The Rhode Island Republican

A man of rank and worth, having a great and unexpected loss in his revenue, thus addressed his wife: "Courage and economy are our chief resources.—You know I submit to many deprivations, and among others have dismissed two old and faithful servants.—It is painful to speak of your favorite chambermaid, but your own good sense will suggest that we cannot afford to keep her."

The countess retired and summoning the maid imparted to her the sad necessity of their separation. The poor girl bursting into tears answered, "Madam you know I work well at my needle, and can easily get my bread. Suffer me then to keep my little chamber, and eat by myself, and I shall always be delighted to serve you as usual, but without any expense to you whatever."

The tears became reciprocal and the lady went to acquaint her husband who was already affected, and soon showed that he scorned to be surpassed in noble and generous procedure. For when he entered the dining room with his wife, he ordered another cover and the lady asked if he expected a friend. He answered, "Yes madam, a real friend. Will you have the goodness to call Miss **?" naming her maid'—When she appeared, trembling, as the unexpected notice seemed to indicate sudden dismission, the count took her hand and placed her at the table saying, "The nobility of your sentiments, Miss, renders you our equal, the goodness of your heart our friend. This is your constant place in future." And when fortune became more propitious, she continued on the same footing as the friend of the family.

English paper.