The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1890-12-27

friend, who, but few months before, had
failed in business; and too honorable to
defraud his creditors, had given up all
his property. Since his failure he had
been reduced to accept a clerkship.
81 am sorry, Arthur" he said, to his
son, "very sorry that could not carry out
my intention of entering you at college |
know your tastes have always led you to
think of a professional career; but my sud
den change of circumstances has placed it
out of my power to crafty you. Its best
for you to accept the situation which has
been offered you, and enter Mr.. Bellamy 5
store. 1t is very fair situation, and will
suit you as well as any,"
81 believe you are right, sir" said Ar
thur, respectfully, though it will be hard
to resign the hopes that l have so long
cherished | met Henry Fulham to-day.
He was in my class at school, and is to
enter college next fall. [ could not help
envying him. How soon will Mr.. Bethany
wish me to enter his store? p
"Day after tomorrow, | believe-that
is, with the beginning of the year, New
Years Day being considered holiday"
every well, you can tell him that | will
come at that time.
The scene vanished as before-a change
passed over the surface of the mirror.
Again the merchant looked, and, to his
surprise, beheld the interior of his own
store A faint light was burning, by the
light of which young man whom he re,
cognized as Frank Durell, one of his own
clerks, was reading letter, the contents of
which seemed to agitate him powerfully.
The scene was brought so near that he
could without difficulty, trace the lines,
written in delicate female hand, as fol-
lows:
"MY DEAR Son You are not probably
expecting to hear from me at this time.
Alas that | should have such an occasion to
write. AT the time of your fathers death, it
was supposed that, by the sacrifice of every
thing, we had succeeded in liquidating all his
debts. Even this consolation is now denied
u.s. | received call from Mr.. Perry this
morning, who presented, for immediate pay
ment, note, given by your father, for fifty
dollars. Immediate payment How with a
salary barely sufficient to support us, can you
meet such charge? Can any way be devils
ed? Mr.. Perry threatens, if the money is not
forthcoming, to seize our furniture. He is n
hard man, and | have no hopes of appeasing
him. | do not know that you can do any
thing to retard it; but have thought it right
to acquaint you with this new calamity.
Your affectionate mother,
MARY DUREIL."
The young man laid down the letter
with an air of depression.
81 scarcely know how to provide for this
new contingency" said he, meditatively.
"My salary is small, and it requires the
strictest economy to meet my expenses. |
might ask for an advance; but Mr.. Hath
away is particular on that point, and |
should but court refusal. But to have
my mothers furniture taken from the
house-the whole amount would hardly
cover the debt There is one resource; but
alas that | should ever think of resorting
to it. l could take the money from the
till, and return it when | am able. But,
shall ever be able? 1t would be no more
nor less than robbery. At all events will
not do it tonight. Who knows but some
thing may turn up to help us ?"
The young man blew out the lamp and
left the store. The picture faded.
a will show you another picture, some
what different from the others; it will be
the last" said the stranger.
The next scene represented the interior
of a bakers shop. The baker--a course
featured man, with hard, unprepossessing
aspect-was waiting on woman, thinly
clad in garments more suitable for June
than December She was purchasing two
loaves of bread and few crackers. There
was another customer waiting his turn. 1t
was gentleman with pleasant smile on
his face.
"Make haste" said the baker rudely,
to the woman who was searching for her
money to pay for her purchases; 81 can't
stop all day; and here's gentleman that
you keep waiting"
"Oh, never mind me; am in no hurry"
said the gentleman.
II am afraid" said the woman, in an
alarmed tonc "that | have lost my money
| had it here in my pocket; but it is gone. :"
"Then you may return the bread; I
don't sell for nothing"
"Trust me for once, sir, [ will pay you
in day or two. Otherwise my children
must go without food tomorrow.
Cant help that You shouldn't have
been so careless"
The woman was about turning away,
when the voice of the other customer
arrested her steps.
How much money have you lost p he
inquired.
at was but half dollar" was the reply;
"but it was of consequence to me as | can
get no more for day or two; and how we
are to live till then, Heaven knows"
"Perhaps that will help you 10 decide
the question" and he took from his pocket
a five dollar bill, and handed it to her.
"0h, sir, said she, her face beaming up
with gratitude, ''this is indeed generous
and noble The blessings of those you
have befriended attend you
She remained to make few purchases,
and then with light heart departed.
The last picture faded from the mirror;
and the stranger, wrapping it up, simply
said
"You have seen how much happiness a
trihing sum can produce. Will you not
out of your abundance make similar
experiment ?"
The stranger disappeared; and Mr.. Hath
away awoke to find his dream terminated
by the chime of New Years bells"
"This is something more than dream, y
said he, thoughtfully. II will at all events
take counsel of the mystic vision and it
shall not be my fault if some hearts are
not happier through my means before
another sun sets.
When the merchant arose next morning,
it was with the light heart which always
accompanies the determination to do right.
He was determined that the salutation OF
"a Happy New Year" should not be with
him mere matter of lip service.
81 believe" said he to himself, 81 will
go and see my old friend, Mark Audley
L A IL, i. -