Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-03-30
HUMAN NATURE; Or, The Bank
rupt Merchant.
BY C. NJ. KENDALL.

BY C. N. KENDALL.
Raymond Wexford was considered, al
though very young man, one of our
most tlourlshing merchants. He was a
welcomed guest in our so called highest
circle of fashion, while many calcula-
ting mamma regarded him as very de-
Sirable son-ln-law in prospective. Sud
denly he was overwhelmed with pecunia-
ry losses and embarrassments, while the
news spread as fast as gossip tongues
could report it. Strange to say, although
his elegant mansion had TO be sacrificed,
there was not a debt which remained un-
paid, while some money was yet left with
him. Wise men in the reviewal Of his
conduct were heard to say that he was
exceedingly honest or an immoderate
fool
"What think you of human nature,
my friend 90 said he to me.
1T is philosophical enigma re.
piled.
so it was with me until solved il, :"
said he. a. found it strange compan-
ion, the larger part of which was selfish
ness. 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 fiattered by wo-
women. who, if my name was now men
toned in their presence, would affect a
foryetfulness of having heard it. After
dinner we will make some calls, during
which you will perceive some ample illus
trations of what | have said"
Accordingly, after dinner we set out.
We first entered the counting room of
merchant, to whom he introduced me as
friend. soon learned that my friend
was not held in the highest estimation.
from the cold formality with which he
was received. We did no even have the
courtesy of chairs offered to US. With a
meaning smile. Raymond bade the mer-
chant 2 good afternoon, and we soon
found ourselves in the street.
This is illustration number one" +"
said Raymond laughingly.
us it possible that you could ever have
been intimately acquainted with this
MANI" l asked.
THAT man has been reduced to the ex-
tremiLy OF being obliged to beg his dinners.
Time after time l have thus accommoda-
ted 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 of an ele-
giant mansion, wherein Raymond had been
frequent and honored guest. 1t was
the residence of professional gentleman
of large fortune, who still did Raymond
the Justice to regard him on all occasions
as his friend, and to treat him as SUCH
His lady had professed even greater
6. III; s.. Il,
notfor her own, at least for her daughters
sake-to whom rumor once reported he
was engaged. Since Raymonl's misfor-
tunes had been whispered, she no longer
spoke of him as a dear friend, but en-
deavored to persuade her husband to rid
the house of him. which provoked the
calm reply
He is gentleman, and as such it is
my will that you should entertain him
whenever he may honor your house with
his presence.
On this account l suppose we were to-
lerated in the present instance, for the
gentleman was not at home. The lady
treated US rather coolly, which was pre-
pared to see. After we were sealed,
Raymond euquired for Miss Richards, her
daughter, to which the lady replied with
an apparent shlug of her shoulders that
she was well, but at present engaged.
"No mamma, 1 am not, said the beau
tiful girl, as she lightly entered the room.
Il am happy to meet an old friend, who L
am sure, is not the less welcome by being
unfortunate"
My daughter is so pleasantly enga
ged, gentlemen. that trust my presence
is no longer required and without cere-
mony she lef: the room.
Clara" said Raymond. taking her
white hand. are all my fondest hopes to
be realized? Can the daughter of
wealthy gentleman condescend to ack-