Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-03-30
CLARKsBURG WEDNESDAY. MARCH seth.

nowledge her affection for a poor bank
rupt merchant ?'' le
The fair girl blushed and looked doubt
full at me.
"Do not fear to speak in his presence"
said Raymond. for Pennrille, next to
yourselfi is perhaps my best friend.''
I" Then, listen,' said she, smiling
sweetly, ga few weeks since, by the con,
sent of my parents, L solemnly plighted
my love to one who has long since pos
sessed my hearts best affections. l did
not ask the weight of his money bags. nor
the depths of his coffers-for those were
matters which did not form one item of
consideration with me. l found him a
gentleman. aud as such | gave him my
hand. Until am convinced that l am
mistaken. why should 1 wish to retract
my wordsp
:" Clara, you are an angel" said Ray
mond, covering her hand with kisses,
'.and this treasure value more than my
existence; for in adversely as well as pros
perity, it is still true to me-"
Miss Richards" said 1, "you have
perplexed me. When l entered this
house thought had solved the problem
of human nature, and was about to write
the sum total-Selishness but must re-
cant. Human nature is not quite so bad
after ALL"
After happy conversation on the part
of the lover, who in their earnestness al
most forgot my presence, we at length left
the house.
Now" said Raymond. "one more
will return home"
mo. my friend" said !. eve will not
make any more visits this afternoon
This last terminated too pleasantly to be
marred by fresh picture of selfshness.
Raymond did not urge the matter. and
we therefore returned to his house.
When Mr.. Richards came home that
evening to tea, his wife and daughter
found him in most excellent humor,
something had occurred which pleased
him. Occasionally he indulged in a ST.
lent fit of laughter. which for him was We
ry unusual; and once. an unconscious
exclamation of g capital !' escaped his
lips
Il am glad, Mr., Richards, to find you
so happy" said his lady. "f for l never
was in worse humor. That Wexford has
again called upon us, and Clara has ho
nored him with long private confer
ence."
'tI have received note from him."
said Mr.. Richards. wherein he desires
me to sanction his marriage with our
daughter"
q How presuming l do declare;
quite detest him.
"And admire him. coolly replied
her husband. Several days since offer
ed him the means to re-commenee busi
ness, which he declined-to-day, have
learned the reason. as he also informs me
that his fortune was never impaired. His
mansion house has not been sold, but he
allowed a friend to retain the same as the
apparent owner. The fact was that he
was envious of his wealth, and played the
bankrupt simply to attest the friendship
of his acquaintances, who have generally
acted according to the fashion of the
world. Those who have slighted him
will suffer a just modification, of which,
my lady. you must bear your part
Il have never disliked him as a man."
said Mrs. Richards, coloring with shame.
My daughters welfare has only govern
ed my conduct. She who has had an ex-
perienced affiuence, would make an i'll
companion to poverty. have acted as a
prudent mother"
Reader. all comedies end with mar
riage; so does the majority of tales. And
in this instance l shall not be out of fash
ion. have lived to see many cloudless
years of happiness pass over the union.
RAYMOND is very cautious in the selection
ofhis friends. although their numbers are
legion. while he and myself still retain
the same opinion. that '' human nature is
not so bad after al!''