The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1879-08-21

I cannot have much longer to live
and hope Che Lord will pardon me
for cutting of n few days or weeks
from my life, in order to preserve
that OF my dear Bertha. .e',tfl
"You are q fortunate man my
friend, exclaimed the young man ,
what you call unfortunate. is sheer
nonsence, and can be cured. To-
morrow | shall make my will, and
you shall be the heir to my posses.
sions, and tomorrow night I will
take the leap from the Main bridge
alone. But before leave this world
| must see Bertha, for am anxious
to look upon one who is worthy OF
the name Of a human being.
Sir, what can havo made you so
unhappy at this early age 7 said the
old man moved with compassion.
81 arm the only son Of the richest
banker Of Frankfort. My father
died five years ago, and left me the
heir to an immense fortune. From
that moment every one that has
come in contact with me has endeav
ored to deceive and defraud me. /
was child in innocence, aud con-
fding My education had not been
neglected, aud I possessed my
mothers loving heart. My friends,
and to whom I opened my heart.
betrayed me, and then laughed at
my simplicity in time gathered
experience, aud my heart was filled
with distrust. / was betrothod to q
rich heiress possessed Of oil fashion
able accomplishments I adored her
with enthusiasm and love, 1 thought
I would repay me for my disappoipt
ment. But l soon saw that she wish
cd to make me her slave, and yoke
oil other men besides to her trium-
phal chariot. | broke off the engage
ment, aud selected poor but charm
ing girl--a sweet, innocent being, as
| thought, who should be my life's
own angel. Alas l found her one
day bidding adieu with tears and
kisses to q youth whom she loved !
she had accepted me for my wealth
only. My peace of mind vanished
l sought diversion in travel. Every
where found the same hollowness
the same treachery, the same misery.
la short / became disgusted with
life, and resolved to put On end this
night to the pitiable farce.
"Uufortunste young man., said
the other, with tears Of sympc.' =
II pity you. confess have been
more fortunate than you. Ipossess-
ed wife and daughter, who came
forth pure and immaculate from the
hand of tho Creator. The one has
returned to him in the wh;teness ol
her soul, and 50 will the other.
"Give me your address, old man,
and permit me to visit your daugh'
ter Tomorrow. Also give me your
word Of honor that you will not in.
form her, or insinuate in any man
ner, that I am u rich man. The old
man held out his hand.
81 give you my word. am aux
ious to convince you that | have
spoken the truth. My name is Wil'
helm Schmidt, and there is my ad.
dress, giving him at the same time
a bit Of paper which he drew from
his pocket.
"And my name is Karl Trait. ]
am the son OF Anton Trait. TAKE
these bank notes, but only on CON
dition that you do not leave thiI
house until 1 fetch You from it
Waiter ! o bedroom for this gentle.
man. You require rest. Her
Schmidt. Good night. To-morroV
you will see me again.
II.
In one Of the narrow aud i'll light
cd streets OF Sachensenhausen, in al
attic of a lofty aud unsightly house
sat a blonde, about twenty years o
age, busily employed with her need
le. The furniture Of the room wat
clean and tasteful. The girls whole
dress would not have fetched many
kreutzers but every article fittet
her o. we'll as il it had cost hun
dreds. Her fair locks shaded q face
frightened by q pair of eyes heaven
ly blue. The spirit OF order, mod
esty, and cleanliness reigned in ev.
erything around her. Her feature.
were delicate, like those Of one noble
born her eyes betrayed sleepiness
and anxiety, and ever and anon q
deep Sigh rose from the maiden'l
breast. Suddenly steps were heard
on the staircase, aud her face lighted
up for Joy. She listened, and doubt
seemed TO shadow hor brow. Their
came o knock at tho door, which
made her tremble 30 much that she
almost wanted tho courage to say
'ome in. A young man shabby
dressed, entered the room, and made
q low and awkward bow.
~ bog pardon, miss said he
does Herr Schmidt live here y
"Yes sir. What il your pleasure I
"Aro you hia daughter, Bertha I!
~ am.
Then IL IL you that I sock. l an
from you father.
"For heavens sake. where Is no
Something must have happened---hs
has stayed away all night.
"Ths misiortuuAts 10 not ver,
great
"Oh. my poor father what shall