Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-01-29

Of good principles, but constant praciiser of
them. Such men are rare, and therefore OBJ
tain certain celebrity whenever they are
found. We are willing TO do justice to their
merits, but never to initiate them, consequent
ly the reputation Of Dumesnil was established
upon solid and extensive basis. and he was
called Sthe wise and honest man, titles which
he certainly more than merited. The recon-
pcnse of his virtues would have proved salts
iactory,i his friends had not passed from adj
miration into indiscreiion.
Under the notion that Dumesnl was full of
benevolence, truth, and wisdom, they first
came to consult him upon affairs of conse-
quence, then he was appointed an arbitrator
IN all matters of deep Importance, and his re-
tirement and quiet was broken in upon every
moment.
'We leave alto youj lhis friends would
say, because we know not any other man as
honest or as just
One of his college companions endeavored
TO force him TO accept post of great polti-
cal Importance, in which it was of the utmost
consequence to have truly honest man.
Dumesnll resisted vigorously, saying that the
wealth Of the world would not induce him to
embark in the latgues and cares of political
lille, but other commissions he could not re-
iuse which were equally repugnant 10 him
to perform. Two Of his friends named him
executor to their last will and testament a
third on his death bed, confded to him the
guardianship Of three children, the eldest only
seven years of age. How refuse the pray er
of dying friend I Of fond father who said
with his expiring voice:
'fake pity OH my poor orphans; if you
abandon them, they will fall into the hands
of greedy relatives, who will despoil them of
the little am enabled 10 leave. know but
one honest man who will protect their inter
ests as he would his own, and this consoling
thought will sweeten the pangs of our cruel
separation Let me die in peace, with this
consoiatory assurance, and my last words shall
be to bless and pray for YOU
| Dumesnil accepted the guardianship'of his
young charges, but from the moment he UNI
dertook this serious responsibity,he felt all the
weight and embarrassment of the father of a
family. Farewell to the quiet calm of that
peaceful retreat, where he had lived alone and
happy for so many wears. Farewell the
science and the study that had soo,hed and
sweetened the by-gone days Of his existence.
For the first time the philosopher perceived
that his house was small, and scarcely ac-
commodated his young guests His beauti-
iul garden was converted into play ground,
and bis cherished plants and flowers were
tramped under the feet of his needless and
merry visitors
AT the farlhest end Of the garden Dumesnil
constructed a pavilion, TO which he removed
his library.
sAt least thought he, 'here shall be quiet
and enjoy repose. The expense is somewhat
more than | am able to bear, but shall ec,
overit by strict economy
10 fine the honest guardian was obliged TO
mortgage part of his estate to buy the arch
iecl. Thus lie clearly saw his ruin was COM
menced, for it is difficult for man to practise
economy, who has just enough to live upon
Dumcsnil felt this sad truth, vet he lost not
courage.
after al,,' said he, q can work, or write, as
so many others are obliged to do; but then
shall be obliged TO renounce my loved sol
ltude and sweet independence, which has so
many charms for me-
one evening as our philosopher was plung-
ed into one OF those reveries, in which the
bitter necessity OF exertion was manifesting
itsell TO him, carriage stopped suddenly a.
the door.
! Who can this be at such an hour'' thought
he, sbut it must be a mis,ake'
loud knock was now heard; Dumesnil
went himself TO the door.
'Ah is il you, Dumesnl?' said we'll
known voice
Yes replied he, approaching the door Of
the carriage, IN order to ascertain who really
was the speaker and when he saw his friend,
he exclaimed 'Sainval by what happy
chance--'
81 shall explain all in a moment, but first
assist me in taking down this box
ut is extremely heavy,' said Ambrose.
! sYes, for the article it contains is made Of
iron'
what is it tben,' demanded our hero.
| The model of a steam engine, of my own
invention, discovery that have brought to
you, in order to have your opinion
| $50 at last you have become intus.rious,'
said Dumesnll.
Not in the least; that is what shall new
er be- replied Sainval.
sThen have not understood you rightly.
Is 1t no! steam engine of your own inven-
ton p said Dunesnil.
i only said that before the coachman,' re-
piled Sainval Fhere was no necessity in
making him as wise as am myself
sWell, we are now alone; you may. there
fore, speak freely; what does this box con-
tain .
My fortune replied Saihval, in saying
! which he raised the lid Of the box, which was
filled with gold.
Yes, continued he, my entire fortune
five hundred thousand frances
and why bring it here?' demanded Du-
mesni.
TO conGde it to your care. II is serrice
which ! entTeat you to grant me and feel as
i sured you will not refuse me. One Of Inv
hoc ioI lot 4 IF,