The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-07-03

Thus my circumstances were always
circumscribed, but my domestic hsppi.
ness was complete. My wife an angel
of love, kindness and fondness, was good
and pious, active and afectionate; and
my daughter is true image of her
mother. But age and illness have
brought me to the last extremity and my
conscience -evolts against the ides of the
best child in the world sacrificing her
life for an old and useless fellow. /
cannot have much l,nger to live and I
hope the Lord will pardon me for cut
ting Of a few days or weeks from my
life, in order to preserve that of my dear
Bertha.
"You are fortunate man: my friend, I"
exclaimed the young man, "what you
call misfortune is sheer nonsense, and
can he cured. Tomorrow shall make
my will, and you shall be the heir of my
possessions, and tomorrow night will
take the leap from the Main bridge
alone. But before leave this world, /
must see Bertha, for l am anxious to
look upon one who is worthy of the name
of human being"
"Sir, what can have made you so un>
happy at this early sgeH" said the old
man, moved with compassion. ban
81 am the only son of one of the
richest bankers 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 endesvored to de-
ceive and defraud me. / was a child in
innocence, and con6ding. My educa-
ton had not been neglected, and / pos
sessed my mothers loving heart. Ny
friends, ard to whom l opened my
heart, betrayed me, ard snen laughed at
my simplicity; in time gathered ex-
perience, and my heart was filed with
distrust. Iwas betrothed 10 rich heiress,
possessed of all fashionable accomplish
ments; / adored her with enthusiasm
and love, thought would repay me
for every Disappointment. But | soon
saw that she wished to make me her
slave, and yoke all other men besides to
her triumphsl chariot. I broke off the
engagement, and selected q poor but 8
charming girl-a sweet innocent being,
as 1 thought, who should be my LIES
own angel. Alas 1 found her enc day
bidding adieu with tears and kisses to
youth whom she loved; she had accepted
me for my wealth only. My peace o.
mind vanished, Il sought diversion. in
travel. Everywhere 1 found the same
hollowness, the same treachery, the same
misery. In short, became disguised
with life, and resolved to put an end
this night to the pitiable farce"
Unfortunate young man." said the
other, with tears of sympathy, az pity
you. / confess have been more fortu-
nate than you. I possessed a wife and
daughter, who came forth pure and i'm
maculate from the hand of the Creator.
The one has returned to him In the
whiteness of her soul, and 80 will 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
insinuate in any manner that l am a
rich man." The old man held out his
hand.
give you my word. 1 am anxious
to convince you that have spoken the
truth. My name is Wilhelm Schmidt,
and there is my address," giving him
at the same time, bit OF paper which
he drew from his pocket.
"ADd my name is Karl Trait. l am
the son of Anton TAFT. Take these
bank>notes, but only On condition that
you do not lesve this house until fetch
YOU from it. Waiter bedroom for
this gentleman. Yol require rest, Herr
Schmidt. Goodnight. Tomorrow you
will see me sgaiu.