Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-04-05
From the New Yorker.
THE BROKEN MERCHANT,
OR A FEW HINTS TO TIE LADIES.
CHAPTER


will you take another cup Of coffee p said
Mrs. NJ. to her husband, as he leaned in an
distracted manner, over the breakfast table.
No, thank YOU he answered, in half
peevish tone, and rising abruptly, took his
hat and left the room.
To the eye of the careless observer that
house was the abode of plenty, conten,mcnt
end happiness. Mr.. nj. had been married
about two years. His wifc-one of a thou
sand-and one little, smiling cherub, who
was beginning to exhibit those winning and
playful ways that parents, Of ali others, find
so very attractive. And if their establish.
mcnt was not splendid, according to the ideas
Of modern nabobs, there was something
throughout which bespoke the refinement s.
elegance of the owners. They knew how to
apply and enjoy nationally the wealth where
with Providence had blessed them. The
time they had spent together had rather
strengthened than diminished their attach.
ment, formed as it was, on mutual worth, and
highly cultivated endowments
But to return: Mrs. nj. followed the re-
treating form of her husband with an anxious
and fearful eye, and then leaning her head
upon her hand, gave vent 10 her agonized
feelings in n flood Of tears. She did not hope
for her hus bands return before the hour of
dinner, and having for several days marked
his altered demeanor, she had in vain striven
TO fathom the cause, and had hoped ere this
10 have some explanation but It was plain
that he stunned her society, and for the first
time shut her out from his confidence. Yet
he was certainly not at ease, and evidently
anxious to evade any conversation on the
subject. She had preserved her equanimty,
nay, even appeared gay in his presence; but
now that she was alone her long Suppressed d
anxiety broke forth in an agony it took he
long to subdue. Yet she had in some meas
ure rcgained her tranquility, when Mr.. NJ
suddenly entered. His heart smote him fol
hs conduct to his wife-yet he dreaded /,
tell her TINT he was a--bankrupi
He knew her worth and her confiding ten.
dcrness, but he wished bcr dream of happi.
ress to- last as long as possible, and he in vain
cssnyed tn tell her unslrinkingly that an TN.
fortunate speculation had reduced them frcn
ofilucncc To poverty. Yet the traces of anx.
iety aud suffering which fingered on the coun.
tcnance OF Mrs. M. determined him, and sea,
ing himself beside her he made a candid and
full disclosure Of bis altered fortunes.
And is this air, rsid Mrs NJ. in gay tone
'is j, the loss OF u few thou.ands-tllc proba.
Bile sacrifice of few superAuties, that YOU
have feared TO tell me p
'l,ut consider, Helen said Mr. VI. syou as
yet knowing nothing Of poverty from actua
con'ioits OF life we feel that there is moro ol
bitterness than poetry in its actual prese nee.
we shall sce,' sic said cnily, and seating
hcrseii by the piano poured forth such GLAD
strain of l'nrnlony ihni MIR. NJ. himself Vi I'D.
cd to It's influence. aud confessed that they
might even yet be very happy.
sfluf eotd a, .shotld a.. h. os..-u
relinqush even this
Then nv voice viii be left-sce how !
can sing.-AnJ she did sing 80 sweetly ,l,a,
she convinced even her ~ tic husband that
something there was that poverty could not
rob them. he flt relieved already of hnIl
his misf rlunes, now tbot bis v ifc knew hi.