The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-10-23

feel, under the great change Of circumstan :
ces that had taken place.
"And your ladyw felt some hesitation
even while asked this question.
"Very well, thank you !" was cheerfully
replied. "We live mile or two from town,
and you must go out and spe I'd nigh, with
us before you leave. Florine will be deligh-
led to see you"
"lt will be quite as pleasant for me TO
meet her," | could but answer yet even
while spoke | felt that our meeting must
remind the wife Of my friend so strongly Of
the past, as 10 make it anything but pleas
snt.
elbow long have YOU lived here ?"
"About two years"
'It Is almost the last place in which ex-
perted 10 mcet you. What are you doing az
Merchandising in small way. had
no profession, when kind fortune knocked
rs all on the head, and so had to turn my
hand to the first thing that offered, which
happened to be cerkship in a store al three
hundred and Fifty dollars year. This was
barely enough TO keep body and soul togeth-
or yet, was thankful tor SO much, and
tried 10 keep down murmuring spirit. A,
the end of year. having given every satis-
faction 10 my employer, he said to me one
day-'You have shown far more business
capacity than thought you possessed, and, 3,
| think, are the very man want TO go out
west with a stock Of goods. Can you COM
mand any capltalp Not dollar, fear
was my reply. Pm sorry for that said he,
for want man who is able o take an in-
terest in the business. Don't you think you
could raise a couple of thousand dollars in
cash q shook my head, doubifnlly. We
had good deal more conversation on the
subject"
"When went home, mentioned TO my
wife what Mr.. l., my employer, had
said, and we talked much about the pIopo-
sillon. expressed great deal Of regret at
not being able to furnish capital, as the offer
had received was plainly an advantageous
one, and would give me fair start in the
world. Would you be willing 10 go off 70
the westp asked of Florine, while we
talked over the subject Wherever you
think it best 10 go, will go cheerfuly,' was
her brave answer, Thus far she had borne
our change Of foriuue with kind of hero
ism tina, more than anything else helped to
sustain me. We were living with my fami-
ly, and had one chHd.-My father, of whose
misfortunes you are aware, had Obtained the
office OF President in all insurance. compa-
ny, with salary of two thousand dollars 4
year, and this enabled him still to keep his
family around him, and, though luxuries had
to be given up, his income afforded every
comfort. We had room with them, and,
though my income was small, we had all
that health and peace of mind required.
"On The day allor the conversation with
my wife about the west, she met me on
coming home to dinner, with SO happy yet
meaning smile on her face, that could
not help inquiring what il meant AS | sa!
down BY her side, she drew from her pocket
eiidi foii vi o"hN ptie) anu, HdHulHS
them TO me, said-'there is the capital you
want took the money, and, unroling ii
in mute surprise, counted out the sum of two
thousand dollars Where did This come
from " inquired. She glanced across the
room, and my eyes followed the direction
hers had taken. missed something 1t
was her piano Explain yourself, Flor:ne,
said That is easily done,' she replied,
as she looked terderly tn my face. Il have
sold my piano and watch, my diamond pin,
bracelet and ring, and every article of jew
elry and byouterie in my possession, but
this, holding up the wedding ring, 'and there
you have the money! l cannot tell you
how much was affected by this. But, no
matter. fused the two thousand dollars in
the way proposed, and here am.-Come,
walk down 10 my store with me, and let us
chat little about old times. there"
went, as invited, and found Merwyn
! with small, but well selected stock ol
goods in his store, and all the evidences of Q
thriving business around him.
"You must go home with me this afler.
! noon," said he, as arose to leave him, aflel
having had an agreeable talk for an hour 81
live. as told you, short distance in the
country; so you will stay all night, and can
come in with me. The stage leaves
here at FIVE o'clock and passes within a shor
distance of my house, Florne will be de.
lighted TO see you"
consented, well pleased with this arrrnge-
ment, and, at five O'Clock was sealed in the
stage by the side of my old friend, who
bore as little resemblance TO one of your
curled, perlumed, and mousached exqui.
sits-what he had once been--as could well
be imagined. His appearance was plain
substantial, and business-like.
Half an hours ride Brought us to our stop,
ping place.
81 live of 10 the right here" said Mer
[ wyn, as we left the Stage, "beyond tha
| piece of wood. Ten minutes walk will
bring US to my door. We prefer the coun
try for several reasons, the principal one o
which is economy, Our cottage with ST,
acres of ground, costs US only fifty dollars &
year, and we have the whole of the lane
worked on shares by neighbor; thus more
than clearing our rent. Then we have plen
ty Of fruit and milk for ourselves and chill