Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-07-15
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Human Mature
Or the Bankrupt Merchant
BY c. M. KENDALL.

RAYMOND Wexford was considered,
though q very. young man, one of the most
alourishing merchants. He was a vel
coined guest in our SO called circle of
fashion, while many a calculating man.
ma considered him a very desirable SON
in.law III Irrespective. Suddenly he was
overwhelmed by ~pecuniary losses and EN-
barrassments, while the news spread as
far as gossip tongues could report it,
Strange to say, although his elegant man
sion had to be sacrificed, there was not a
debt that remained unpaid, while some
money was yet left with him. Wise men,
in the RENEWAL Of his conduct, were
heard to say that he was exceedingly
honest, or an immoderate fool.
What think you of human nature,
my friend 2" said he to me.
at is a philosophical enigma" | re.
piled.
$50 it was with me until | solved it,"
said he. 81 found it a strange compan-
ion ; the larger portion of which was
selfshness. For instance, when the gil
| ding of wealth covered my name, | wa
sought after by the very men who now
turn their backs ON me. | was battered
by women, who if my name was now
mentioned in their presence, would affect
a forgetfulness Of ever having heard Of
it. After dinner we will make some calls,
during which you will perceive some am.
pie 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 esti-
nation, from the cold formality with
| which he was received. We do not even
have the courtesy Of chairs offered u.s.
With a meaning smile, Raymond babe
the merchant good afternoon, and we
found ourselves in the street.
"This is illustration No. one" said he,
with a smile.'
us it possible that you could ever have
been intimately acquainted with this
man." / asked.
"That man had been reduced to the
extremity Of begging his dinners. Time
! after time have | thus accommodated
him. I even loaned him money to com
| mence business, and now you see how
gracieusly he has entertained me and my
friend"
We next passed to the door of an ele-
giant mansion, wherein Raymond had
been a frequent and honored guest. 1t
| was the residence of a professional gen.
| tleman, of large fortune, who still did
Raymond the justice to regard him on all
occasions as his friend, and to treat him
as such. His lady had even professed a
friendship for him greater than her hus-
band's-if not for her own, at least for
her daughters sake-to whom rumor
once reported he was engaged. Since
| Raymond's misfortune was whispered to
her, she no longer spoke Of him as a dear
friend, but ~eHdeayored to persuade her
husband to rid the house of him, which
provoked the calm reply:
He is q 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, I suppose, VIC were
tolerated in the present instance, for the
gentleman was not at home. The lady
treated us rather coolly, which I was pre-
pared to see. After we were seated,
Raymond inquired for Miss Richards, her
daughter, to which the lady replied with
an apparent shrug Of the shoulders, that
she was well, but at present engaged.
mo, mamma, / am not" said the beau
tiful girl. as she lightly entered the room.
~ I'm happy to meet an old friend, who,
| am sure, is none the less welcome from
being unfortunate"
The lovers-for they really were-had
not met since Raymond's misfortune, and
their meeting was now SO heartfelt, that
I could not for a moment doubt the affec-
ton of either. / saw also the cloud that
rested upon the brow of Mrs. Richards,
nor was / surprised to hear her say
My daughter is SO pleasantly en-
gagged, gentlemen, that / trust my pres
ence is no longer required !" and, with
out ceremony, she left the room.
Clara said Raymond, taking her
white hand, are all my fondest hopes
to be realized :? Can the daughter Of a
wealthy gentleman condescend to ac-
knowledge her affection for a poor bank
rupt merchant ?" I
The fair girl blushed, and looked
doubtfully at me.
do not fear to speak in his presence"
said he, " for next to you, Penyille is,
perhaps, my best friend"
"Then listen" she said, smiling sweet
ly. :" A few weeks since, with the con.
sent Of my parents, | solemnly plighted
my love to one who has long possessed
my hearts best affection. | did not ask
the weight of his money bags 0 the
weight Of his Golfers for such matters
did not form one item of consideration
with me.sssI found him a gentleman, and
as such / gave him my hand. Until |
am convinced to the contrary, why should
l desire to retract my words !"
I" Clara, you are an angel" said Ray
mond. as he covered her hands with kiss
es, and this treasure | prise more than
my existence Z; for in adversely. as well
as prosperity, it is still true to me-
Miss Richards" said /, "you have
perpIexed me. When | entered this
house I thought / had solved the problem
of human nature, and was about to write
the sum totaI-selfshness ; but must
recant. Human nature is not SO bad af-
ter ALL
After a happy conversation on the part
Of the lovers, who, in their earnestness,
quite forgot my presence, we left the