Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-12-26
CHAPTER II.
EXPEDIENCY.

EAPEDIENCI.
Well, Mary, said Mr. Smith to his pref
ty, good-natured looking little wife as
they sat down TO their quiet tea. the mat
ter is at last decided. My uncle's will
has been found, and we are no better off
than we have been.
Has he left nothing! inquired Mary.
Not a shilling. answered her husband.
Mary drew a long sigh, but instantly
resuming a cheerful tone, said, What
are we to do now!
What we have done these three years
past, replied her husband. live on hope
We must make joint stock of all we can
muster. Yours is not quite gone.
Oh. no, Theodore, replied his wife, on
ly little worse for wear. think | had
better try to turn my talents to some ac-
count and assist you.
Your sphere is at home, replied her
husband. You must see that the small
sum we still possess is not wasted. In
the mean time will be on the look out for
business. Keep up good heart if you
can, and whatever trouble and perplexi-
ties we may have, conceal it from the
world. Externally, we have everything
pretty and comfortable, thanks to your
barrassment be known.
Why not! asked Mary. innocently-
Why try to appear any different from
what we are! 1t is the hardest kind Of
slavery-this subsection to public opinion.
For my part, ! think when q person is
poor. the best course is to own it, and
live as poor person ought to live.
This may be well enough in theory,
said her husband, but it wont 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; prepare the way for our children
take position-obtain influence. This,
you must confess is an object worth liv-
ing for.
If it does not cost too great an effort.
replied Mary. For my part. if | could
have few friends of the right stamp,
would have nothing to do with formal &C.
quaintances. Besides, supposing that
you don't get into business
Why suppose any such thing! asked
her husband, impatiently. You are =
matter Of fact body, Mary. You always
throw cold water on my projects.
Mary laughed Her laugh was so
good natured it always dissipated her
husbands moodiness.
At all events, resumed Mr.. Smith.
there is no Use Of sounding . trumpet
before US, to proclaim our poverty. Wait
till it speaks for ITSELF As for your few
CHOICE friends, that's all CANNON. Re-
~
companion. Emma Carter, whose hus-
band got suddenly rich and moved into 4
frame house on Broadway. She was
very glad TO see YOU sociable-you alone
but she never thought Of inviting you
to her parties.
Twas deceived in her know, said Ma
~, but all the world are not so weak and
foolish as Emma Carter.
trust not, said Mr.. Smith-but it is q
hollow world Notwithstanding. There
fore be guided BY me. II q man is sup
posed to be we'll off. friends are sbun-
dant. He can get trusted to any amount
he is a fine fellow-but the moment he
is suspected Of being poor, or in want OF
money, every body. from his bosom
friend to his boot black, helps to keep him
down. The more 6 man needs help, the
harder i, is to get it. There is nothing 50
contemplate IS poor man. Mary. Bet
ter were your husband 4 genteel chea,
and pick pocket than an honest poor man
| Oh dear, sighed Mary, if you speak
the truth-society is pitiable, 50 little
worth the trouble Of pleasing-wty care
about its power! l confess think it is q
waste Of time and the materials Of hap.
piness, which lie within our own hearts
/ and homes.
It's useless to urge the topic. said hel