even aid him
if can. You must, however, excuse me
from taking the twenty pounds. am
obliged to you for coming. Good morn
ing"
I departed, and 1 must confess 1 felt
the enemy had we'll covered his retreat,
and had not left me q morsel more of tri-
umph than he could help.
However, my object was accomplished,
therefore l hastened to meet Staining. He
was not at the appointed place, and after
waiting some time went to bis lodging.
1t was shabby house, in by street, not
easy to find. The landlady told me Mr..
Staining had come in an hour ago, and
was in his bedroom-not very well, she
thought. She and I went up together,
and knocked more than once Then l
went in. Poor Staining was lying on the
bed-dssd. My first misgivings we're
happily not confirmed. His enfeebled
frame was unable to stand the recent
wear and tear, and be was now beyond
the reach of his follies and his troubles.
-BngIish Magazine.
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