The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1856-03-04
Written for the Standard.
THE REVERSE OF FORTUNE.
BY EMELIHE ID.

"
much loved home, Mr.. Allen is coming this
very afternoon to take possession of the house
and we, tho rightful owners are to be turned
out on cold and heartless world, utterly
pennyless and friendless. Oh! my God
when thou didst take him from me, who had
always been my comforter and my guide,
why didst thou leave me here alone to linger
in this vale of tears; it is better to die than
live thus"
"Mother dearest mother, why do you re-
pine? God is good, and He will not suffer
us to want while We strive to obey Him and
help ourselves. Although we have lost our
fortunes by the treachery of one who should
have been our protector, and are rs you say,
cast penniless and freindless on the wide
world, for the friends of the rich disappear
when their wealth does; we are not helpless.
You can take tho place of a seamstress while
can teach, you know mother always had
prediction for teaching, we need not fear
the frowns of those who called themselves our
friends, for they have already forsakcn us,
and we can make friends with those who will
not love us for our wealth only. Let us try
to help ourselves mother, let us work, thcre
is hope for lis yet"
II must confess Eflic, your words, which no
doubt comes from your brave little heart, in
spiro me with courage, but how can | take
the place of sealnstrcss, when know little
on nothing about plain or common sewing,
and you Effie, with your delicate health, how
will you ever endure the fatigue of teaching"
81 am well now, dear mother, | only need
exertion to strengthen me, will sell all my
a., G. 10 ,of thap MI ~
every thing need for teaching, and you un-
dcsstand fine sewing and embroidering, which
is in good demand now. Indeed mother, l
think that we will be very happy, for we are
Just going to live for something. | never en-
ioycd myself much in the insipdity Of q FASH
ionablo life, when tne must be forever cri i
cised by the argus eyed, and unsympathising
beau monde, I think if we acquaint Mr. Al
len with all the circumstances, he will allow
us to remain little while longer to make
some arrangements i'll regard to our future
cmpoyments And now think Of il, Mr.
Sylvester was here short time ago and
wished me to recommend some one who
would take one of his classes in music and
French, will 90 to see him this very after
noon, and if the situation is vacant will fill it
myself. | expect he will stare at me when |
apply for the place, but l am Indifferent alike
10 tie smiles and frowns Of this world, but,
dear mother why do you start when men
ton the name Of Mr.. Sylvester"
cts only a momentary weakness, my
love put on your bonnet and | ring mine, and
ms the afternoon is waning we will proceed
Immediately to sec Him and have the matter
settled"
Silenced, but not convinced Effie obcyed
her mother; and they were soon on their way
to the school of Mr.. Sylvester. While they
are gone we will try to ascertain who they
are that have been so rnceremoniouslY thurst
upon our notice. Marcus Emelyn, was the
only son of n retired merchant who having
set him up in business in the bustling town of
c., left him to shift for himself Marcus
considered himself invulnerable to the shafts
of that roeuish little archer Cupid, but his
aim was unerring, and he, the proud the
naughty Maraus was soon under the influence
OF that mysterious charm which is the parent
of SO many poets. Whether the charms of |
tho person of his beautiful hcress, or those |
of her wealth were most aluring, is not for |
me to decide. She was an orphan, and with |
the exception of her sister, had not relative
all this wide world, consequently she be-
slowed on him what had many times been de-
MED to signing lovers, who would declare
their hearts were breaking, namely, her |
heart, hand and wealth. AS there were no !
disputed claims to her immense fortune, she
was considered by Mr.. Emelyn, senior, MS n
suitable match for his son. They were mar
-ied and commenced life with every induce
70 ho,,,
hey could be in the round of fashionable els
'ipation. A daughter, Effic one of the sub
ects of this sketch, vas given them; she
was indeed beautiful, and rs wise as she was
beautiful, she had ever been disgusted with
Inc silly rounds of pleasure, nd the scrvile
iattery which she was compelled to listen to,
ind wished for some object to live for, she
would often assemble the servants and give
hem lessons in the rudimcnts Of education,
md was often heard to express a wish that
he might experience reverse of fortune that
he might devote herself to s)me useful en-
Dloyment.
After they had lived in the enjoyment of
very earthly pleasure during period of six,
cen years, Marcus was suddenly summoned
o cancel the great debt of nature, leaving
ITO ihuniJ llc istNs vi i1lc COL u
ry were such that Mrs. Emclyn could not
Command her own property, so it was given
n trust to her father-in-law, and he basely
ppropriated the whole to his own use, leav-
ng the afflicted mouners plunged in the
ecpest poverty, and in that situation they
ave been introduced to the reader. Effie
'as now in her glory, and although the blow
early crushed Mrs. Emclyn, yet she found
ipport in the hopeful and trusting spirit of
er daughter.
Having informed Mr.. Sylvester Of the OBJ
'ct of their visia, he seemed surprised, but
Did Chem there had been many applications
n the situation, but upon examination they
ad all failed in being competent teachers of
,e French language, but that Eflie, in spite
her youthful appearance, should have the |,
eneft ola trial before committee Of exam
ers. Poor Effie, she had not as much cour- s
&c as she was inclined 10 think she had 9
ow her little heart sank within her when s
II \ |