Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-08-03
MARTINsBURG va, WEDNESDAY MORNING, AUGUST }, 1864

Clara" said Raymond, taking her white
hand. "ars all M fondest hopes to be real
ized7 Can the laughter Of . wealthy gen.
tlemau condescend 70 acknowledge her af-
lection for poor bankrupt merchant
The fair girl bIusbsd and looked doubtful
1t me.
do MT fear to speak in bis presence"
said Raymond, for Penville next to yourself
is perhaps my best friend"
Then listen she said, smiling sweetly !;
"a few weeks since, b. the consent of my pa.
rents, IsolemnIy plighsed my love to one who
has long since possessed my hearts best af-
fections. I did DOT ask the weight Of his
money bags. nor she depth Of bis coffers--for
those were matters which did not form one
item Of consideration with me. l found him
gentleman, and a. such I gave him my
hand. Until I am convinced that am mis-
taken, why should r desire to retract my
words"
CLARA, you are an angel, said Raymond,
covering her hands With kisses. ssnd this
treasure l value more than my existence :,
for in adversely as wea . prosperity, ii is
still true to me-
Miss Richards" said !, .you have per-
picked me. When entered this house, /
thought had solved the problem Of human
nature, and was about to write the sum total
-sel6sbness !; but must recant. Human
nature is not 50 bad after all."
After happy conversation on the part of
the lovers-who, in their earnestness, almost
forgot my presencs--we At length left the
house.
Now" said Raymond, zone more visit,
one more illustration, and then We will return
home
mo, my friend" / said, I'VE will make no
more visits this afternoon. This last termi-
mated too pleasantly to be married by fresh
picture Of sel6shness.'
Raymond did not urge the matter, and we
therefore returned to bis house.
When Mr.. Richards came home that even
ing to tea, bis wife and daughter found him
10 most excellent humor something had
occurred which pleased him. Occasionally be
INDUCED in . s.leutfs Of laughter, which, for
him. was very unusual and once an uncon
scious exclamation of "sapital.' escaped bis
lips.
Il am glad, Mr.. Richards. to find you so
happy" said bis lady. "for never was in
worse humor. That Wexford has again call
ed upon us, and Clara has honored him With
a long private eouferssSs !.
Il have received note from him." said
MIR. Richarps, wherein be desires me to
sanction his marriage with cur daughter"
How presuniug. do declare; ] quite
detest him"
"And ! admire him." coolly replied her
husband. Several days since offered him
the means to re commence business, whi,h
be declined; to-day l learned the reason. as
he also informed me that bis fortune was not
impaired. His mansion house has not been
sold. but he allowed 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 acquaintance, who have generally acted
according to the fashion of the world
Those who have sighted him will suffer a
just mortiication--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 governed my
conduct. She who has experienced affluence
would make an i'll companion to poverty. l
have acted as prudent mother
Reader, all comedies end With marriage
so does the majority of tales. And in this
instance l shall not be out Of fashion. l
have lived to see many cloudless years of
happiness pass over the union Raymond is
very csatious in the selection of his friends,
although their numbers are legion. while he
and myself still retain the same opinion, that
human nature is not SO bad after ALL"