Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-12-27
WHOLEl NO. l,l2I.

when, on opening a letter that had
been sent up to his room, marked in
haste" he read the aston nding intelli-
gence that the bank in which most Of
his fortune was invested. had stopped
payment, aud that he was now compar-
atively bsgsar. .. s. .. ......
Those who have never experienced
the sudden loss Of wealth, and who
have never found themselvs reduced,
as i, were in an hour, from compe-
tcnce to poverty, know noth!hg Of what
Derwent suffered. For awhile he even
forgot his love. He read and re-read
his letter, but there was no mistake in
ac. he rang for the public papers, the
announcement Of the banks failure
was there too. Hepaced his chamber,
how long he knew not, until at last the
door was thrown violently open, and
haiiy cHtcicu' -
"What, in heavens name, is the mat.
ter - cried his friend. "Have you
forgotten your engagement to ride with
me this morning.? ! waited till past
the hour, and then came up and
knocked at your door you gave Inc no
answer, though l heard you walking
about like mad lion in his cage so l
made bold to enter vi ct armis, as a
plea oftrespass says. Now. don't look
as if you would eat me-but tell me
what's tho row."
Derwent had indeed glared at Harry
like an enraged wild beast when the
latter entered. He did not wish 10 be
interrupted much less by his mercurial
companion; but while Harry was speak
ing, he reflected how ridiculous anger
would be, and hence, when the latter
ceased, he advanced TO the table by
which Harry stood, and pushed the
open letter, " hich contained the new
of his ruin, to the intruder. "a.
Good God !" cried Harry, when he
had perused. it, show unfortunate.
saw the failure Of the bank in the pa
pers, but did not know you owned any
Of the rascally stock. How came it my
dear fellowi l always invest in mort.
gages or ground-rents. ..t
at was left there by guardians, and
since came Of age have been abroad.
| intended to change the investment,
but left the business, with other thing,
till fall, intending to be here all sum-
mer. And what is worse, it is my en-.
tire fortune, except about five thousand
dollars"
"You shock me-" said Harry. II
did not think it was hal SO bad as
that" He paused, unused, and then
said, looking up brightly-"However,
Derwent, you are lucky fellow yet.
have seen, for some days, that you
have had half mird to make love Sc
riously to Miss Stanhope now this
blow will rescue you from that folly,
for to marry on three hundred a year
would be lunacy itself. Miss Arno,t
will have you, if you speak quick, so
cheer up, it is always darkest Just be-
fore day."
Derwent looked at hi, friend sternIy,
and was about to characterize the pro-
ceeding Harry advised as villany but
he said nothing, only mournfully shak-
ing his head.
"Psaw |" said Harry, "what foolish
notions have come over you' Be
nan, Derwent. | wish to heaven Miss
Arnott would only have me and it's
pleasant, too, to dance with such
beautiful creature but, egad, my two
thousand ayear would not 90 far to-
ward supporting a wife,"
81 will be a man." replied Derwert,
with sudden energy, 81 will not yield
to this blow, There, Harry. good bye
for the PRESENT. will Join you in an
hour"
When the door lad closed on his
friend, Derwent said.
Yes ! will be a man. All thoughts
ofMiss Stanhope must now be dismiss
ed ; the most delightful dream Of ny
life is over. must hereafter toll for
my very bread. Well, let the storm
rage-I can breast il r
In this half defiant, half despiring
mood, he concluded his toilette and
went down stairs. His first visit was
to the Office where he announced his
Of leaving early the mex,
morning-"Yor since," he said, "I
must null the oar. the soo,c, Il..