The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1881-03-23
TMEPEAsANT's DAUGHTi

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1t was on a cold winters night to
ward the middle of'the last ceht,ifs
that a gentle knock was: heard al 81
door ofa hut situated among e
mountains of Christiana, in Nory 4
The summons was answered by d
master of the hovel, and tragl 4
asked shelter for the night HoS
tality is willingly exereisedi in t6|
wild regions; the stranger was
coined to a seat on the bundia
chamois skins that lay before
hearth, where a few embers
smoldered, aud to a share Of the s.
per prepared for the family.
The only-inmates Of the hut NJ d
"a peasant named Eric and his dau
ter. The latter was Tglna rkabls : lcl
her beauty, and for natural grace
far superior to what mighthave been
looked for in that wild region. The
traveller, after gazing at her for some
moments, inquired Of his host if the
fair maiden was his daughter.
"She is" replied the old man.
"she and my rife are my only trea-
sures, and one Of them Ishould not
have kept SO long if Margaret would
have lisened 10 any of the suitors,
who would fain have robbed me Of
her; but, though she is now four.and-
twenty, she prefers staying with her
father, to whom her whole heart is
devoted"
The traveller, drawing his cloak
around him, complained of cold, and
at her fathers command, Margaret
threw some additional logs on the
fire. AS she famed it a bright blaze
filled the little apartment and threw
its light on the person of the stran-
ger. He appeared to be young and
handsome, and as, under the kindly
influence Of the warmth, he loosened
his cloak, and laid aside his slouched
hat, Eric perceived that he was rich
ly dressed. His surprise that a per-
son of such apparent rank and 'opu-
lence should be wandering alone in
that inclement season prevented him
from noticing the strong emotion
evinced by his daughter as she
caught sight of his features. With
clasped hands, and her eyes fixed on
his face, she seemed uncertain wheth-
er to address him. The newcomer
made sign to her as if to- enjoin
caution. Whatever its import she
understood it, and with tears rolling
down her cheeks, seemed to be adj
dressing silent prayer to heaven.
The supper, consisting of q platter
of boiled potatoes and jug of cold
water, was now placed on the table.
my honored guest" said Eric, "It
is useless to apologize for our humble
fare; throughout these mountains
you will find little better.'
"Your excuses are unnecessary,
my good friend" returned the other.
"Many time would such q supper
as this have been more welcome to
me than gold. l have known power.
ty, and now that may call myself
rich, my greatest pleasure is to re-
lieve those who are as poor as once
was. Your supper shall bring you a
price that will amply repay your
hospitality"
Taking potato from the dish; he
dropped pearl in its place. AS it
rolled into the coarse platter, Eric
looked earnestly at his guest.
"Do you know what these are?
asked the latter, dropping another
and another of the same jewels.
"For these men dive to the bottom Of
the ocean, where they remain till
the gushing blood forces them to re-
turn to the surface for q moments
breath; to gain these they are con
tent to injure health and risk life
They are pearls, and Of such price
that q few Of them will make q pool
peasant as rich as his lord. Take
them, my good father, they are yours
in requital of your kindness to {
stranger"
"Dost thou hear, Margaret" sale
the old man, whose eyes glistenec
with delight, Gall these precious
things are oursl Weare rich, child!'
81 hear, father" replied she