The Beggar’s Wedding Gift by J. Frederick Cœur

Otto von d’Este returns to his home in Germany after spending several years in Paris. His father has died, and Otto finds that the family estate is in heavy debt because of poor management. With intelligence and hard work, Otto successfully clears the debts and restores his estate.

After settling his affairs, Otto decides to marry. He chooses Adelaide, the beautiful and kind daughter of a neighboring noble family. Their wedding is celebrated with traditional village customs and great joy.

During the wedding celebration, a stranger arrives because his carriage has broken down nearby. The bride’s father invites him to stay for the wedding. The stranger looks poor and injured, with a crippled leg and an artificial arm, and speaks French. He behaves quietly and does not attract much attention.

During the feast, a mysterious wedding gift is brought for Otto. It contains a wooden cup with silver inside and, hidden within it, beautiful ornaments for Adelaide. Otto is deeply moved and tells the guests that the gift is from a beggar named Jacques, who once saved his life and honor.

Otto then tells his story. While in Paris, he had befriended an old beggar named Jacques, to whom he gave small alms every day. Later, Otto fell into gambling, lost money, and became heavily indebted. When he learned that his father had died and no money would come from home, Otto fell into despair and planned to end his life.

At this moment, Jacques stopped him and offered him help. Though a beggar, Jacques secretly had saved a large amount of money. He lent Otto enough money to pay his debts and escape ruin, asking nothing in return except trust and dignity. Jacques treated Otto like a son.

Thanks to Jacques, Otto returned home, saved his estate, and rebuilt his life. He planned to repay Jacques later.

At the wedding, the quiet stranger reveals himself to be Jacques. He removes his disguise and explains that he was once a noble soldier who lost his arm in war and was forced to beg. Despite his poverty, he lived honorably and helped others.

Jacques gives Otto his papers and asks only for a small place in his house to live his final days. Otto and Adelaide accept him lovingly as a father. The wedding ends in happiness and gratitude.

Source: Great stories of Germany. I have read in hindi. I just summarise in easy english. All credit goes to author.