The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-08-05
9eleftc0.
The Merchants Wife;
OR,
THE SECRET OF SUCCESS.

CT like her :" exclaimed young mai
with no inconsiderable degree Of ardor.
Z" But can you support her in the styl
to which she has been accustomed; j
!. costs something to get married nova
; days We have to begin where on
fathers ended" said his companion.
/ "True, Ned if she would only begin
with newly, she's poor herself"
"Yes, and proud, too; the fact is
women require SO much waiting upon
or fashions requires it-so many ser
wants, just such a style of living
that for my part, have given up al
thoughts of marrying" Ned said thi;
with some bitterness, as if he had goot
reason for feeling it.
MY business is good" pursued the
other intent upon bis own affairs, "unclt
thinks my prospects very fair, if live
lprudently-it costs round sum at tn,
hotel-I might support snug little es
Establishment at the same expense"
Yes, if snug little establishments
were in the fashion, Charley"
"She is amiable and intelligent she
must be economical, because she has
always been obliged to be-" declared
Charley, abruptly stopping a. if new
thought struck him.
"Perhaps so-but will you both be
independent enough to begin in small
way in fact to live within your means
for if you intend to get along in
the world, you must live within your
means"
"Wel it's a pity" said Charley,
somewhat damped by the inquiries of
his friend think what quiet, charming
quarters might have | am heartily
sick of the off hand bachelor life we now
lead. What ! must wait till l make
a fortune before I marry ?"
cor to be over head and ears in
debt" suggested Ned.
"Tbat will never do :" exclaimed
Scott right earnestly sand it is to be
regretted that every young man does not
make a similar determination with in
dependence and judgment enough to
keep it."
Here the two came to a turn in the
street where they took difercnt direc-
tions. Charley bent his steps toward
the store, and in no merry mood Ned,
| know not where.
Charles Scott entered his counting
room and shut the door; the business of
the day was over, the clerks were begin
ming to leave as the early shades of an
autumn twilight were fast gathering
round. He stirred open some dying
embers, then throwing himself listlessly
into chair, and placing his feet upon
the iron fender, he soon became wonder
fully absorbed in his own reflections.
He was young man of domestic tastes
and excellent habits. He remembered
with joy his fathers fire side, and all the
sweet sympathies of that dear home
circle of which he was once a loved and
loving member. They had passed away ),
and he had long lived upon the cold
bounties of a clearinghouse. His heart
yearr'ed with unspeakable desire for a
place to call his own with the delightful
peculiarities, I" my wife, "my fresidc,"
4" my table," 1t does not appear to
what conclusions Charley came, or
whether he came to any at all. Eve
ming. found him at his toilet preparing
for party.
Long before the hour he was ready,
and waiting the tardy movements of his
watch. Though no one knew better
how to fill up inches of time with some-1I
thing useful and pleasant, there was now
restlessness of spirit which refused to
be quieted. He sailed forth into the
street, and after various turns at length
bent his steps towards the Clark's
music and mirth met his car, bright
lights streamed from the windows.
Making his greetings to the ladies of the
house, and uttering few agreeable
truisms to those about him, he sought
among the bevies of fair women, one
pretty maiden named Fanny Day She
bade him welcome, which seemed to
say, " come hither." He stood aloof,
in no seeming hurry to seek place by
her side, already half occupied by
another, whilst his eye discussed with
keenest scrutiny the tout ensemble of
Fanuy's dress. Conscious of bis earnest,
admiring gaze, Fanny seemed to hear
the quick beatings of her own heart, and
hope and fear, and love, came and went,