The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-07-29
THE TWO ROADS TO WEALTH.

CiatWeu OHSf}eS ASHTON, as ne paSset
Esquire wilkins great house.
"A fine thing indeed, replied his frien,
Frank May, provided
provided What
provided we can have a few other
good things with it,
Other good things! why man, none,
will buy all the good things in the world
Not quite, replied Frank, TO b
sure it will buy some small matters whicl
are convenient, but there are things es
septial that it will not buy
Such as what Interrupted his friend
Such as health, happiness, and clear
conscience
well Frank, suppose it would not bt
exactly the right coin for these eoumodi
ties, but I'll tell you 0: one nice article
which it will buy.
And what is thati'
"A wife!'
'Ah!' replied Frank. that's the only
article in the world l should rather beg
than buy!'
well, Frank. you are a man of inde-
pendent feelings, but | m afraid you IL
never be a man of independent property.
why, Charles, what makes you think
sol like money, aud mean to get my
share, provided can do it honestly.
'Ahl you will be too much hindered
with scruples, to make any Roadway iu
the world NIy motto Is, "Go ahead, hit
or miss!
And L, ssid Frank, should as lief
have nothing to eat but sugar, as to have
nothing to enjoy but wealth.
Here the friends parted, oDe to his
workshop, and the other to bis counting
room. These two young men lived in
the pleasant village OF B, on the
banks of the Connecticut. Charles Ash
ton was a merchant, and Frank May vas
mechanic They were both what the
world calls very fine young men, But
the world is a superficial observer. Its
eyes never look down into the heart 1t
is the prerogative of one Eye alone to
look on the secret springs of action: to
that Eye the difference between the two
characters was very great.
Both applied themselves with all dill
gence to their respective callings, and both
hoped to be rich.
Frank May resolved that every dollar
should be gained, not only honestly, but
honorably. As for Charles Ashton, he
bad but one purpose, and that was to &C.
quire wealth-untramueled by seruples
about ways and means.
IN be rich man before [ dieI said
be to himself one night, as he was study
ing bis ledger-the oDIy book in the
world that be thought really interesting.
He was untirng in his application to bus
iness; and if be did not absolutely cheat,
he made what are called pretty tight bar
gains. Hard and honest was bis max
i'm, which some think means hardly hon.
est
He soon acquired the reputation of
keen, money-msking man. But making
money is not always making friends. At
che end of years Mr.. Ashton was a richer
man than his friend May. but he was sur
pri.ed to 6nd himself not so much respec.
eed. or SO hsppy. He began to think
there we're something's money would not
bay.
But I'll see If it won't buy me wife,
said be. Il believe it's living bachelor
chat makes me so blue!
Now it never occurred to our friend
that wife that could be bought, might
not be worn having. But it did occur
naturally enough, that while he was about
it, be might as well try for a rich one
So be went peeping round amongst the
heiresses-notbing doubling that young
lady who was heir to fine fortune, would
inherit every other fine quality. 1t was
not long before he fixed bis-afections!
no-his thoughts, on Miss Jepima Will
kins. the youngest daughter of Esquire
Wilkins 1t was BOT the color of Miss |
Jemima's hair. or the sparkle of her eyes,
or the dimple of her cheeks, that attract
ed our hero's attention. Oh no, Mr..
Ashtoa was too sensible and prudent to !
be Influenced by such trifes in the i'm
portant matter of choosing a companion t
for life. 1t was well that he quite forgot
to look for graces of mind or person, for
the young lady was scantily endowed
But then she had ten thousand charms
in the shape of good round dollars, and
that was enough for Ashton. lie was
the richest young man in the village, and
at was enough for Jemima. SO the
bargain was struck up in a trice, and no
time lost in moonlight walks and seren-
ades, and no money wasted in rides and
presents.
This interesting couple were married,
and took possession of nice new house,
full of nice new furniture, and settled
themselves down, to get as much comfort
as empty heads and empty hearts, with
. full purse, could give.