Year: 1862

The old man followed the younger
without opposition. A few minutes la
ter, over full glasses, tho elder began.


"My history is soon told. l was a
merchants clerk, but always unlucky.--
AS / had nothing by inheritance, and the
young girl l married was poor, l was nev-
er able TO commence business on my own
account, and remained on to old age in a
dependent, subordinate position. Final
ly l was discharged on account Of my
years, and then began the struggle for
subsistence. My wife died of trouble,
and now my poor child wearies herself TO
gain my support. ] cannot bear to soc
her working herself to death for me-
therefore it is better / go-now you know
ALL"


Friend" exclaimed the young man,
you are the most fortunate man ever
encountered in my life. Nobody is easier
to help than you. Tomorrow will make
my will, and you shall be--no resistance
my heir. The coming night is my
last. Before this, however, l must soc
your daughter ont of curiosity. l would
for once see how one looks who really de-
serves the name Of woman"


But, young man, what can il be that
so early has made you unhappy ques-
toned the elder much moved.


al believe it was the wealth that my
father left me. / was the only son Of the
richest banker of this city. My father
died five years since, leaving mo-more
than was good for me. Since that time
l have been deceived and betrayed by ev-
cry one, without exception, with whom l
have had any connection. Some have
pretended friendship for me on account Of
my money. Others have pretended to
love-again for my money; and SO it
went on. ! often mingled, in the garb Of
simple workman, with the masses, and
thus one day became acquainted with a
charming being, young girl TO whom
my whole heart soon went out in love-
l disclosed to her neither my name nor
my position. l longed to be loved for
myself alone, and for a time it appeared
as if l were going to be happy. The
young girl and /, whom she till regarded
as simple workman, met every after
noon in the Marcusplatz, where we walk
ed up and down together, passing many
happy hours. One day my dear girl ap-
peared with red eyes-she had been
weeping-and told me we must part ;
confessing that her life belonged to an
otherl With these words she tore her
self from me, and disappeared in the
crowd. Her faithlessness decided my des-
tinty. Vainly did | rush into the pleas
ures so called good society has to Of
fer, but found my lost peace of soul nev-
er! l then determined 10 bring my JOY
less existence TO close"


Unhappy young man" said tho cl-
der, wiping his eyes; from my whole
heart l pity you. | must acknowledge
that was moro fortunate than you; for
l was, at least, by two women-my wife
and daughter-tenderly loved"


"Will you give me your address, good
sir, that may convince myself of the
truth of your story! 1t is not exactly
mistrust, but must see to believe. To
morrow l will arrange my affairs as l have
already told you. You will remain in
this inn tonight, and in the morning ear
ly l will return. Give mo your word Of
honor that you will not leave this house
until / come back, and that you will not,
in the meantime, speak 10 any one Of
what has passed between u.s."


"You have my word. Go 70 my dwell
ing, to my daughter, and you will find
that have told you but the simple truth.
My name IS Wilhelm S. Here is
my address"


With these words he handed the young
man paper, giving the locality of his
dwelling. 1t lay in suburb inhabited by
the poorer classes, at some distance from
the city proper.


"And my name is Carl T." said
the young man. stake this bank note
it will reach till my return"


Carl rang for the waiter, had The pro-
prietor called, commended the old man to
his care in suitable terms, and left the
house.


Hardly had the morning broke, when
Carl found himself on the way TO the sub.
urb where lived the daughter Of the old
man with whom he had become acquaint-
ed under such peculiar circumstances
1t was not without trouble that he found
the house. II was poor place. The
young man knocked, opened the door,
and involuntarily stepped back. What
did he sec! The young girl whose incon-
sistency had made his life burden un-
bearablc stood before him. She had
grown pale-very pale; but he knew her
at the first glance; it was Bertha, whom
he had once hoped to call his own. AT
his appearance the young girl sprang TO-
ward him, overcome with JOY, holding out
her little hand. The young man waved
her back exclaiming:


"You did not expect 10 see me-
The poor girl sank into seat, and GOV.
cred her pale, beautiful countenance with
har handc