The Washingtonian., 1845-08-16

as you appear to have experienced. Your six
hundred appears to be worth more than my
thousand-there is the problem"
"And you have applied tothe right quarter
for solution, for it is one that have had occa-
sion to make out for myself. In my bachelor
days found my expenses exceeding my income,
and was obliged to deny myself some indulgence
Of my more refined tastes, by scarcity of funds.
Still, never thought Of the practicabilty Of
better state Of affairs, till happened to see a
lady whose amiable qualities engaged my affec-
tions. 1t was obvious even to me that before
inviting her to share my fortunes, ought to
have some fortune to share. But where was
it to come from! applied for an increase Of
salary, but without success then began to
consider whether could not reduce my ex-
penses, and for the next three months kept an
account Of them, living at my usual rate. At
the end of that time examined the account.
found that for board and clothing had not
expended more than was reasonable and proper,
and that the amount Of those items fell far short
Of my other expenses"
spray what were they!'
"Segars, wines, mint.julips, standing treat"
"Oh, begin to understand
81 now seriously examined myself how far
any of these items was necessary expendl-
ture, and how far they had contributed to my
real enjoyment. was compelled to ackaowl-
edge that had not made, nor deserved to make,
any real friends by treating them to what each
could have provided for himself for couple Of
shillings, while the aggregate expense had
emptied my pockets and the enjoyment had
generally been marred by riot, quarrelling, and
subsequent sickness. Satisfied on this point,
at once cut off some heavy items of expendi-
ture, but still INDUCED in what considered an
innocent enjoyment, and acquired by the usages
Of society One evening, however, as was
sauntering through Broadway, undecided which
way to 60, observed number Of ladies and
gentlemen entering the Tabernacle, and thought
would look in to see what was going on. A
gentleman had just begun his lecture. The
subject was temperance. After vivid des-
crption of the evils Of intemperance, he made
sudden and startling appeal to the moderate
drinker. | felt an irresistible conviction that
had not done my duty either to myself or
others. When he concluded, several, at his
invitation, stepped forward and signed the
pledge, and did not hesitate to follow their
example. little thought that my Julia, whose
absence from home had occasioned my being
abroad that evening, was witness of this &C.
ton. Released from the customary drains on
my pocket, soon found that could live within
my income. | now offered myself, and was
accepted. Some time after, in confidential
conversation, learned from Julia that her con-
sent would never have been given but for my
recent reformation that she could never have
been persuaded to trust her happiness 70 one
who stood on that slippery brink Of intemper-
ance known by the name Of moderate drinking.
And verify mine has been rich reward. Eve
rythng has prospered in her care. She is pru-
dent without meanness, neat without parade,
cheerful without folly, and pious without sui
lenness. And then D.
"Say no more. The problem has been solved
to my satisfaction, and from this hour am de-.
termned to profit by it.
| And we trust that some of those who read
this story may adopt the same resolution.