The Somerset reporter., 1889-08-08

~ will reform only try mel implored
the miser.
what good would it dor"
Just a year, eutreated Peter
Then, If am not different man, come
and take me-"
There was a pause. At length the
reply came
1T shall be as you wish II. after the
end Of year, find no change in you, |
will come again"
Peter awoke, to find himself In the
dark, and the cold perspiration ooziug
from his brow.
The dream had made great impression
upon him. Suddenly, the great delnsion
IF his life was rent away, and he saw his
life in all its barrenness aud folly. He
pictured to himself what he might easily
have been, If he had not bowed all his
lire long at the shrine of Mammon; and
with this ideal picture, he compared what
he was, and he shuddered at the wide
contrast.
"My life has been terrible mistake, y
he confessed to himself but, thank
heaven, have still little time left |
will devote it to making reparation
Heaven helping ne, | will so act that
when die some one shall miss me"
As the first fruits Of his good resolu-
ton, he built brisk tlre aud replenished
it beautifully from his scanty stock OF
fuel. The old room fairly danced in the
cheerful blaze, and the miser spread his
chilled hands before it with an air of sat
isfacton.
The morning dawned At the usual
hour Peter set out on his collecting tour.
Hitherto, he had been most memorable
landlord. Woe betide the unlucky tenant
who failed to have the rent ready for him
at the day and hour he called; he was
likely to receive small mercy at Peter :
hands.
Such was the condition of Mrs. Mercer
a widow with one son, on whom he first
called. Her son had been In the habit OF
selling newspapers, and upon this, more
than upon the scanty amount which his
mother made by sewing, they half man
aged 10 live.
But fortnight before, Charlie Mercer
had been taken sick-the sickness, no
doubt, being induced by exposure in
stormy weather. In consequence of this
misfortune, she was now two dollars
short Of the amount required to meet her
quarters rent. Knowing, as she did
Peters reputation, she prepared to meet
him, with trepidation
Hes hard man, she said II fear
the worst"
"But God can change even his heart,
mother" said her son.
"lleavcn grant :" she said fervently.
At this moment there was knock
heard at the door. 1t was the dreaded
visitor.
al suppose you have come for the
rentY said Mrs Mercer.
II believe this is quarter day, said
Peter.
81 am very sorry that have not got
the whole of the money ready for you.
said the widow, nervously; "hut my boy
has been sick for week past and that
has diminished our earnings
"Ilow much have you ready?" asked
Peter.
81 have it within two dollars" said
Mrs. Mercer.
81 cant take it, said Peter decidedly.
But" said Mrs. Mercer, misunder-
standing him, Il will pay you the other
two dollars just as soon as | can get it
What does your boy DOR
Mrs. Mercer understood this question
to be asked with the idea of enabling the
landlord to judge whether there was any
likelihood of his soon being able to earn
the money required to make up the detlc-
ieuCy.
"lle sells papers"
Does he like the businessI"
Mrs. Mercer began to be surprised.
She did not understand Peters motive in
asking the question,
Not very we'll" she answered "but
poor people have to do as they can
Mrs. Mercer" said Peter abruptly,
you perhaps think me a miser-and so |
have been; but see the folly of it.
am going TO change my mode of life en-
tirely | shall furnish comfortable
house, and shall need some one to take
care of it; win you be my housekeeper,
at salary of three hundred dollars a
year,?
"And Charlie" said the astonished
woman.
He shall live with us; | will take
charge of his education"
Heaven bless you" exclaimed Mrs.
Mercer, SELLING his hand and believing ii
with tears of joy. You have made me
very happy"
Have 2 asked Peter, in joyful sur
prise.
Very happy"
Then may be Of some use in the
world. Keep your money, Mrs. Mercer
don't want it. Tell your boy to get
well, and by next week shall have a
home ready for you to come to.
Peter passed on to the next room.
This was occupied by young girl and
her mother They had both sat up all
night to earn the last of the rent, which
they knew would be demanded in the
morning. They looked very pale and
careworn.
You do not look well" said Peter.
"Do you work very hardt'
1--WE have to" said the mother, sur
prised at Peters changed manner, for
we are paid very little. Here is the rent. =
at is New Years day. said Peter,
cheerfully. | shant take it; you may
consider it as New Years present
You are very kind said both, with
grateful surprise.
"And have concluded to reduce the
rents one-lhird from htnCelorth," said
Peter.
"Do you make shirts" he inquired,
cutting short the grateful protestalions.
Yes"
"rhcn you shall make me a dozen.
How much have you got for making
themi"
1--WE were paid thirty cents at the
shops"
Then will pay you double, and in
advance
Peter left two happy hearts behind him.
81 never knew how happy it made one
to do good" thought he, joyously.
w hat fool have been not to tind out
until was sixty-two"'
The next tenant had the money ready ;
but Peter noticed that her boy was with
out shoes.
':What is the name of your SOM he
asked.
Edward" said the mother, surprised
Then give the money back To you as
a New Years present for him. The little
fellow needs it more than do"
SO Peter went his rounds. He had
never passed a happier day. He remitted
the quarters rent in every instance, as he
had determined in the beginning. and his
opportune gift shed sunshine over many
an humble hearth.
This was the beginning of new life to
Peter Riggs. IIenceforth he lived for
others as we'll as himself. AS he had
promised. he fitted up house comforta-
bly,, aud Mrs. Mercer and Charlie came to
live with him In their cheerful society
he enjoyed himself tenfold as much as he
ever had before. The old expression of
greed has faded out. and in the benevo-
nt-looking old man who now walks the
streets. warmly and comfortably clad. you
would hardly recognize old Peter Riggs,
I h.. ,,,trar lunlas RIrIs