Eastern times., 1855-09-06


the affection of her son, whose conduct, on all
occasions, might form worthy model for the
scions of parents whose wealth, and not their
virtues, give them passport through the
world.
At the age of fifteen, James was made ap-
prentice to a respectable mechanical business,
and by his industry and aptness for his trade,
he was soon enabled to contribute something
towards his own and his mothers support, in
stead of being burden upon her. He passed
through the years of his apprenticeship with
the greatest credit to himself, and to the per-
feet satisfaction of his employer, who, on his
becoming of age, as token Of his esteem, and
slight appreciation of his integrity and strict
attention 10 his business, made him a present
of gold watch and one hundred dollars
Separate from this, he had also managed to
save up four hundred dollars, from over-work
and as an inducement for James 10 continue in
his employ, Mr.. Markham gave him the fore
manship Of his entire establishment, with
prospect of ultimately becoming his partner.
With bright hopes now before him, few
young men, at his age, started in life with
fairer chances in their favor. At twenty-four
he became attached to young lady of his ma
tive village, and after brief and happy court
ship, they were married. He had accumu-
lated sufficient means in that time, to purchase
a small lot of land, and 10 erect for himself
comfortable cottage, and into this new home
he took his bride and mother; and here COM
menced the married life of James Harley,
from which, like all persons similarly situated,
he doubtlessly anticipated many years of
quiet, unalloyed, domestic happiness. His
wife was woman of considerable personal at
fractions, and he loved her with all the devo-
tion which true husband is capable OF feeling.
The first affliction which ever befel James,
was the death of his mother, which occurred
about year after his marriage, and he felt al
most inconsolable at her loss. While she was
alive, she had assumed nearly the entire con-
troll of his household affairs-not from any
spirit or desire to rule in the house of her son,
but from the tacit consent of her daughter
in-law, whose time seemed chiefly occupied
with few trifling attentions to James and in the
reading OF books, principally works OF fiction.
She was woman of small ambition, with a
lislless disposition, and, having been brought
up with great indulgence, possessing but slight
habits of industry. Whilst the mother of
James was alive, these traits in her character
were but little noticed, but shortly after Mrs.
Harley's decease, they became strongly
marked, and James perceived with pain that
the affairs of the house were conducted with a
considerable degree of looseness. Less order
and neatness reigned in his home, and he could
but notice that his expenses were nearly
doubled Panied as he was by observing this
state of things, James remained silent, hoping,
as Mary became more used to the duties of
housekeeping. she would improve but month
after month passed away, and things, instead
of improving, grew worse. Mary began, also,
to show symptoms of petulant temper. She
complained of i'll health, and made this plea
for employing servant. Still James did not
demonstrate, but his own ideas of economy
could scarcely justify the employment of SER
want to do the work which properly belongs to
all wives. who have desire to perform their
duty, and TO assist their husband in their first
struggles with the world. He considered it
an unjust tax upon his wages as journeyman-
mechanic. Besides, he could not see why
Mary should be so continually complaining of
illness, when her appearance would Justify any
one In supposing her in the enjoyment of the
best health.
The employment OF servant failed TO i'm
prove the condition of things. With the nat
ural instinct of that class of beisgs, Bridget
was soon enabled TO fa;hom the character of
her mistress, who seldom took the trouble TO
look into the kitchen. Her orders were issued
either from the parlor-sofa, where she was en-
gagged reading the last new novel, or from her
bed, from which she seldom arose till after
James had left the house for his work. Things
began to wear a discouraging aspect. There
was continual demand for money. Now and
then new dress was wanted, which was soon
dawdled out, and laid aside, or given to
Bridget, who in a short time, from the exam
pie set her, became worthy reflex of the mis-
tress.
At the end of the year after his mothers
death, James overhauled his accounts, and
found to his extreme grief, that his expenses
had exceeded his income. This would never
do. At this rate ruin was certain. Hitherto
he had submitted with patience, not suffering
a murmur to escape him but the time had
now arrived when the leak must be stopped,
or the ship would sink. With this resolution,
one evening after tea, he sought his wife in
the parlor, where she was reclining in a loose
dress upon the sofa, having just finished sip
ping cup of tea. Drawing up chair, he
took her hand, and thus addressed her:
Mary, dear, are you so ill that you could
not come out to tea! You certainly look re-
markably well. You are perhaps deceiving
yourself. Come, you are not ill-it is only
imaginary
James, it is very unkind of you to speak so
| lightly. You do not know how much | suf-
| fer. But suppose YOU are like the rest of