Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-04-05

so calmly. lie ate at his dinner with CON-
posture, and returning to his store get himself
TO thorough investigation Of his affairs. He
found theNl not SO bad as he first fenred; and
thought his business must be suspended, and
his style of living contracted, yet he hoped Ia
pay all his debts, andtrusted 10 tho future TO
retrieve the present.
/ Such were his communications to Mrs. NJ
'And YET he said 'when think of the nd-
vantages you must reinquish--the priva,ions
you may yet have TO encounter, confess my
spirit sometimes misgives me at the prospect.
'We will see,' said Mrs. NJ. 'First here IL
a large house for three of us; havo often
thought. in passing neat, snug house, how
comfortable it looked
II Well
'Then, here is a quantity of useless furni-
| turo which can seldom trust a servant to
keep in ordcr. Some are careless, and some
do not know how. Then, the house and fur
niturc disposed of, we shall not want the
servants--onother pcrplexity gone, we shall
not be expected to give parties and dinners
another material item in the vcxations Of life.
Again, in our snug little house, none but our
real friends will ever take the trouble to find
us out-more time saved. So you perceive,
on every hand we must be gainers.'
bu', tuouHu NuiS. u 70. uhNStiobS ioi HSi
husband and her own excellent understand
ing prompted her to treat her present posture
of affairs so lightly, and though she held her
self ready to make any sacrifice with cheer
| fulness which circumstances might require,
yet she knew and felt keeDy that the draughi
which adversely compels US to swallow is in
decd bitter. She knew enough of society to
be well aware that 10 the circle which pros
| perity draws around us there are always some
who look with envions eyes on our condition
and would exult at our fallen fortunes but,
whatever she felt, she saw that her husband
l felt more, and resolved that no repinings on
her part should add one atom to his perplexi-
| ties.
II CHAPTER n.
Ring, ding went the bell, at an early hour,
at the house of Miss Deborah Greenwood
and the servant ushered in Mrs. Marshall.
IIave you heard the news p said she, after
few prellninaries.
II 'What news r
/ 'Oh, only that Mr.. NJ. has failcd-positive-
ly lost every thing Ia great Speculation, they
say. But, do you know that it is limited that
his habits are in secret, quite dissipated, and
that he has lost heavy sums at the gaming
table p
But chimed in Miss Greenwood, 'what is
to become Of poor Mrs. NJ? she will have to
lower her prctensions, I'm thinking
II After all, II is no such great pity observed
II Mis-. Marshall; j never could sec what there
was in her. more than in any other folks, that
good taste, and Mrs. Ms good temper, and
Mrs. Ms surpa ssing abilities. Trust me, that
when it is known that Mrs. M. is poor, she
will be no more courted than any of Us.
This very charitable tete- a-tete was inter.
rupted by the arrival of another visitor-Mrs
Bell. She had more genuine kindness in her
nature, and heard of Mr.. Ms misfortunes
with unieigned regret, not excepting his hab-
its of dissipation and the suggestions of wan
ton extravaganza OH the part Of Mrs. M. i
have been frequent vsiter at their house,
said Mrs. Bell, ut all hours, and have thought
their domestic arrangements among the best
/ have ever seen: and | have looked upon
them as pattern of conjugal happiness
After few minutes spent in miscellaneous
conversation, Mrs. Bell apologized for her
shor. stay, saying that as she had but Just
heard of Mrs. MS misfortunes, she felt mex
cusabe in appearing to neglect her--at a
time, too, when her mind must be exceeding
ly sensitive on the subject.
Just like yourself,' said Mrs. Marshall,
'and by your leave | will bear your company
for really am quite curious to sec how
she carries herself at present.
'And too said Miss Greenwood, sas the
morning is fine, will be of your party
II We Will not scan more minutely the mo-
tives which severaly prompted the trio as
| they started together to call on Mrs. NJ
They found her at home, dressed neatly but
| plainly, and were received with so much DO
| llicness and cheerfulness, and she conversed
with so much nffabiity and even vivacity,
that Mrs. Marshall and Miss Greenwood often
exchanged glanees, as much as to Say 'poor
thing she either docs not know her hns-
bands condition or hopes to conceal it,
Not so, Mrs. Bell as the others rose to de-
part, 'she excused herself for remaining by
the remark that as Mrs. NJ. was fortunately
alone and not having any particular engage
ment she would spend the day with her.
Il This was a most welcome communication
to Helen; for she felt that the judgment and
experience Of Mrs. Bell would materially aid
her in maturing her private plans for the fu.
iure. To her, therefore, she made plain
and candid statement Of their circumstances;
adding that though Mr.. NJ. hoped, by giving
up all his effects, to satisfy all just demands,
|. yet there would be but a slender piltance left.
and that considerable time must elapse be.
fore he could be again engaged in any prof
table business.
And now, my dear frend,' continued Mrs.
NJ. Il am going to communicate a little plan
of my own, which, in Mr.. MS present goa
ded state of feeling, ! have deemed best no,
to communicate to him; for lie is not yet suf.
ficiently reconclled 10 his condition to think
calmly Of my submitting to any exertion for
a livelihood. But why not? know of no
avs Of equity which fixes n stigma on any
effort wife may make, however severely
the husbands ingenuity may be taxed
Briefly, then, | have thought Of turning to
some account those accomplishments which
some have thought proper to compliment me
OF possessing. | think could be content in
a small house in less expensive part Of the
town, and that besides attending TO our little
domestic duties, could find leisure to in
struct few young ladies in music and draw
ing. And ! must throw myself upon the
generosity ofmy friends for PATRONAGE
II Mrs. Bell warmly seconded the views OF
her friend, and promised to use the utlnos,
OF her influence in her behalf.
II CHAPTER III.
IL was pleasant morning in the month oI
June, when Mrs Bells carriage drove up to a
small but gcnteollooking house in the upper
part of the city, aud having alghtcd, gave