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Jessie Hampton
by
“I do.”
“Well, I heard something about that note this morning that really touched my feelings. Hartman spoke of the circumstances to a friend, and that friend–betraying, I think, the confidence reposed in him–related it to me, not knowing that we were the parties to which the note had been paid. On that note he came near failing again.”
“Indeed! And yet you have just sold him freely!”
“I have. But such are my feelings that I would risk five thousand dollars to keep him up. I know him to be a man of strict honesty.”
“There is no doubt of that,” replied the son.
“You remember his niece, I suppose?” said old Mr. Edgar.
“Oh, very well.”
“When Mr. Hartman’s circumstances became reduced, she, of her own free choice, relieved him of the burden of her support, and assumed the arduous and toilsome duties of a governess in one of our wealthy families, where she has ever since been. On the evening before the note of which I spoke was due, she called to see her uncle, and found him in trouble. For some time he concealed the cause but so earnest was she in her affectionate entreaties to know why he was unhappy, that he told her the reason. He was again embarrassed in his business, and, for want of a few hundred dollars, which one, circumstanced as he was, could not borrow, was in danger of being again broken up. To his astonishment, Jessie announced the fact that she had the sum he wanted, saved from her salary as governess. He at first refused to take it, but she would listen to no denial.”
“Noble girl!” exclaimed the young man.
“She must be one in a thousand,” said Mr. Edgar.
“She is one in ten thousand!” replied the son, enthusiastically. “And yet worth like hers is passed over for the tinsel of wealth. Do you know in whose family she is governess?”
“I do not.”
“I can tell you. She is in the family of Mr. Freeman.”
“Ah!”
“Yes. You know they gave a party last night?”
“I do.”
“Miss Hampton was not present.”
“As much as might have been inferred.”
“And yet there was no young lady in the room her equal in all that goes to make up the character of a lovely woman.”
“Well, my son,” replied the old gentleman, “all I have to say is, that I look upon this young lady as possessing excellencies of character far outweighing all the endowments of wealth. Money! It may take to itself wings in a day; but virtue like hers is as abiding as eternity. If your heart is not otherwise interested, and you feel so inclined, win her if you can. Another like her may never cross your path. With such a woman as your wife, you need not tremble at the word adversity.”
The young man did not reply. What his thoughts were, his actions subsequently attested.
After the party, to the distant coldness with which Mrs. Freeman had treated Jessie since she came into her house, were added certain signs of dislike, quickly perceived by the maiden. In addressing her, Mrs. Freeman exhibited, at times, a superciliousness that was particularly offensive. But Jessie checked the indignant feelings that arose in her bosom, and, in conscious rectitude of character, went on faithfully discharging her duties. Since the timely aid she had been able to bring her uncle, she had a new motive for effort, and went through her daily task with a more cheerful spirit.
One day, about six months after the occurrence of the party which has been mentioned, Jessie, a little to the surprise of Mrs. Freeman, gave that lady notice that, at a certain time not far off, she would terminate her engagement with her. The only reason she gave was, that the necessity which took her from home no longer remained. At the time mentioned, Jessie left, although Mrs. Freeman, urged by other members of the family, who could better appreciate the young lady’s worth, offered a considerable increase of salary as an inducement to remain.