Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-01-12
From Blackwood's Magazine for November.l
THE BANKING HOUSE.
A HISTORY IN THREE PARTS.
PART III.


u
1t is vastly amusing TO contemplate the activ.
sty and perseverance which are exhibited in the
regard shown by every man for his individual in
terests. De our faults what they may-and our
neighbors are not slow to discover hem-it is very
seldom indeed that we are charged with rashness
in this respect. So far from this being the case,
a morulist OF the present day, in work OF no
mean ability, has undertaken to prove that selfish
ness is the great and crying evil of the age. With.
out venturng 10 affirm so wholesale proposition,
which necessarily includes in its censure profess
sors and professions par excellence muscular and
liberal, we may be permitted in charity TO express
our regret that the rewards apportioned 10 good
men in heaven not bestowed upon those in
whom the selfish principle is most rampant, in
stead Of being strictly reserved for others in whom
it is least Influential since it is more pleasing TO
consider celestial joys in connection with humani-
~ at large, than with an infinliesima minority of
MORALS.
While Michael Allcraft coolly and desgnedly
looked around him, in the hope Of fixing on the
prey he mad resolved 10 fiud-while, cautious as
the midnight housebreaker, who breads lest every
step may wake his sleeping victim, he almost fear
ed to do what most he had at heart, and strove by
ceaseless effort 10 bring into his face the show of
indifference and repose while, he was thus
gagged, there were many, on the other hand eager
and Impatient to crave from him, for boom
all that he himself was but too willing TO bestow.
Little did Michael guess, on his eventfu wedding
day, as his noble equipage rolled along the public
roads, what thoughts were passing in the minds Of
some who marked him as he went, and followed
him with longing eyes His absorbing passion,
his exhileration aad delight did suffer him 10
SEQ one thin and apXious-looking gentleman who
spygass in hand, sat at his cottage window, and
brought as near as art aowed--not near enough
TO satisfy him-lhe entrauced and happy pair
The old man, with nine times ten thousand pounds
safe and snug in the stocks, was miserable 10 look
at, and miserable in fact. He was a widower
and had a son at Oxford wild scapegrace youth
who had never been JOY 10 him. but trial and q
sorrow even from his cradle. Such punishments
there are reserved for men-such vsitalions foI
the sins our fathers wrought, too thoughtess' OF
their progeny How the old man enyied the
prosperous bridegroom, and how vany he wished
his boy had done as well and how through hi
small gray eyes, the laborng tear drops oozed, al
he called fresh to his mind again all that he haC
promised himself at The birth ofhis unhappy prod
igoi. The thought occurred 10 him, and he dali
ed with it for his pleasure III could but set,
him with this young Alcraf Why should il no
be done? will give him all have at once,
necessary, and live in garrett, if it will save IN
poor Augustus will speak to him on his return
What companion and example for my boy +
Open and straight iorward-sleady as a rock "a
rich as Croesus. Most certainly III see him.
knew his father I'll not grudge few iarthing
10 establish him. Stick him to business, and h
shall do yet. The equipage rolled on as uncon
scious of the old mans dreams as were lis animu
tsd inmates; and in due time il passed massiy
lodge which passed through green aud windin
paths 10 lie finest park and mansion in the parish
Close 10 the lodges porch there stood u tail an
gloomy looking man, neatly dressed, alone. lii
arms were folded, and he eyed the earring
thoughuulIy aud seriously, as though he had a
interest there, known TO himself, aud TO no on
else. lie was very proud man lhat-lhe owne
OF This vast estate master of unnumbered acre
and feared rather than loved by the surroundin
people, Wealth is the most royal Of despos-il
auocrat of all the world. Men whose sense ,
liberty forbids them 10 place their worst passion
under wise CONTROL will crawl in letters 10 lick Ii
basesl hand well smeared with gold. There WI
not an individual who could say good word 4
,he squire behind his back. You would hard
believe it If you saw The individual and squ
race TO face. And there he Stood, with as i'll on
ened vsage as ever brought blight upon par
OF pleasure He watched the paniing horses out
eisht-opsned his gate and walked the other wa
ne IKE Tho Old man, had his plans, and an incl
ing Tor share of Michael Allcraft's fortune .
How he, 30 wealthy and respected, could need
part OF II, remains a mystery AT present. m
squire knew his business. he went straigb,yv,
TO tho banking house, and made inquiry resnac
ing Allcrafl's destination. He gained intelIIgen,
'"u 'oho"eo MN al once. They met abroad