Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-06-29
Weary OF Life.


gufshed, when two men hurried from
different directions towards the shore.
The older Of The two had already
reached the strand, and was preparing
to make leap, the design Of which was
not TO be mistaken but at that instant
the younger one seized him BY the arm
exclaiming, Sir, l believe you want to
drown yourself!'
You have guessed it. What is that
to you p
This was the answer spoken in tue
most angry tone.
Nothing, know. 1 would simply
request you 10 wait couple minutes
when, il you like, we will make the
journey together, arm in arm-the best
way Of DYING
With these werds, the younger ex-
tended his hand TO the elder, whose
was not WITHHELD.
The younger continued in tone Of
seeming enthusiasm: So be it! Arm
in arm Truly, 1 did not dream that
human heart would beat with mine in
this last hour. 1 will not seek to know
who you are-an honest man or a
villain, Come ?-let US begin the jour-
ney togetherv
The elder man held the young man
back, and fixing his dim, half extin-
gulshcd eyes searchlngly upon the
countenance of his companion, ex-
claimed:
Hold! You seem to me 10 be too
Young to end your life by suicide. A
man of your years has still brilliant,
allurng future 10 his grasp
What have to hope in the midst OF
world that is full of wickedness, false
hood, treachery and unhappiness |?
Come 2-qulck y
You are still young. You must
have had very Sorrowful experiences to
make life already thus insupportable to
you.'
i despse mani kind
Without exceptionp'
without exception
We'll then, you have now, perhaps,
found man whom you will, necessari-
ly desplse. have, believe me during
my whole life, lived an honorable
man.
Really that Is highly interesting.
It's pity 1 did not earlier made your
acquaintance
Leave me to die alone, young man.
Live on. Believe me, time heals all
wounds, and there are men OF honor yet
to be found
Now, If you take this view, why are
you hurryng so fast from the world!
said the young man.
'Oh, Pm an old sickly man, unable
to make livelihood; a man who can
not, will not see his only child, his
daughter, blighting her youth and labor
Ing night and day to support him.
Now, sir, have you daughter who
does this fo- YOU" asked the young
man, surprised.
And with what endurance, with what
love, does she sacrifice herself for me
She has always the tenderest words OF
loye-a sweet smile for me-
And you want to commit suicide?
are you mad!
Shall murder my daughter" The
life which she is now leading is her cer-
tain DEATH answered the old man, in
despairing voice.
Good sir, come with me to the near
est inn that Is yet open. and let us
drink q bottle of wine together. You
will relate to me your history, and, II
YOU like, will let you hear mine. SO
much, however, will say to you be-
forehand chase all Thoughts OF SELL
murder out OF your head, am rich, and,
If things be as you say, from hence
forth you and your daughter shall lead
a pleasant life
The old man followed the younger
without opposition. A few minutes
later, over iull glasses the elder be-
gan;
slfy history is soon told. was a
merchants clerk, but always unlucky.
As l had nothing by inheritance and
the young girl married was poor
was never able to commence business
on nv own account, aud remained to
an old age in a dependent subordinate
position. Finally, was discharged
on account OF my years, and then be-
gan a struggle for a subsistence. by
wife died of trouble, aud now my poor
child IS wearied 10 gain my support.
cannot bear TO see her working herself
to death for me-theretore 1t is better |
90. Now yo1 know ALL
.Frend,' exclaimed the young man,
you are the most fortunate man l ever
encountered 10 my life. 1t is insane to
call that misfortune. Nobody is easier
TO help than you. Tomorrow | will
make my will, aud you shall be-no re-
sisience ! my heir. The coming ulsht
Is my last. Before this, however, 1
musL see your dasgbter, out OF pure
curiosity. l would for once see how
one looks who really deserves the name
Of woman
But, young man, what eau ii be that
thus early has made you so unhappy"
questioned the elder. much moved. 3"
Il believe It was the wealth which
INV father left me. 1 was the only son
of the richest banker of this city. My
-. :. l,,l e,,o ,,aars aimee leaving me