The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-11-01

The Bankrupt Merchant,

=
RAYMOND Wexford was considered. though a
very youg man, ono of our most fourshing
merchants. He was welcomed guest in our
so-called highest circles of fashion, while ma
ny calcu lating mamma considered him vory
desirable son-in-law in prospective Sudden
ly he was overwhelmed with pecunary losses
and endorsements. while the news spread ss
far as gossipping tongues could report it,
Strange to saw. although his elegant mansion
had TO he sacrificed, not a debt remained unpaid
while some money was left with him.
Wise men, in the reviewal Of his conduct, were
heard to say that he was exceedingly honest,
or an immodcrate fool.
What do you think of human nature, my
friendf said he to me
1T is philosophical enigma'I replied.
$50 i; was with mo until solved it, said he;
Il found it a strange companion. the larger
portion Of which was sefshness. For instance,
when the gliding of wealth covered my name,
was sought after by tho very men who turn
their back on me. was fatterod by women.
who if my name was mentioned in their pres
ence, would affect a forgetfulness OF ever hay-
ing heard IT,. tt 1 iIuc Iis iart
after dinner we will make some calls-du-
ring which you will perceive some ample IL
Illustrations Of what have said.' 16 fff
accordingly, after dinner we sot out. We
first entered the counting room OF mer-
chants 70 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 not have
tho courtesy of chairs offered. With mean
ing smile, RAYMOND bid the merchant good
afternoon, and wo found ourselves in the
street. y
'This is illustration No. l., said he with a
laugh u
| SIS il possible that you could ever have been
intimately acquainted with this MANI asked.
| This man has been reduced to tho extremi-
ty Of begging his dinners. Time after time
have | thus Accommodated him. have even
loaned him money to commence business and
now you see how graciously he has entertained
me and my friend
We next passed tho door of an elegant man
sion where Raymond had been an honored
guest 1t was The residence of professional
gentleman Of large fortunc, who still did Ray
mond the justice to regard him ms friend, and
to treat him as such. His lady had even pro-
fessed friendship for him greater than her own
husband-if not for her own, for her daugh-
ters sake-to whom rumor once reported he
was engaged. Since Raymond's misfortune
was whispered to her. however,, she no longer
| spoke of him as her friend, but endeavored TO
persuade her husband to rid tho house of him,
which provoked the calm reply-'Hc is - gen-
tleman, and as such it is my will that you
| should entertain him whenever he may honor
my house with his presence
On this account we were tolerated in the
present instance, for the gentleman was not at
home. The lady treated us rather coolly,
which was prepared to see. After we were
seated. Raymond enquircd for Miss Richards.
her daughter, to which the lady replied, with
an apparent shrug of tho shoulders, that she
was well, but at present otherwise engaged.
No mamma. am not said the beautiful
girl, as she came lightly into tho room: i am
happy to meet an old friend, whom l am sure
is none tho less welcome from being unfortu-
nate
The lovers-for they really were-had not
met since Raymrnd's misfortune: and their
meeting was now so heartfelt that could not
for a moment doubt the affection of either. l.
saw the cloud that rested on the brow of Mrs.
Richards, nor was surprised, at ALL to hear
her say:
My daughter is SO pleasantly engaged gen.
temen, that trust my presence is no longer;
required, and, without ceremony she lett the
room
Clara said Raymond, taking her white
hand. are my fondest hopes to be realzed:-
can the daughter of a wealthy gentleman con-
descend to acknowledge her affection for
poor. bankrupt merchantr
The girl blushed and looked doubtfuly ut
me.
DO not fear to speak in his presence, said
he, for. next to you, Penyille, is, perhaps, my
best friend
Then listen she said, smiling sweetly, "a
few we ks since, with the co isent Of my pa
reuts, / plighted my love to one who has long
since possessed my hearts best affection.
did not ask tho weight of his money bags. nor
the depths of his coffers-for such matters
did not form one item of consideration with
sac. fosnd him gentleman, and such
gave him my hand! Until am convinced to
the contrary why should decide, or wish to
reiract the words then spoken?
Clara, you are an angel said Raymond, rs
he covered her hand with kisses, and this
treasure | prize more than my existence-for
in adversely, as well prosperity, it is still true
to me-
Miss Richards, said I. you have pcrplexed
me. When entered this house, l thought
had solved problem in human na'tf, and
was about TO write the sum toa-sefshneso.
But i must recant. Human nature is not
quite so bad after all.
After happy conversation on the part of
the lovers, who, in their earnestncss, quito
forgot my presence, we left the house.
Now, said Raymond, 'onc more illustration
this afternoon, and then we will return home.
No. my friend, we will make no more visits
this afternoon. The last terminated too pleas
nntly to DO marred by fresh picture of sell
fshness.
Raymond did not urge the matter, so We re-
turned to the house.
When Mr. Richards came home that evo-
ming to ten. his wife and daughter found him
~ excellent humor-something had occurred.
which pleased him. Occasionally he INDUCED
N silent fits of laughter, which for him was
very unusual: aud once an unconscious excla-
nation of capital, escaped through his lips.
II am pla1 MIR. Richards IN find vou so
happy said Mrs. Richards. That Raymond
Wexford has been here, and Clara has honor
ed him with lcng private conference.
Il have received note from him, and he
lesres me to sanction his marriage with our
laughter
How presumingl declare, quite detest
limY
And admire himr cody replied her hus-
band. Several days since, offered him,