Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-08-07

ne at once all that was richest and choiscst
n that peculiar line.---When left Lyons |
rad many regrets, for lhad made friendships
here which yet continue, but my chief sor-
row was that poor Hervicu, with abilities
and tastes of higher order, should be lost
in petty situation 50 much below his mcr-
its.
Two years passed away, and I came to
winter at Paris--a step which recommend
few to do, unless they are cnamoured Of arc
tic temperature. Shortly after my arrival,
met with my quondam acquaintance, the
at Lyons. lie was much
changed. lie had reached the dignity of
wearing coat out of the mode, which none
but wealthy man can afford to do! His
manners, too, had the case and self possess
ion of one who has not only an account at
Lafittc's, but pretty balance on the credit
side. A few days afterwards, while sobcrly
discussing some peerless Burgundy at Mon
sicur llcrvieu's country-house, within six
miles of Paris, the secret of this change was
explained in nearly the following words.
THE MERCHANTS STORY,
Ipcrceivc, my dear friend, that you won
der how 1 happen to have these comforts
about me {; how advanced to the dignity Of
a millionaire. In truth it is what 1 find my
self frequently wondering at. My fortune
was made by accident, in spite of myself, in
word, as fortunes scarcely ever arc made.
When you know me two years ago, l con-
trvcd to exist upon eight hundred francs a
year, and although not very extravagant, had
a few debts, which it was extremely easy to
incur and most difficult 10 pay. Two ac-
quaintances were spending an evening with
me, when the PORTER brought up an account
from my-tailor. had no means of set
Ting it, but the ready answer arose, "Bid
him call tomorrow" The bill threw damp
over all of us-for our circumstances were
much aike-and our gaety took wing. at
is pity" said Louis Boyer, "it is a pity
that we have neither wealth nor the reputa-
ton of it, which is Just as good. What good
luck it would be if some unknown relation
should turn up, an bequcath fortune to one
of U.S.
"Thcre's little chance of that" said
Charles Bcrgct, "for my part have not a
relation in the world 70
"And for mine," said /, "mattcrs are very
much the same way : but remember hear.
ing my father speak Of a nephew of his, who
went to Cuba or Martinique when was a
a child. Nothing was ever heard of him
SINCE"
"Famous !" cried Louis Boyer, clappine
his hands. 81 have it all. We must bring
him on the stage, cndow him with immense
wealth, and as he must be childlcss, make
him inquire after an heir, and find you no.
only next of blood, but his only relation
We must make you"a young man of bril-.
liant expectations witha rich livcr-diseaset
cousin in the West Indies who declares 70,
his heir !" "No, no - chimed in Bcrgct
with laugh, "this expectation story will no
do. The cousin must die, so write his cpl
taph forthwith Let me see-JacqueS Her.
vie leaves Marscilles twenty-five years ago
goes to Martinique, makcsa splendid forum.
there, leaves five sugar plantations and hun.
dred of negroes to his cousin Jean Hervic,
ofLyons. The whole are worthtwo millions
Of francs at least. Give me your hand, NJ,
dear Jean !! | wish you joy of your change
of fortune. And now, moncher, we mus
drink your health.
"Of COURSE" said Louis Boyer; and
pray, now that he is at the top of the ladder
he will not forget those who were his friend
in misfortune"
"Depend on me !" was my laughing re-
Iply. Then we drank to the memory o
Jacques Hcrvieu, and to the health of hi
heir in effect Monsieur, we had yer,
pleasant evening.
was making my toilet next morning
when the door of my chamber was crushct
in, and half a score of young acquantanc,
rushed to me. "We wish you Joy, Her
vieu !"
SOY, my friends ~
"That you should become heir to such
| fortnne!"
! VI DO assure yOu-,"
"Just at time, too, when West Indi;
produce has become so valuable ~
"Believe me, it is only joke"
"Comc, come," exclaimed dozen voices
at once, "ths will not do. You owe us ;
tete on getting this windfal. Where sha!
we have it, and when p
Iscarccly know how | got rid of them all
But they did leave me. Presently heart
some one at the door: "Come IN i" it wa
one Of them come back to borrow hundre.
| francs.
"My dear fellow, l have not sou in til,
world"
81 see your rcmttanccs from Martinique
have not yet come to hand:"
"Indced they have not" said with ;
sigh. The borrowcrtook his leave with some
Formally; the very report of wealth. hac
placed gulf between me and my fellows.
The news through Lyons like wlIdire
| had quite lcvee during the day. Tn,
worst was, it was useless to protest ever,
one took it for granted that had become !;
rich man. 1t was rccollectcd that had ;
cousin named Jacques IIcrvicu, who hat
gone abroad early in the Consulate. Their,
was an old sailor, who had even seen hin
take ship at MarsciIcs for Martinique. Al
the rest followed of course, that he had made
fortune, and bequeathed it to me
There came agemlc tap at the door. Who
can this be, thought lit was my tailor. II,
sent no account this time. lie no longer
dunncd by deputy; he, too, had heard O
my luck, and came for his money, no doubt