The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-01-26
HUMAN NATURE;
Or the Bankrupt Merchant.
BY C. NJ. KENDALL.

|
welcome guest in our so called highest
circle of fashion, while many calculat-
ing mamma regarded him as very de-
sirable son-in-law in prospective. Sud-
denly he was o'erwhelmed by pecuniary
losses and embarrassments, while the
news spread so far as gossip tongues
could report Strange to say, although
his elegant mansion had to be sacrificed,
there was not a debt that 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?' said he to me.
'It is philosophical enigma replied.
so it was with me, until | solved it,
said he; Il found it a strange companion,
the larger portion of which was selfish
ness. For instance, when the gliding of
wealth covered my name 1 was sought
after by the very men who now turn their
backs upon me. was fattered by wo-
men who, if my name was now mentioned
in their presence, would affect forget
fulness of having heard it. After dinner
we will make some calls, during which
you will 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 estma-
ton from the formality with which he
was received We did not even have the
courtesy of chairs offered us. With a
meaning smile, Raymond bade the mer
chant good afternoon, and we found
ourselves in the street.
This is illustration number one, Ray
mond said, laughingly.
is it possible that you could ever have
been intimately acquainted with this mani
l asked.
THAT man has been reduced to the ex-
tremity of being obliged to beg his din
ners. Time after time have [ thus ac-
commodated him. [ 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
a frequent and honored guest. 1t was the
residence of a professional gentleman OF
large fortune whostill did Raymond the
justice to regard him on all occasions as
bis friend and to treat him as such. His
lady had professed even greater friend
ship for him than her husband, if not for
her own, at least for her daug ghter's sake
to whom rumor once reported he was
engaged. Since Raymond's misfortunes
had been whispered she no longer spoke
of him as dear friend, but endeavored
to pursuade her husband to rid the house
of him. which provoked the calm reply:
'He is a 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, | suppose, we were
| tolerated 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 seated Ray
mond enquired for Miss Richards, her
daughter, to which the lady replied with
an apparent shrug of her shoulders, that
she was well, but at present engaged.
NO, mamma, | am not, said the beau
tiful girl, as she lightly entered the room.
Il am happy to meet an old friend, who,
[ am sure, is not the less welcome by be-
ing unfortunate
The lovers-for they really were-had
not met since Raymond's misfortunes, and
their meeting was now so heartfelt that L
could not for moment doubt the alfec-
ton of either. | saw also the cloud
which rested upon the brow of Mrs. Rich
ards, nor was l surprised to hear her
say
my daughter is SO pleasantly engaged,
gentlemen, that | trust my presence is no
longer required and without ceremony
she left the room.
Clara are all my fondest hopes to be
realized! Can the daughter Of worthy
gentleman condescend to acknowledge
her affection for poor bankrupt mer-
chant
The girl blushed and looked doubtful
ly at me.
DO not fear to speak in his presence,
said he, for Pennyille next to yourself is
perhaps my best friend
'Then listen,' said she, smiling sweetly,
"a few weeks since, by the consent of my
parents, I solcmnly plighted my love to
one who has long since possessed my
hearts best affections. j did not ask the
weight of his money bags, nor the depth
of his coffers-for those were matters
which did not form one item of consider
alton with me. | found him gentle.
man, and as such | gave him my hand
Until am convinced that | am mistaken
why should | desire to retract my words!
CLARA you are an angel said Ray
mond, covering her hands with kisses
'and this treasure | value more than my
existence; for in adversely as well as pros