Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-02-12
SPECTATOR AND GENERAL ADV

tened may he imagined. A new world
was being opened to him. He was pass
ing through an experience that had
never been his before. Shortly after the
conclusion of the meal he rose to take
his leave, thanking Mr.. and Mrs. Bish-
op for their kind hospitality. They in
vited him to stay all night, telling him
he was welcome to what they had.
He thanked them, and said, II will
trespass on your kindness no longer. I
think I can reach the next village before
dark, and be so much further on my
Journey"
Mr.. Merton did not sleep much that
night he lay awake thinking. He had
received new revelation. The poor
had always been associated in his mind
with stupidity AND ignorance, and the
first poor family he had visited he had
found far in advance, in intelligent
sympathy and real politeness, of the
exuuisites and fashionable butterflies of
the day.
The next day boy called at the cot
tage, and left package in large blue
envelope, addressed to Mr.. Bishop.
Mrs. Bishop was very much alarmed
when she took it, for large blue envel-
opes were associated in her mind with
law and lawyers, and she thought that
Lit BODIED no good. She put it way until
her husband came home from his work
when she handed it to him.
He opened it in silence. read its con-
tents, and said fervently, "Thank heav-
| EN-"
"What is it John 81 inquired his anx-
ious wife. 4
"Good news, wife" replied John
such news as never hoped for or even
dreamed Of"
"What is it-what is it? Tell me
quick II want to hear, if it's anything
good"
"Mr. Merton has cancelled the mort
gage-released me from the debt, both
interest and principal and says any
time I need further assistance, If L Will
let him know, | shall have it,"
ri am so glad! 1t puts new life in
to me-" said the now happy wife. "Bu1
what can have come over Mr.. Mer-
ton?"
IT do not know. 1t seems strange
after the way he talked to me yester DAY
morning. I will go right over to Mr
Merton's and tell him how happy N
has made u.s."
He found Mr.. Merton in and expressed
his gratitude in glowing terms.
'.What could have induced you,',
he asked, )" to show us SO much kind
ness"
81 followed your suggestion replie'
Mr.. Merton, land put myself in you
place. L expect that it will surprise yo'
very much to learn that the stran g
traveller to whom you showed SO muel
l ~. 4
Indeed" exclaimed Mr.. Bishop
"can that be true? How did you dis
guise yourself SO well ?'' =
II was not SO much disguised afte
all t; but YOU could not very readily as
sociate Mr.. Merton the lawyer with
!. poor wayfaring mania! hal" laEghe
. Mr.. Merton.
"Well, it IS a good joke" said MI
Bishop "good in more sense than one
1t has terminated very pleasantly TO
:. me-"
II was surprised" said Mr.. Merton
'tat the broad and liberal views you ex
j pressed of men and their actions gene
rally. I supposed I had greatly the ad
l vantage over you in means and educa
ton; yet how cramped and narrow
minded have been my views beside
: yours! That wife of yours is an estims
BILE woman, and that boy of yours wi
he an homer to any man. tell you
Bishop" said the lawyer, beeomin
4 animated, ''you are ricsl-rich beyon
what money could make you; you hav
! treasures that gold will not buy. tie
. YOU. you owe me no thanks. Semeho'
e [ seem to have lived years since yestel
day morning. What have learned {
D your house is worth plore than you ow
0 me, and I am your debtor yet. Herea
. ter I shall take as my motto, Put you
D self in his place. and try to regulate N
r ACTIONS by ."-Househo5d. 3 .u ao