Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-08-03

.
RAYMOND WELroRD was considered, altho'
a very young man, one Of the most flourish
ing merchants. He was welcome guest in
our o.called highest circle of fashion, while
many calculating mamma regarded him as
a very desirable son. in-law, in prospective
Suddenly be was overwhelmed BY pecuniary
losses and endorsements, while the news
spread as fast as gossip tongues could report
it. Strange to say although bis elegant man.
sion had to be sacrificed, there was not a debt
which remained unpaid-while some money
was yet left with him. Wise men, in the re-
yiewal of his conduct, were heard to say that
be was exceedingly honest or an immoderate
fool.
"What think you of human nature, my
friend 2" said he to me
at is philosophical enigma" replied.
so it was with me, until solved it, said
he; II found it strange composition. the
larger portion of which was selfshness. For
instance, when the gliding of wealth covered
my name, l was sought after by the very
men who now turn their backs upon me.
was Aattered by women who, if my name was
now mentioned in their presence. would affect
a forgetfulness of having heard it, After
dinner We will make some calls, during which
you viii perceive some ample illustrations of
what have said
Accordingly, after dinner we set out
We first entered the counting room Of a
merchant, to whom he introduced me as a
friend. / soon learned that my friend was
not held in the highest estimation, from the
cold formalty with which he was received. =
We did not even have the courtesy of chairs
offered us. With meaning smile, Raymond
babe the merchant good afternoon, and We
found ourselves in the street.
"That is illustration number one," Ray
mond said, laugbingly.
"Is it possible that you could ever have
been intimately acquainted With this man %
| asked
THAT man had been reduced to the ex-
tremity of being obliged to beg his dinners,
Time after time have thus accommodated
him. l even loaned him money to commence
business. and you see how graciously he has
entertained me and my friend"
We next paused at the door O. an elegant
mansion, wherein Raymond had oeen a FREE
quent and bonored guest. 1t was the resi-
dence Of professional gentleman of large
fortune, who still did Raymond the justice
to regard him on all occasions as bis friend
and to treat him as such. His lady had pro-
fessed even greater friendship for him than
her husband did; if not for her own, at least
for her daughters sake-to whom rumor once
reported be was engaged. Since Raymonds
misfortunes had been whispered, she no long
er spoke Of him as dear friend. but endeav-
ored to persuade her husband to Grid the
house OF him." which provoked the calm re-
ply
"He is gentleman, and as such it is my
will that you should entertain him whenever
be may honor your house with his presence"
On this account. suppose, we were tolsr-
ated in the present instance, for the gentle
man was not at home. The lady treated us
rather coolly, which | was prepared to see.-
After VIC were seated, Raymond enquired for
Miss Richards, her daughter, to which the
lady replied, with an apparent shrug of the
shoulders, that she was well, but at present
engaged.
"No mamma, am not" said the beautiful
girl. as she lightly entered the room liam
happy to meet an old friend. who, | am sure,
is not the less welcome by being unfortunate"
The lovers--for they really were--had not
met since Raymond's misfortune. and their
meeting was now SO heartfelt that l could
not for q moment doubt the affection of either,
saw also the cloud which rested upon the
brow Of Mrs. Richards. nor was surprised
to hear her say
"My daughter is SO pleasantly engaged.
gentlemen. that trust my presence is no
longer required" and without ceremony she
lsfs the room,