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

conscience Of an honest man, and know but
one, and that one is yourself. shall certain
ly deprive myself of the interest ! might
otherwise gain. leave in such hurry, Just
give me a receipt OH plain paper for the sum,
as sudden death might occur, and with this
simple acknowledgment I shall start with
perfect tranquility and content
Dumesni's objections were repulsed by his
friend, and the honest man was unwillingly
obliged to accept this mark of confidence.
Sainval departed, leaving the five hundred
thousand francs.
| Scarcely was he left alone with his treasure
than DumesniI began to comprehend the in
Vulnerable annoyances attending such depo-
site. Where could he place the box? In
what secre. corner would he hide it If any
was aware of his having such sum of gold
in the house, what unhappy consequences
might ensue ? From this moment Dumesnil
lost the blssful security which he had for
merly enjoyed, and experienced all the tor
menting anxieties of miser.
What would he not have given to be restor-
ed 10 his former comparative poverty He
now looked with suspicion upon every body,
his house appeared more insecure than he had
formerly thought il, aud it would be necessa-
ry forthwith to have iron spikes put round
the garden. at night he would Start from
his sleep under the impression that he heard
robbers. Then he would shut himself up for
hours 10 count over the gold, and assure him
self that the deposte was secure which had
been left 10 his care.
Thus, as guardian to the children, and as
mlser over the gold. Dumesni! suffered all the
cruel anXie,ies attendant upon paternity and
riches, without having the joys Of either.
And it was his character for being all honest
man that drew upon him the honor of per-
forming these double functions, so delicate
and embarrassing. Certainly the charge was
heavy, and somewhat more than our poor
hero was able TO bear, and rather heavy toll
for worth and honesty to pay.
A few months after the deposite Of gold our
unfortunate philosopher was doomed TO re-
celve another visier, another lr!end--.he
friend of early boyhood, whom he had not
seen for fifteen years.
my dear Marligny,' said Dumesnil, warm
ly grasping his hand, You will not believe
the JOY feel in seeing you once again. For
now ! stand in great need of your sympathy
and friendship
'Are you unhappy? But no, that canno,
be. have the worlds opinion of you.
know that you are philosopher, and wise
man, content with your lot, surrounded by
The esteem and admiration Of all. Yes, my
friend, the world respects and honors you,
and il is your brilliant reputation which brings
me here at the present moment
'What can do for You p asked Dumesnil
in a faint voice, with preseniin,eni Of increas-
ed embarrassment.
81 have great favor 10 ask of you,' said
Martigny.
81 doubt nv /,c -, Il
hero.
'Ah Dumesnil, expected not that cold
reception when calculated on our old friend
ship. now perceive that have more diff
cultes TO battle with than | had calculated
upon
pardon me, my friend. wished not to
offend or refuse you Speak, and if ii is pos
sibIe for me TO render you any service,
pledge my honor TO do so unhesi,atng!y.'
yes, you can; and moreover, tell you
would ask or allow TO aid me in the critical
situation in which am placed.'
Explain yourself then. am all attention.
said Dumesnil.
Il leave this very night for distant Jour
ney,' said Mariigny.
you alsor'
iDN' " ho' iio'tNij IIuIlcSllb, 'tWC
treasures will not be more difficult TO guard
than one. ] shall be obliged to enlarge my
money boz, that's ALL
cit would be tedious, and perhaps useless, to
tell the motives of this Journey. Enough TO
say that it is of vital Importance to my pros
poets and future welfare. | shall embark the
day after tomorrow from Havre. But 90
alone, my friend, although am married. Nv
ypifo tolicato hoaln. d. -
declare that she would not be able endure the
iatigues of so long journey. cannot then
take her with me, and must, therefore, leave
her in France. How am | TO leave a young
and lovely woman without protection. She
has not relation TO whom could confde her.
have but one friend, noble, generous. and
honorable, with whom would deposit that
sacred trust, and that friend is-yourself'
wv hat! Martigny, your wife?' exclaimed
Dumesnil, Ill voice of alarm.
yes, have your word, and calculate up
on its (u!flment. You will accept the charge
that shall leave TO your care and vigilance.
Ny wife is at Paris; shall proceed there
forthwith, and bring her back here. ] feel
assured she will not cmbarrass you in the
least, as she is mild and modest, sweet and
charming. As to the expenses of her soiourn
with you, we shall settle that on my return
Farewell, my friend. | shall remember this
service with all eternal recollection Of graft
lude'
WELL said Dumesnil, when Martigny had
gone, u shall take up my lodging in the pa
vilion, and put my books in the garrett
Some hours after the visit Of the husband,
Madam Martigny arrived. What was Du-
mesni's establishment 10 recognise in his
friends wife, the object of his first and only
love