Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
THE TWO PURSES.
IFE AMONG BOSTON ARIsTocRAcY.

III was c0lu WINTER nIgnt, anu iHe
wind waistled through the bare limb OF
the trees that lined the wall. The
ground was covered with snow, upon
whose surface the light of the new
moon fell with dazzling splendor stud
ding the incrnsted ground with brilliant
diamonds. As the Old South clock
struck nine, young man wrapped In
his cloak, sought the shade of the large
trees in the park, from whence he watch
ed the coming of numerous carriage
loads of galy dressed people OF both
sexes, who entered one of the princely
houses on Beacon street. Through the
richly.siained glass windows, the gor-
geous light issued in steady food, &C
companied by the thrilling tones of mu-
sic from whole band; the house illu-
minated at every point seemed crowded
with gay and happy spirits. The stran-
ger still contemplated the scene--his
cloak which until now enveloped the
lower part of his features had fallen dis
covering face of manly beauty, full
dark eye, with arching brows, and short
curling hair as black as the ravens plu-
mage, setting off to great advantage his
Grecian style Of feature, becoming
moustache curled about his mouth.giving
decided classic appearance to his whole
face. The naval button on his cap,
showed that he belonged 10 that class of
our national defence.
"Shall enter" said he though,fully
TO himself, sand feast my eyes on
charms never can possess! Hard fate,
that | should be bound 10 the iron chains
of poverty-yet / am a man and have a
soul as noble as the best Of them. We
will see," and crossing over 10 the gay
scene, he entered the hall. He cast off
his over-shoes, handed his coat and cloak
10 a servant, and unannounced, mingled
with the beauty and fashion that thronged
the rooms. Gradually he made his way
smong the crowd in whose center stood
a bright and beautiful being, the queen
in lovelnesc of that brilliant assembly.
The bloods of the West End focked
about her, seeking for an approving
glance from those dreamy blue eyes;
half distracted, she answered, or spoke
upon the topics of conversation, without
apparent interest. Suddenly she start
ed, blushed deeply, dropping halt
courtesy in token Of recognition to some
one of the group. Her eyes were no
longer langnid, now sparkled with ami
nation, and, as our naval friend entered
the group about her, she laid her tiny
glosed hand in his, SAYING
"Welcome, Ferris, we had feared that
your sailing orders had taken you 10 sea,
this bleak weather"
1--WE should have not lifted anchor,
without first paying tribute 10 our
queen," was the gallant reply.
A litter ran through the circle of ex-
clusises at his appearance among them,
bnt when the lady approved, there was
no room for complaint.
The gay scenes of the night wore on;
several times had Ferris Howard COM
pleiely put at fault the shallow-brained
fops around him, placing them in any
thing but an enviable light.
Ferris Howard was Lieutenant in
the Navy; and depended entirely on his
pay as an officer to support his widowed
mother and young sister, to both OF
whom he was devotedly attached. His
father was a self made man; had sailed
and freighted some of the heaviest ton
ned vessels that left the port of Boston
but misfortune and sickness overlook
him and he sunk into the grave, leaving
his only son TO protect his mother and
sister from the wants and ills OF life
Ferris had enjoyed liberal education,
and having entered the Navy as mid
shipman, had raised to a Lieutenancy.
the reason OF his requirements and good
conduct.
His profession had led him TO all parts
of the world, and he had carefully im-
proved his advantages-though con-
strained by his means. 10 practice the
most rigid economy.
He had met with the only daughter Of
Harris H, one of the most WEALTH.
est citizens in Boston, at fete given on
board the ship 10 which he belonged,
and had Immediately became enamored
of her, but he well knew in his own
heart the difference in their fortunes,
formed a barrier to his wishes. He had
been a casual visitor for several months
subsequent to the time our story com.
mences al the house of the H fam
lily.
81 must think of her no MORE" said
Ferris to himself, "if / am sneered Ut by
her friends 70: offering her common civ
lilies, with what contempt would her
austere parents receive proposition for
her hand from one 90 poor and un-
known!"
Harris H was indeed stern old
man, an6 yet he was said 10 be kind to
the poor, giving freely of his bounty TO
the relief of the needy. Still he was a
strange man; he seldom spoke TO those
around him, yet he evinced the warmest
love Cor his only child, e. Anne, too,loved
her father with an ardent affection. His
delight was TO pour over his library, liv-
ing as it were, in the fellowship of the
old philosophers. On several occasions
when Ferris was at his house, and en-
gagged in conversation with Anne, he OBJ
served the old mans eye bent sternly