'Will you tell me,' said the stranger, inquiring at the door of a descendant of the Worthingtons, 'where the dwelling of Thomas Worthington, Esq. is?'
'It is that noble edifice which you see yonder, beyond the long row of factories.'
The inquirer moved slowly on, apparently scarce able to sustain himself, from physical imbecility. He was met at the outer gate by a servant.
'Will you tell your master that a distant relation, from across the water, who has experienced many misfortunes, desires to see him?'
The servant returned, and ushered the traveller into the outer hall; and in a few minutes, the owner of the mansion appeared.
'I am, Sir, your supplicant,' said the stranger. 'You doubtless recollect, that a brother of your mother, residing in Scotland, had many sons. Misfortunes have thickened upon one of them. He is poor, and, from a recent loss of every thing by shipwreck, is now pennyless. He begs a lodging at your hands, and something wherewith to clothe his almost naked frame.'
'I have nothing to give to stragglers,' said the lord of the mansion. 'Most persons like you are impostors.'
'I am no impostor,' said the petitioner; 'here is proof that I am not,' taking a letter from the American consul from his pocket; 'but I am your poor unfortunate cousin; and if you will but relieve my pressing wants, Providence may put it into my power to reward your kindness.'
'I repeat, I have nothing to give; and I should advise you to get some daily work to supply your wants.'