Year: 1860

days But as the writer of these lines was one evening l'urrying down Broadway, to escape from the clouds of binding dust which cold, northwest wind was Griving along that crowded avenue, he was suddenly arrested. near the corner of Canal-street, by a tap on the shoulder. Turning round, he saw Elegant Tom Dillar, with his coat but toned closely mp to his throat, and looking uncomfortably sharp, serious, and, to make use of vulgar figure of speech, seedy.

 How are you?" said Tom, in his usual elegant manner; but. without waiting for a reply, he continued, "you needn't ask me how am, for can discern by your looks that you see how am am hungry"

 Elegant Tom Diar hungry!

 was too much shocked by this humilia- ting confession from man whom had known and envied ill his happier days, to disguise my feelings. But put my hand in my pocket to feel for my pqse.

 Thank you," said Tom, "it is very gener- ous ill you to anticipate my request. It is but trife that need; aud 1 will repay you soon."

 offEcd him the contents of my purse but he wonld not take more than half dol lar. At least," said I, "allow me to treat you to supper, since you say you are hun gry 2"

 II will agree to that" he replied, "upon the condition that you favor me with your company, and allow me to call for what I want"

 l Of course, could not refuse his proposi- tion, and, knowing what his former habits had been, l supposed he would go into some of the splendid restaurants on Broadway, and cail for such a supper; as he had on.e been accustomed to indulge in But, on the l contrary, he led me into one of the cross streets, and followed himdown into very humble underground Saloon," where he or dered supper of cold meat and bread, and l conld not prevail upon him to indulge in any thing more.

 You know something of my history" said Tom, !" how I once lived, and how I lost my property but how I have lived l since, you do not know, aud shall not dis tress you by telling. Look" said he, and he nnbuttoned his threadbarc coat, when 1 saw that he had on neither vest nor shirt. I am actually reduced to this extreme" /" l said he, and his voice quyered as he spoke, "by trying to live honestly. Up to this very hour, nntil met you, have not stooT- led to beg but HOW was driven to it. l had nothing left by which could raise q shilling, and had not tasted food today"

 "Good Heavens 1" said I, "can this be true ?' What, Elegant Tom Dil!ar, with a'l his accomplishments, his rich acquaint- arcees, his knowledge of the world, and in d city like this, where employment is so readily obtained, reduced to starvation! It cannot be true"

 q" But it is true," said Tom, impossible as 1t may seem to yon, slal all because l was not brought up to q regular profession My accomplishments were not of kind to bring me money in an honorable way, and made up my mind that if could not live hoHorab'y, would prefer not to live at alI could easily have sold myself to unworthy and diSreputab!c cmploymcnts, or my former friends would probably have been glad to have had me sing for them, and have re- wardcd me by permitting me to live on their bounty, but could not submit to such position as that. could never be jack pudding of society and would not dis grace my fathers name by dishonoruble occupation"

 As Tom spoke these words, he looked more elegant in his shabby suit than ever he had done in his happier days; and, in spite of his poverty, could not but still ad mire his manly spirit and sclfrelance. actually felt poor beside him

 But" said l, "why will you not allow me to lend you a larger sum than you have taken? You shall be heartily welcome to more."

 Because" replied Tom, Fit is all need l think have found placer, aud after this shall be rich again."

 wished his expectations might be rcal- ized, and, shaking his hand, I gave him my card, and begged he would send to me, if he should need any further assistance.

 CHAPTER lII

 It was about three months after parted from Tom in the cheap restaurant, that, as 1 entered the vestibue of the Astor House. met him coming ont of that hotel start cd back with amazement as Saw him, for Tom was now dressed with greater splendor than had ever before seen him; not obtru- sivcly made up, but with an air of studied