The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-03-16
WESTERLY, r. l., THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1854.

soon began to decrease. Before his
marriage, his income was but little more
than sufficient to meet his demands.
Since his marriage his expenses had
greatly accumulated. ..t @ -.... .
Time passed on. A heavy debt was
pressing hard upon him. In order
therefore to maintain his present stand
ing in society, he resolved to borrow
another sum of money. Accordingly he
went to an individual with whom he was
acquainted, borrowed large amount and
gave in return mortgage Of his house
and garden. -,
Again did he for while continue to
crafty his thirst for. ease and display,
seeming to be utterly unconscious of the
dark cloud which was impending over
him. When his present stock Of money
was exhausted, SO reputable was his
credit that he did not find it difficult to
borrow from almost any source. 1t was
surmised already, however, that his
property was mortgaged. Many people
supposed that he was worth several
thousand dollars. But when they heard
that he was worth nothing, nay worse,
that he was actually in debt, they would
hardly believe it. His credit, which,
up to this time, had been SO good, sank
almost Immediately. In fact. it was
difficult for him to get trusted for few
,grorss Us at the store. His. creditors
began to flock in from various quarters.
Many Of these he had promised to pay
at specified time. That time had ex-
pired But in such circumstances he
was unable to fulfil his promises.
About this time an incident occurred
which gave him something of foretaste
of the future. One day while taking a
short ride he had occasion to leave his
horse for few moments. On return
ing, not little to his surprise and NOR
|tifcation, he found his horse missing
He walked home that night with bur-
dened heart. After tea he threw him
self upon the sofa.
why do you look so sad, William 20
said his wife, as she seated herself at the
pianoforte. +" Perhaps little music
will not be disagreeable."
William made no reply. Strange
thoughts were fitting across his mind,
which music could not chase away. He
was thinking of his uncle's note which
had been due for sometime. The
thought was still in his mind, when sud-
denly he heard the bell ring.
Step to the door," said he to the
servant girl.
GA gentleman wishes to see you a
moment," said the latter as she re-
turned. ..,.... .....
William stepped forward, when to his
painful surprise, he met his uncle Par
sons.
William" said his uncle, =" as 1 am
somewhat in hurry at this time, i
will tell you my business. AS / find
myself little in want of money at pre-
sent, would like to get part or all Of
that sum which l lent you"
"It is impossible, uncle, for me to
settle with you at present" .I.
CT believe the note is due, William. u
Is it due ?" said the latter, appear
ing as if he was unconscious of the fact
Mr.. Parsons showed him the note.
When do you think you will be
able to pay me 7" continued the Uncle
William hesitated a little as if un-
willing to make a promise, which he
knew, he would not perform. He felt
that he must either acknowledge bis
real situation, or appoint time to pay
the note. As this was not the first
time, his circumstances had compelled
him to deceive, the hesitation was but
momentary. The time was appointed
and the uncle departed from the house.
Watson now felt his disagrcable sit
uation more keenly than ever. "Why
did l conceal the truth, /" thought he
to himself, Why did not tell him my
real condition, for he will soon find il
out; perhaps be knows it already: Has
my love of display led me to this--to
sacrifice truth All, have forgotten
the pious example of my parents and
those early habits for which was once