The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-08-26

exquisite, when the shock came which pros
tratcd my fabric of joy and well nigh buried
me in its ruins. A great commercial crisis
occurred and my father, whose wealth had
apparently been secured upon the firmest
basis, suddenly failed for an amount, which,
owing to the ruinous sacrifices at which
money had to be raised covered his fortune
entire and left us pcnnless. No suspicion of
dishonor attached to my father in the trans
action, and his creditors We're lcnient They
bestowed upon us our furniture and presented
TO me my musical instruments and even my
collection of articles of re'M which had
amused myself in gathering together. Hope
again dawncd upon inc. We should yet be
happy, | thought. was soon to be married,
and my father should always find a home
with me. Truly, as said to him, We had
little cause for sorrow.
Alas knew not what said. Scarcely
had the shock of this failure and the events
which so hurriediy transpircd in connection
with it passed away, before my lover, in an
embarrassed interview, asked for a release
from his engagement. He said that it was
necessary that the lady he might marry should
possess some fortune, and, when comprc-
hcndcd the utter mcanncss> of his soul,
agreed that he spoke truly. Money was his
god and he could appreciate no other cndow-
mcnt. Yes, it was accessory that his wife
should have money.
Very calmly and quietly acceded to his
request, and our engagement was cancelled.
lle was evidently surprised, for he had en-
pectcd scene of tears and rcproachcs. lie
would have made some apologies, but would
not listen and in a few words gave him to
understand all the contempt which felt for
him. Then left the room and we never met
again.
1t was difficult task to break to my ia
ther the altered aspect of my prospects: but
even this was done at last and received
words Of aficctionatc sympathy which almost
overcome my stock of courage.
| Strength comes often with the circumstan-
ccs, which make it necessary. SO it was
with me. determined to open school.
leased suitable house. removed there our
furniture and my advertisements together
with the interests of friends who were not
driven from us by adversely soon filled it
with pupils. For many years pursued this
laborlous yet most important calling. / was
successful and met reward for my untirng
assiduity. | even amasscd a considerable
fortune, and upon the death of my father,
| which occurred when | was about thirty
years Of age, gave up the business and re-
solved to seek home with some my friends
AT this period remembered Kitty Mars
den, whom | had often promised to visit, and
| at last set out for the Naples, determined
if pleased with the place and with my friends
to propose to them to become their inmate for
the summer and for future summers. ]
thought the rural quiet and even LONELINESS
of their home, as pictured it, would be a
grceable to me after the glare, and hustle,
and heavy cares of my life.
TWAS evening when arrived and was
quite surprised to find the Naples, as well as
| could see it through the gathering darkness
and the empowering trees, large and evil
IDENTIFY handsome mansion. My first glance
at the interior convinced me that it was equal
ly well appointed. Kitty who was expecting
my coming sprang out Of a side apartment
to meet me before the door was closed, as
blithe and beautiful as in her days of girl
hood, only in the sweet added dignity of her
matronly position changed from the darling
girl | had known. Her husband followed, a
noblc-looking man thought in spite of his
plainness; and their hearty greeting over,
was soon seated at their hosptable table in
spacious and even elegant room.
/ was delighted with my newly recovered
friends, and when retired to my room that
night determined, ifa few days residence
should serve to confirm my present purposes,
to remain with them permanently. Every
day increased my regard for them both, and
my interest in their three beautiful children,
and it was soon decided that at least for that
summer should remain their inmate.
Kitty was driving me out one afternoon in
her nice, roomy rockaway, and we had been
following one ofthe green country roads that
wound across the valley and among the hills
which surrounded it for nearly an hour in 81
lence, each apparently full of not unpleasant
thought
"Kitty," said at length, suddenly break
ing the silence, "tell me how you came to
marry George Marsdcn, when you had so ma
ny gilded butterflies about you"
Kitty started, blushcd and smiled.
II married George because loved him."
said she simply.
"Oh, yes, can understand that, for your
honeymoon is not over yet, apparently. But
how came you to love him-you who used to
laugh at him so much at the institute 90
"You arc mercilcss. Jennie; but will tell
you. 1t is a very short story. You know
how much always admired his scholarship
and the nobility of his heart after once dis
covered these qualifications. Well, when
we met in town, soon after my return home,
| | was glad to see him. and easily persuaded