The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-12-30

music, or give drawing lessons, and We can be |
very economical
Indeed as if would have my wife music !
teacher! You must not think of such a thing
No, We must wait will write to the Governor
in day or two. He will be angry enough, at
first but he'll cool off after while and come
down with something handsome I've no doubt
SO cheer up darling; cannot bear to see you
look so sorrowfulr
g do not like to be dependent upon your
father objected Grace is there no other
way! We could be very PRUDENT
yes, if we had anything to he prudent upon.
II | could not take care Of myself cannot Of
you; and, as to being dependent on him, he is
our father, and we are his children, and we
should have it ALL some day, at any rate II is
only generous to give him a chance to see us
enjoy it."
Grace smiled, and said no more. A plan had
suddenly entered her mind by which she hoped |
10 render herself at least, quite independent Of
unwilling aid
How surprised those fellows will be when |
introduce them to my t0ife" said Seymour
you must look your best, Grace, and do credit
to my choice"
And she did, so far as brillancy and beauty
were concerned She loved Seymour with all
the strength of u first affection with him, she
forgot her fathers anger, almost her mothers
sorrow when he spoke the "still small voice
Of Conscience was UNDECIDED. She would not
look forward into the future, nor back into the
past-the present, with its wealth of JOY and
love, sufhced her.
Seymour was very we'll content the friends
whom he had presented to his wife were in
raptures with her he YVES congratulated as a
very lucky fellow, and informed that he did
quite right to secure such prize, in any way
that offered 1t was astonishing how much
Grace's charms increased in his eyes when he
found that every one else admired her Then,
she was entirely devoted to him; and the same
thing that in an unattractiye woman would
have been pronounced bore, tlattered his
vanity and raised his self-esteem when it came
from her. He began to think himself as fortu-
nate as people called him, and was in excellent
| humor with the whole world-except perhaps
his tradesmen, whom he found it hard to satisfy
with promises instead Of pay.
For some weeks after Grace's arrival they
boarded in the - Hotel the most expensive
house in the city. Seymour had enough by
him to carry them through month or two
and by that time he hoped for supplies from
+ his father. He was of very hopeful turn of
mind, and no sooner found courage to state to
that respected parent the difficulties in which
he was involved, than those difficulties seemed
to vanish. A pleasing conviction grew upon
him, that the old gentleman would, after
little unimportant wrath, agree TO make the
best of things, and send on his benediction, and
a check filled out in goOdy numbers, Then
they would go TO housekeepng-Graces father
would relent, and she would enter society Oh,
yes, it was all very nicely and pleasantly ar
ranged.
But the "Old gentleman" did not relent so
speedily, and Seymour's financial affairs ap-
preached Il crisis. In mood of heroic self
sacrifice no parted with his fine horse, his costly
dressing ease, and various expensive articles of
bijouterie; his diamond shirt buttons were re-
placed by plain gold studs, and his splendid
chronometer by one of simple make and cheap
material. This DONE he was quite in funds,
and felt himself equal to any emergency. In
vain did Grace represent the propriety of NOV
ing to less expensive abode; Seymour assured
her that his fathers letter would arrive before
the money was half gone and, even if it did
not, he could manage. The recent unusual
effort at selfdenial inspired him with great
confidence in his own resources,
Grace wrote TO her mother, stating that she
was well, and quite happy, and longed to hear
from home. Ii there had boen none but Caro-
would have said what she ielt--that she re.
GREETED her disobedence and wished much for
Il reconciliation. She feared, however that her
father would think she meant to ask for his
forgiveness, and that sho had determined never
to do. Still, she looked earnestly for her moth
er's reply, hoping that it would contain some
kind word, some message that would be har-
binger Of peace and forgiveness.
When her husband entered their room one
morning, with letter in his hand she started
up joyfully but, alas! it was only the expected
epistle from her father in.law.
81 have not opened it yet" said Seymour
al thought we would have the pleasure of
reading it together
care you sure that it contains good newsi"
asked Grace
why, yes-l hope 70, at least We shall
soon see how it is at any rate"
He ran his eye rapidly over the sheet
"'Dear son much surprised and displeas-
ed, but reflection has convinced me - Miss
Lindley is a charming girl'-le that go, we
can read it afterwards; here is the important
point q shall now make you yearly allow
ance sufficient to enable you to keep house, or
board in plain, respectable manner the
devil! If you have the elements Of success in
your character, you can soon make your in
~. u
who has started in life without penny, and
without half your talents, has made fortune
merely by patient industry and attention TO
business it will be strange, therefore, If you
cannot make one, with the very material aid
which this allowance will give you. You must
expect no further assistance from me if you
do as you can and ought you will not need it |
and as for encouraging you in INDECENT extrav-
agant habits, have done that long enough
What prosng--when will he come to the |
point All, here it is The sum have fixed |
upon as suitable is hundred u year -
"The old miser!" cried Seymour, throwing |
down the letter in disgust does he think We
can subsist upon that beggarly pittance, -
hundred year, Yes, it wiN keep us very
plainly and respectfully cheese. par |
ings. 'Extravagant habits he has guarded |
against them pretty eifectually this time It's
shamelul-periectly outrageous"
s do not think So at ALL" demonstrated |
Grace "your father has done more than we
had any right to expect And, look, you were
in such haste that you did not read tho closing
paragraph he says he will pay all your debts
up to the present date"
"Does he, indeed! They are good deal |
larger than no thinks for, that is one comfort |
should like TO see him when the bills come
in. Good Lord what rueful face he'll wear
"You do very wrong to speak Of your father
in that way" said Grace seriously, and it
surprises me to hear you
8You do very wrong 70 take your husband
up In that way returned Seymour, mimicking
her tone "and it surprises me TO hear you.
Who would have thought Of your being the one
to quote Honor your father and motherPo
"Why mott" she asked, somewhat nettled
at his tone.
Because your example hardly carried out
vour precept fear YOU forgot the command |