St. Landry democrat., 1879-08-09

VI ID sUOu IoANs = N"' 81
mercantile man but fortune never tav'
roed me. had no money myself, and
loved and married poor girl. l could
never begin business on my own account.
took situation as book keeper, which
I held until became useless from age,
and younger men were preferred to me.
Thus my circumstances were always
circumscribed, but my domestic happi-
ness was complete, Ny wife an angel
Of love, kindness and fondness, was good
and pious, active and affectionate; and
my daughter is true image of her
mother. But age and illness have
brought me to the last extremity and my
conscience revolts against the idea of the
best child in the world sacrificing her
life for an old and useless fellow. l
cannot have much l2nger to live and I
hope the Lord will pardon me for cut
ting off few days Or weeks from my
life, in order to preserve that of my dear
Bertha.
"You are fortunate man: my friend, y
exclaimed the young man, "what you
call misfortune is sheer nonsense, and
can he cured. Tomorrow I 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 I leave this world, l
must see Bertha, for | am anxious to
look upon one who is worthy of the name
of a human being"
"Sir, what can have made you 30 un~
happy at this esrIy age?" said the old
man, moved with com passion.
II am the only son of one OF the
richest bankers of Frankfort. Ny 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 endeavored to de-
ceive and defraud me. I was child in
innocence, and confding. Ny educa-
tion had not been neglected, and I pos
sessed my mothers loving heart. Ny
friends, and to whom l opened my
heart, betrayed me, and then laughed at
my simplicity; in time gathered ex-
perierce, and my heart wss filed with
distrust. Twas betrothed to rich heiress,
possessed OF all fashionable accomplish
ments; I adored her with enthusiasm
and love, I thought 7 would repay ME
for every disapp ointment. But | soon
saw that she wished to make me her
slave, and yoke al other men besides to
her triumphal chariot. I broke off the
engagement, and selected poor but a
charming girl-a sweet innocent being,
as I thought, who should be my liie's
own angel. Alas! I found her 2ne day
bidding adieu with tears and kissse to
youth whom she loved; she he'd accepted
me for my wealth only. Ny peace Of
mind vanished, sought diversion in
travel. Everywhere I found the same
hollowness, the same treachery. the same
misery. In short, became disgusted
with life, and resolved to put an end
this night to the pitiabie farce"
Unfortunate young man." said the
other, with tears of sympathy, II pity
you. I confess have been more for.u-
nate than you. I possessed wife and
daughter, who came forth pure and i'm
maculste from the hand of the Creator.
The one has returned to him In the
whiteness of her soul, and so 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 infrm her, or
insinuate in any manner that I am a
rich man." The old man held out his
hand
" | give you my word. I am anxious
to convince you that have spoken tile
truth. Ny name is Wilhelm Schmidt,
and there is my address," giving him
at the same time, q bit of paper which
he drew from his pocket.
"And my name is Karl Trait. I am
the son of Anton Taft. Take these
bank~notes, but only on condition that
you do not leave this house until fetch
you from it. Waiter bedroom for
this gentleman. You require rest, Herr
Schmidt. Goodnight. Tomorrow you
will see me again. -.,~--