Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1850-10-17
The Hard Man.
" A man severe he was" :"


4 habit, become penurious Prosperous in al
e his undertakings, he believed that poverty was in
variaby the result of idleness and, consequently
felt no sympathy in the wants Of others, and was
: never known to extend his hand in charity to any
Archibald had imbibed and acted upon the erro-
neous conclusions of his father.
Inherting handsome fortune at his death, suf-
fcient for the independence of five men of his linn
tied wants and views, he still continued plodding
on and increasing his store.
Two years after he had succeeded to the busi-
ness, he married-not for love, for of that senti-
ment he possessed as little as he did of charity
not was merely bargan,-and, like most of
his bargains, settled upon Change"
rich merchant, who had FIVE daughters, offer
ed him the choice, and certain sum and when
he had made his selection, the transfer was made
and accepted, with all the coldnes and formality
of commercial transaction.
A daughter was the ssue-the only issue for
the wife died three months afterwards, and was
buried with " all the honors" usually paid to the
wealthy.
Archibald grieved exceedingly that his better
half had not lived to bring up the chd,-as he
was compelled to put it out to nurse
| Notwithstanding his Indifference, however, the
little Maria grew up; and when she had attained
the age of FIVE, he began to take notice ofhis only
child, and had expressed himself rather pleased
with her winning ways and artless prattle
| His business, however, engaged the largest por
tion of his time at the Office and occupied much of
his thoughts at home, he consequently had little
intercourse with the representative of his house.
Of late years, too, there rose competition in
mercantile affairs, which gradually assumed an air
of speculation that was very dstas,eful to the old
fashioned merchant but he still persevered, al
though he found that he had not only much to con-
tend with, but almost a new game to play, in
which he not frequently found himself at fault.
Still the reputation of his firm" was high in
the market, and he commanded, where others
were obliged to solctit
Time progressed, and Maria was eighteen,
pretty, lively, intelligent girl, with more common
sense than accomplishments her great virtue, in
the estimation of Archibald Merton being, her
strict obedience to his will.
He contemplated, however, putting it to the
severest test to which parent can submit his
child
Having no son to continue his business, he had
"speculated" upon taking junior partner in the
shape of son-in-law and having compared
Z" notes" with brother merchant who had an on
ly son, he proposed the affair,-upon conditions
&c.
After mature deliberation, the match was agreed
upon, provided the young couple we're ready and
willing TO ratify the agreement. Archibald OIL his
part smiled at the idea of a demur on the part of
his daughter; and the introduction took place, the
father and son dining with Archibald.
Strange to say, the young couple appeared mu-
tally pleased for, stranger still, they had previ
ously met, "promiscuousy'' at the house of mu-
tual friend; on which occasion young Mr.. Belton
had been rather particular in his attentions to Ma
Tia, who had been particularly pleased for he
was very fine young fellow, and was quite the
observed of all observers and Maria had, it must
be confessed little vanity in her composition,
and felt rather gratifed at carrying him Off" on
that occasion, although she had never seen him
since.
OF course she complied with her parents re-
quest, that she should receive Mr.. Belton as her
affianced husband, without murmur, although
the little rogue did exhibit apparent Indifference
on the occasion, which was naughty, perhaps, but
pardonable.
Letters were exchanged by the merchants, set
ting forth agreement that zone month from the
date hereof" ten thousand pounds should be ad-
Vanced by each on the day of the marriage of Fred
rick Bolton, Esq, junior, the son of Josiah Beton,
Esq. to Maria, the daughter of Archibald Merton
Esq. &c. &c.
The young couple meanwhile passed delight \
ul time in the interchange of the tenderest senti-
nents, sanctioned by their parents and, unalloy-
ID by any pecunary considerations, which were
eft entirely to the discussion of the original con-
ractors, enjoyed felicity that was truly envia- ;.
lie. >,
Mantua makers and mlliners were busily en-
'loyed in preparing for the happy event. and Ma
ia was in the anticipation of every earthly enjoy e
nent when one week before the porposed nuptials,
Archibald returned from Change" an hour be-
ore his accustomed time.
There was cloud upon his brow, that checked =
he exuberant JOY of his child, and chilled the -
lood in her veins 10
Girl :" said ne throwing his hat upon the sofa,
that old fool, Bolton, has been specializing in pl
ops they have fallen in the market, and he is W
lined man.-aH gone!-found hanging in his ware cE