The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-06-17
SElECTED TALES.
THE TWO BANkRUPTS:
HAPPINESS IN AssllcTOapEpsNOANT uNwuMAN.
GY J. T. S. SULLIVAN, Eso.

Chained 10 excess the slave Of each ex,rcee,
How woke he from the wldneSs OF that dream7
Alas he told not-bu, he did awake
To cuse the wither'd heart that would not break
LARA.
Montague Cresson and Charles Murray haC
grown up together. Their friendship had in
creased during their college years. and their in
tlmacy continued during their apprenticeship
to the mercantile life for which their father,
had respectively destined them. The dsspa
tons Of youth had been successfully overcome
by both, aud We see them, at an early age
commencing their career as merchants. Mon,
tague Cresson had been taken into partnership
by his father, wealthy gentleman. who wished
TO rstire from active business, and enjoy the
comforts of his labors. Montague had proved
himself trustworthy and capable, and having a
large capital At his command, found himself
umassins fortune without the many struggles
that await the efforts of less wealthy men. His
associations IN society were such as to eniille
him TO welcome in any mansion, and he was
courted by all the fashionable circles by some
for his agreeable qualities, by Others on account
Of his wealth. He had not, however, been
nsny years among the beauties of his native
city before his heart became ensnar.d by a la
dy, not famous ior her beauty, but celebrated
for her Intellectual endowncnts and her amablo
disposition. Brought up in luxury and splen-
dor, IT was surprising she should have valued
the show Of wealth as little as she did. She
seemed never led-away by any prejudice in Ia
vor Of the opulent, but estimated every body
aud every thing according TO intrinsic worth
and merit. These very characteristics (ascina-
ted Montasus. He became her suitor, and
married man, TO the surprise OF all his club us
socates, who deemed Montague Cresson a con.
frmed young bachelor"
/ Charles Murray had not been born to the
! high associations in society OF hs friend Monta
que, although he often frequented the sam,
circles. and being so much with Crcsson and
his set, became at last identified with them
His natural fact and education enabled him
soon to become great favorite in this fashion
able circle. He was in business, though not
possessed of The fortune, or command of means,
that had fallen to the lot Of Montague Cresson,
yet making gradual fortune by his industry
and economy. He often received essential aid
from his bosom friend, who was ever willing TO
give him every assistance in his power. lie,
too, must needs marry. Ia the selection Of
his wife he did not exhibit that .nrewdness of
character and acquaintance with human nature
so successfully applied by Montague Cresson.
Murray selected fashionable. and at the time
reignins belle, reported wealthy, and fond Of
show and luxury. Alas hes.Teputed fortune
was but a shadow, and although much attached
to her, Murray soon perceived he would be un-
able to support her sxtravagance and spiendor
,sut OF the limited profits OF his business. Mat
tiers had gone too far, he married her in the firm
belief and conviction that she would resign her
former mode Of life. and accommodate herself
to rnore humble and, certainly, more sensible
rate of living. lie was deceived. Mrs. Muir.
drove hers; Mrs Murray gave her balls and
dinner parties, because Mrs. Cresson did the
same. Charles rxpostula,ed with his wife, who
always found way Of ssofhing the fears Of her
husband 4 ud pro missed often and often to reform.
Still she led the fashion, dressed in all the rich
inventions OF French and English millinery, un-
al every one wondered how she could afford II.
Murray found. himself led into expenses
which lie could but III support, and endesrored
to save himself by speculation. lie found great
excitement IA these new operations, and his
success al first made him cheerful. HIS wife
thought him the most delightful Of all bus-
bands when he came home IN such spirits, and
continued 10 move on IN all the gasly, exirav-
ssance. aud heartlessness OF the fashionable
world.
Montague Cresson had collected about him,
soon after ths honey moon had wsned, all the
old friends with whom lac had formerly asso-
joyous miuh aud happiness. lis wife enter
ed into all hi, ways. living Tor him, and en-
dssvouns 10 niaks her home attractive, not 10
the world at large, but TO her own husband.
aud 10 those whom he loved. This gsI.ty.
which, however. did not withdraw Montague
fiom his counting room, nor from his nerean-
tile duties. soon led him to pass his evenings
with his friends abroad. Ills wife observed 1t
With sorrow. She knew he could no, bear
much vine. and ssv him somewhst excited on
bis return home. whenever he had diasd ooi'
or had been TO the club. She grieved over It.
but did not upbrsid ;--she lived 10 hopes Of his
seeing the folly OF such life, ssd reforming Of
his own accord. She little knew a; that mo-
ment the Struggle ihs, vss doomed TO check
his present career