"This," lie remarked, "is ihe hit of the
fandhj plate! l'iece by piece has been
he tanked its a wealthy merchant of Phil
adelpl.i.i, and kept his carrino ! He
now reduced to this painful extremity
has three lovdv daughters, as well as an
aged wife, who still look up lo him as
llieir only support, and Heaven knows
what they will do, with this, their last re
source, exhausted !"
Our friend had scarcely concluded this
brief account, when the slight figure of a
young female, closely veiled, passed into
the store. He left us again, and was ab
sent some lime. On returning, he was
evidently more all'telcd than on the first
' occasion. And vet, mingled with the s;id
had seen their luxuries depart one by one.
and, instead of murmuring, had rejoiced
that they were able so well lo spare them.
On the morning of ihe day in question,
however, the mother came to them in
tears, nnd told the whole story adding
that ihe hist spoon had been home away
in thu manner and for the purpose desert
,,l'd. Jl'lic poor girls were deeply touch -
ed ; but the inte lligence was not altogeth
er unexpected for ihey had long vainly
endeavored to (dose their eyes to the truth
of the changed condition of their father.
Their determination was speedily taken.
