Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1849-05-10
From the Chsonicls OF Western Literature, Louisville
THE PRIZE ESSAY! fsh
THE SMITH'S: OR, DOUBTFUL GENTlLITY
BIT MRS .. W. JEwk1T, OF CINCINNATI.

From the Chronici. Of Western Literature Louisville.
TIL e PRIZE ESSAY! fa6
THE SMITHS: OR, DOUBTFUL GENTlLITY.
Br MRS. W.. sEwkIT, OF CINCINNATI
CHAPTER I. ~,
&c IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES.
How do you like your new neighbors,
the Smiths ? asked Mrs PIy.
II Very well, in spite Of their name, re-
piled Mrs 'Prim. Very common name,
indeed; but really ! think they are very
genteel people. / think never seen
pre!tisr couple-quite an acquisition,
fealiy.'
What's his bu,ine.s?' inquired Mrs
Pry. at -1
i don't know, really answered Mrs
Prim. i can't find out as heis doing any
thing. Living on the interest Of his mo-
ney, reckon. Very genteel person, Mr.
Smith-very genfeei. i. -
DO they see much company P inquired
Mrs Pry. is ~
"A sight. replied Mr.. Prim. / seen no
less than twenty people 60 in there yes
terday, and some in very stylish carriages.
think seen Mrs De Hauion 90 in. nv
Indeed ! calculated Mrs Pry. They
must be very genteel people. Mr. Pry
is very much opposed to my calling upon
anybody without knowing who and what
they are /: but I think may venture to call
on Mrs Smith. Think there can be no
doubt HAT she is gen,eel woman
Not The least doubt, replied Mrs Prim.
They rent their house Of Mr. Primo OF
course called-ihey live in very pretty
style. Their girltold my cook She done
nothing but run TO the door from morning
till night @ s.t
L think I'll call directly, said Mrs Pry,
cHArrrs rr.-EyPEDIENCY.
well, Mary said Mr. Smith TO his
pretty, good-natured looking little wife,
as they sat down 10 their quiet tea, the
matter is at last decided. My nncle's
will has been found, and we are no better
off than we have been.'
Has lie left us nothing?' inquired
Mary.
Not a shilling answered her husband.
Mary drew a long sigh, but Instantly
resnming a cheerful tone, said, what are
we to do now?'
what have we done these three years
past replied her husband, live on hope.
We must make joint stock Of all we can
muster. Y ours>is not quite gcne?'
'Oh no, Theodore replied his wife.
'only little worse for wear. think l
had better try toturn my talents 10 account,
and assist you.'. ss'sa s.5'7
sYour sphere is al home replied her
husband. You must see that the small
sum we still possess is not wasted. In
the meantime, viii be on the lookout for
business. Keep up good heart, if yo,,
can. and whatever trouble and rerplexity
se may have, conceal il from the world.
Externally, we have every thing pretty
and comfortable, thanks TO your good faith
er. We must not let our einbarras s,nen,s
be known.
why not?' asked Mary, innocen,ly !:
why try 10 appear any different from
what we are? II is the hardest kind Of
slavery-,his suljection TO public opinion.
For my part, l think when person is
poor, the best course is to own It, and live
as poor person ought TO live
This may be we'll enough in theory,
said her husband, but it won't do TO carry
out these fine ideas in practice. Let me
explain. We came here strangers. We
had letters to wealthy and influential peo-
pie. They see US living in good style,
and place us on the same footing with
themselves. We can mingle in good So
ciety-rrepare the way for our children
takes position-obtain influence. This,
you must confess is an object worth living
for ef g-tt.J
If il does not cost too great efort,' re-
piled Mary. For my part, If could
have few friends Of the right stamp,
would have nothing to do with formal ac-
quaintances. Besides, surprising that you
don't get into business
why suppose any such thing?' asked
her husband, impatiently. you are a
ma,ter-ol-fact body, Mary. You always
throw. cold water on my projects Id
Mary laughed. Her laugh was SO good
natnrcd italways dissipated her husbands
moodiness. .
AT all events resumed Mr. Smith,
there is no use of sounding a trumpet be
fore us, TO proclaim our poverty. Wait
till il speaks for itself. AS for your few
choice friends, that's all CANNON. Re-
member your old school-maie and bosom
Companion, Emma Carter, whose husband
get suddenly rich and moved into fine
house in Broadway. She was very glad
to see you sociably-you alone but she
never thought Of inviting you 10 her par
ties 81.
i was deceived in her, ] knows said
Mary; 'but all tire world are not SO weak
and foolish as Emma Carter e,a i rz
i trust not said Mr. Smith but its a
hollow world, notwithstanding. There
fore, be guided by me. ia man is sup
posed 10 be well off, friends are abundant.
He can get trusted 10 any amount --he is
a fine lellow--bu The moment he is sas-
pected Of being poor, or in want Of money,
everybody, from his bosom friend to his
boot black, helps to keep him down. The
morea man needs help, the harder il is 70
get II. There is nothing so contemplate
as a poor man.. Mary. Better your hns-
band were genteel cheat and pick pocket,
than an honest poor man.,