Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1832-09-26
From Blackpood's Magazine, for June.
THE HOUR OF FORTUNE.


lodgings in humble alley in London. 81 little
thought when we used to wander in the old woods
at Baston, that should take you to such mis-
cradle abode as this"
81 am happier here, dear Ernest, than II
the woods of Baston.'
"Now, by heavens, it makes me angry to sec
you happy! L believe you would continue tc
smile and be contented if we were in Jail"
''lf we were in Jail together, Ernest"
"Ah! bless you, my own dearest. Fortune can
not frown upon so much goodness"
"The Christian calls Fortune by different
name. He calls it Providence"
"Well providence, fortune, fate, chance or
whatever other name 1t reloices in, cannot surely
prosecute us forever. We are guilty of no fault"
"We married against your uncles will He
spurned US from the moment we were united
He must have some reason surely for his detesta-
ton of me.H
"What reason can he have to detest you?-
You were poor-has he not told me over and over
again that he did not care for wealth in the object
of my choice? You were young, beautiful, ac-
compished, my equal in bIrth---it can't belt
can't be! tell you it must be something that
have done that makes him so enraged."
Sand what have you done Ernest that can
make him your enemy? You bore with all his
hur lors and Caprices; you We're afectionate to
him as son; he loved you better than any thing
else upon earth. How kind he was to you in
your youth. and how we'll he deserved your kind
ness! No. no, it is me he persecutes--me he
hatesn
st1hen may the God Of
sHnsh! hush! dear Ernest. He may yet re-
lent
ssRelen! Ha ha Sir Edward barley reent!
I tell you he makes it one of his boasts, that he
never forgave, and never will forgive, even an
imaginary offence Relent! tell you he is of
that stubborn, obstinate nature, the feeling of re-
pentance is unknown to him."
"Trv him, dear Ernest; he cannot be so mmo-
vable Ask him in what we have offended him,
and tell him we arc anxious to atone for our Of
fence"
sHave not written to him? Have not beg
ged an interview, in terms which never thought
/ should have meanness enough to address to
mortal mau? Have not besought him at least
to inf m me what have done to draw down his
Indignation, and has he ever even deigned to send
me an answer? have left our address here with
his scoundrellv attorney, in case he should condo
scend to favor me with reply"
AT this moment knock was heard at the door,
and in answer to the "come in' of Mr.. barley,
lawyers clerk presented himself, and, with no
very respectful demeanor, held out letter.
ga letter? From whom?
'sFrom Mr.. Cmtchem. Does it watan answers
Ernes, hurriedly glanced it over
"No. There--there," he said, as soon as they
were again alone, "Relent, indeed! Read it."
Emily took the letter and read
'sSir-I am desired by Sir Edward barley,
Bart. to inform you, that no begging letters will
be received; and further, am desired to inform
you, that Sir Edward barley holds acknowledges
ments from you for the sum of f3,400 advanced
10 you while at Oxford. Measures will be taken
to exact payment of the full amount forthwith.
Your obedient servant,
SIMON CLUTCHEM"
"Then we are indeed entirely rulnedn p said EN-
ly, with sigh.
ado you doubt it? So we have been any day
these three months"
sBut can he really claim that money!"
81 suppose so. He always took my acknowl>
cdgernents for the amount of my years allowance,
solely, he said, to enable him to keep his books
As he had always taught me to consider myself
his heir, never thought he would produce them
against me; but stay, have you looked on the other
page of the notes'
"P ST. am further requested to beg your
presence to day, at half past five to be witness to
an important deed"
AT the appointed hour Ernest was punctually
at Mr.. Clutchem's office. There sitting in an
easy CHAIR to his great surprise. he saw his uncle.
He approached with gush of feeling at his heart,
but the baronet fiercely ordered him back
ESand therc," he said, 'stil tell you the rea-
son for which have summoned you here to day.
You recollect the old long tailed poney you rode
when you we're alittle boy at school which Turn
ed out for life at your request?"
~ do" said Ernest, wondering to what the ques-
ton tended.
81 had him shot the day before yesterday
Your dogs-you no doubt remember them well 2
Bruno, and Ponto, and Cesar, and the old New
foundland that brought Miss Merivale-I beg
your pardon-Mrs Ernest barley, your Amia-
bic wife, out of the lake when your awkardness
upset the boat?"
~ do-the faithful, affectionate creature"
81 hanged them all at the same time. You
recolect Abraham Andrews, whom you installed
in the fancy cottage in the park, and his mother
and his family, that you were so interested in?-
They have left the cottage: they have been pau
pers on the parish for some time"
"Sir!' cried Ernest, "if you only summoned
me here to listen to such infamous, inhuman''-
"Spare your heroics, young man: you will lis
ten to something more before we part. But come
Weare wasting time. Now hear me- You mar.
ried hat glrl-You asked no leave of me. Do