The Wilmingtonian., 1885-10-24
THE STORY TELLER.
HIS BROTHER MAN.
A story OF Avarice that Was Cured.


81 cannot wait any longer. must have
my money, and If you cannot pay it | must
foreclose the mortgage and sell the place"
said Mr.. Merton.
''In that case" said Mr., Bishop, sit will
be sold at great sacrifice, and after all the
struggles have made, my family will be
homeless. 1t is hard. l only wish you had
to earn your money as do mine-you might
then know something of the life of poor
man. If you could only in imagination put
yourself in my place, think you would
have a little mercy on me-"
sit is useless talking; extended this one
year. and can do so no longer" replied
Mr.. Merton, as he turned to hes desk and
continued writing.
The poor mrn rose to his feet and walked
sadly out of Mr.. Merton's office. He had
just swallowed up the means with which he
had intended to make the last payment Oh
his house. True, Mr.. Merton had waited
one year. when he had failed to meet the
demand, owing to sickness in the family,
and he felt very much obliged to him for
doing SO. This year he had been laid up for
seven months during which time he could
earn nothing and all his savings were need
ed for the support Of his family. Again he
failed, and now again he would be homeless
and have to begin the world anew. Had
Heaven forsaken him and given him over to
the tender mercies of the wicked?
After he had left the office, Mr.. Merton
could not drive away the thought to which
the poor man in his grief had given utter
ance, 81 wish you had to earn your money
as do mine"
In the midst of row of figures, ''put
yourself in my place." intruded.
Once, after it had crossed his mind, he
laid down his pen and said, "Well, l think l
should find it rather hard, l have mind
to drop in this afternoon and sec how it fares
with his family; that man arouses my curios-
ity." ..=
About five o'clock he put on a gray wig
and some old cast-off clothes and walked to
the door. Mrs. Bishop, pale, weary look
ing woman opened it. The poor old man
requested permission to enter and rest a
while, saying that he was tired with his
long journey, for he had walked many miles
that day.
The old gentleman watched her attentive
He saw there was no elasticity in her step;
no hope in her movements, and pity for her
had begun to steal into his heart. When the
husband entered, the features relaxed into a
smile and she forced cheerfulness into her
manner. The traveller noted it all, and was
forced to admire this woman who could as
sumo cheerfulness she could not feel, foi
her husbands sake. After the table was
prepared there was nothing on it but bread,
butter, and tea. They invited the stranger
to eat with them, saying: we have moi
much to offer you but cup of tea will re-
fresh you after your long journey"
He accepted their hospitality, and as they
discussed their frugal meal, led them, with.
out seeming to do SO, to talk of their affairs
II bought this piece of land," said Mr.
Bishop. "at very low figure, and instead
of waiting until had money enough tc
build, as l ought to have done, thought
would borrow few hundred dollars.-Th,
1D1u6erest on the money would not be near, al
1nuusilArs;ss nauiuGnAnd | II -