The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1878-11-21

less fellow. cannot have much longe
to live, and hope the Lord will pardo
me for cutting off a few days or week
from my life in order to preserve that o
my dear Bertha
You are fortunate man, my friend
exclaimed the young man; what yo'
call misfortune is sheer nonsense, ant
can be cured. Tomorrow [ will max
my will, and you shall be the heir of al
my possessions, and tomorrow night
will take the leap from the Main bridg'
alone. But before I leave this world,
must see Bertha, for I am anxious tt
look upon one who is worthy the name
of q human being
Sir, what can have made you so un'
happy at this enrly age p said the olt
man, moved with compassion.
Il am the only son of ono of the
richest bankers of Frankfort, My faith
er died five years ago and left me the
heir to an immense fortune. From thai
moment, every one that has come iu
contact with me has endeavored to de-
ceive and defraud me. I was child in
innocence, trusting and con6ding. My
education had not been neglected, and !
possessed my mothers loving heart
Ny friends, or rather the villains whom
I mistook for friends, and to whom l
opened my heart, betrayed me, and
then laughed at my simplicity; in time
I gathered experience, and my heart
was filed with distrust. I was betroth
ed to "a rich. heiress, possessed of all
fashionable accomplishments; adored
her with enthusiasm; her love [ thought
would repay me for every disappoint-
ment. But soon saw that she wished to
make me her slave, and yoke all other
men besides to her triumphal chariot, i
broke off the engagement: and selected
q poor but charming girl-a sweet in-
nocent being, as thought, who would
be my ,hfe's own angel. Alas |! Lfound
Ter one day bidding adieu with tears
and kisses to youth whom she loved;
she bad accepted me for my wealth only.
My peace of mind vanished, I sought
diversion in travel. Everywhere I
found the same hollowness. the same,
;treachery, the same misery. In short:
I became disgusted with life, and re-
solyed 10 nut an end this night to the
pitiable farce
{ tUnfortunate young man. said the
other, with tears of sympathy, I pity
you. I confess I have been more for.
tuDate than you. I possessed wife
and daughter, who came, forth pure and
Immaculate from the hand Of the Crea-
tor. The one. has returned to Him in
tire -wtireuc-s of her souf, aud 50 WIZ
the other
Give me your address, old man, and
permit me to visit your daughter to.
morrow. Also give me your word of
honor that you will not inform her, or
5nsinuate in, any manner that-l am
rich man. The old man held out his
hand. t, :
Z Il give you my word. I am anxious
to convince you that have spoken the
truth. My name is Wilhelm Schmidt,
and here is my address !" giving him at
the same time; bit ofpaper which he
drew from his pocket.
And my name is Karl Trait, 1 am
the son Of Anton Trait. Take these
bank-notes, but only on condition that
you do not leave this house until fetch
YOU from it. Waiter! a bedroom Tor
this gentleman. You require rest, Herr
Schmidt. Goodnight. Tomorrow
you will SEQ me again.
II.
Tn one of the narrow and ill-lighted
streets of Sachsenhausen, in an attic of
a lofty and unsightly house, sat a
blonde, about twenty years ofage, busi-
ly employed with her needle. The fur
niture of the room was clean and taste
full. The girls whole dress would not
have fetched many kreutzers; but every
article fitted her as well, as, if it had
cost hundreds. Her fair locks shaded
face frightened by pair of eyes OF
heavenly blues: TheEspirit of order,
modesty and cleanliness reigned &in
everything around her. Her features
we're delicate, like those of one noble
born; her eyes betrayed sleeplessness
and anxiety, and ever and anon deep
sigh rose from tho maideE's breast.
Suddenly steps we're heard on the stair,
case, and her face lighted up with JOY.
She listoned, and doubt seemed to
shadow her brow. Then came knock
at the door, which made her tsembiO
so much that she Utmost wanted the
courage to say "Come in" A young
man, shabbily dressed, entered the
room, and made low, awkward bow.
Il beg pardon, miss said he; docs
Herr Schmidt live bere?'
Yes sir. What is your pleasure
Are you his daughter Bertha 2 - .
Il am.'
Then it is you that I seek. [ am
| from your father - - -,
For heavens sake, where is he'
Something must have happened-he has
etayed away all night -;
The misfortune is not so very
great
Oh, my poor, poor father what
shall hear 2 ....
The young man seemed to observ'
these visible marks of anxiety will
greet interest; he said-"Do not b