Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-09-08
THE HARD MAN.


and afterwards from habit, became penu-
rious man. Prosperous in all his underta-
kings, he believed that poverty was invaria-
bly, the result of ideness, and consequent
ly, felt no sympathy in the wants of others,
and was never known to extend his hand in
charity to any
Archibald had imbibed and acted upon
the erroneous conclusions of his father.
Inherting handsome fortune at his
death, sufficient for the independence of five
men of his limited wants aud views, he still
continued plodding on and increasing his
store.
Two years after he had succeeded to the
business, he marred-not for love, for of
that sentiment he possessed as little as he
did Of charty--no-it was merely bargain
and, like most Of his bargains, settled on
"Change."
A rich merchant who had five daughters,
offered him the choice, and certain sum
and when he made his selection, the trans
fer was made and accepted with all the cold
ness and formality of commercial trans
action.
A daughter was the issue-the only issue
for the wife died three months afterwards,
and was buried with all the honors usually
paid to the wealthy.
Archibald grieved exceedingly that his
better half had not lived to bring up the
child he was compelled to put it out to
nurse
Notwithstanding his Indifference, howev-
er, the little Maria grew up; and, when she
had attained the age of five. he began to
take notice of his only child, and had ex-
pressed himself rather pleased with her win
ming ways and artless prattle.
His business, however, engaged the arg-
est portion Of his time at the office, and oc-
cupied much of his thots at home, he conse-
quently had little intercourse with the repre-
sentative of his house.
OF late years, too, there rose COMPETE
ton in mercantile affairs, which gradually
assumed an air of speculation, that was very
distasteful to the old-fashioned merchant -
but still he persevered, although he found
he had not only much to contend with, but
almost new game TO play, in which he not
unfrequenty found himself at fault
Still the reputation of his firm" was high
in the market, and he commanded, where
others we're obliged to solicit.
Time progressed and Maria was eighteen
"a pretty, lively, intelligent girl, with more
common sense than accomplishments her
great virtue, in the estimation of Archibald
Merton, being her strict obedience to his
will
He contemplated, however, putting it to
the severest test to which parent can sub
init his child.
Having no son to continue the business,
he had "speculated" upon taking junior
partner, in the shape of son-in-law; and
having compared "notes" with a brother
merchant, who had an only son, he propos-
ed the affair-upon conditions, &c.
After mature deliberation, the match was
agreed upon, provided the young couple
were ready and willing to ratify the agree
ment. Archibald, on his part, smiled at the
idea Of demur on the part of his daughter;
and the introduction took place, the father
and son dining with Archibald.
Strange to say, the young couple appear
ed mutually pleased; for, stranger still, they
had previously met "promiscuously" at the
house of friend on which occasion young
Mr.. Bolton had been rather particular in his
attentions to Maria, who had been particu-
larly pleased; for he was very fine young
fellow, and was quite the observed Of all OBJ
servers; and Maria had it must be confess
ed, little vanity in her composition, and
felt rather gratifed at carrying him off," on
that occasion, although she had never seen
him since.
OF course she complied with her parents
request that she should receive Mr. Bolton
as her afiianced husband, without murmur,
although the little rogue did exhibit an APP
parent indifference on the occasion, which
was naughty, perhaps, but pardonable.
Letters we're exchanged by the merchants,
setting forth an agreement that zone month
from the date thereof" ten thousand pounds
should be advanced by each on the day of
the marriage of Frederick Bolton, Esq, jun
Tor, the SON of Josiah Bolton, Esq to Maria,
the daughter Of Archibald Merton, Esq,
&c. &c.
The young couple meanwhile passed a
delightful time in the interchange of the ten
derest sentiments, sanctioned by their pa
rents; aud, unalloyed by any pecuniary con-
sderatons, which were left entirely to the
discussion of the original contractors, en-
Toying felicity that was truly enviable.
Mantau makers and miliners we're bust
ly employed in preparing for the happy
event, and Maria was in the anticipation of
every earthly enjoyment, when one week be-
fore the proposed nuptials, Archibald re-
turned from "'Change" an hour before his
accustomed time.
There was cloud upon his brow, that
checked the exuberant JOY Of his child, and
chilled the blood in her veins.
"Girl % said he, throwing his hat upon
the sofa, ''that old fool, Bolton, has been
enocuIot;oo, - hons. thau hava faIlan in tho