Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-05-20
4opnlar GaIes,
From Godey's Lady's Book for June.
A TALE OF THE TIMES.
BY T. s. ARTHUR.

"Ruined! ruined! ruinedr" was the wild
iy uttered exclamation Of Mr.. Fleetwood,
as he came hastily into the room, where
his young wife sat embroidering a scarf,
and throwing himself at full length upon
the sofa, hid his face, and lay shuddering
like one in an ague fit.
The nee4iework dropped from the hands
of Mrs. Fleetwood, and, for a moment or
two, she sat like one paralyzed. Then
rising hastily, she sprang across the room,
and dropping on her knees beside her hus-
band, drew her arm about his neck, and
sad
"Oh, Edward! Edward! what has hap
pened!"
But the only response she received was
o groan SO full Of anguish, that it sent a
shudder thr ough her heart.
"Speak, Edward.''
"Ruined! hopeIessly ruined!"
1Oh. Edward. look up! Let me see your
face, dear husband!'' And she tried to lay
her cheek down against his; but he kept
his face turned from her.
Very, very pale was Mrs. Fleetwood, as
she raised herself from kneeling posture,
and drawing a chair to the sofa, sat down,
and again laid her hand upon her husband.
One year only had she been a bride; and
this was the first cloud which had darkened
her sky-the first cloud; but it held deso-
lating tempest within its bosom.
"Edw ard. the wife's deep love had given
strength to her heart already and her voice
was regaiping firmr ess. "Not ruined; that
is impossible!" she sid, in tones strangely
confident.
aPossible and actual" be answered, with
less agitation, but in low, solemn voice.
sAgain say impossible, Edward" spoke
out Mrs. Fleetwood, her voice growing yet
= 6rmer.
Mr.. Fleetwood slowly raised himself
from his recumbent position on the sofa,
end looked into his wife's lace. A cry of
fear parted her lips, and she said, hastily
sss0h, Edward, you are ill.,"
81 am Observation-Disclosures des-
pair, Anna!"
"My precious husband!'-the tones of
Mrs. Fleetwood were overburdened with
the tenderest love-"don't say heart broken
-don'r say in despair-don't say ruined.
God is in Heaven, and you are still man!''
"By sudden falling and unexpected
blow, Anna, am stricken to the earth
Ny all is scattered to the winds!'
..Bus the man is safe!" said Mrs. Fleet
wood. throwing in the sentence, and in a
Voice almost exultant.
Mr.. Fleetwood looked at his wife half
wonderiDgE. A light seemed at the mo-
ment to break in upon him, and he replied
eYes, Anna, the man is safe, | trust
There has been no defect of honor"
There could be none, Edward, and
therefore said mot ruined; that is imp g.
sible!' With honor on your side, dear hus
band! and love on mine, our little work
is safe. No enemy can darken our door >
81 bless you for these words. dear Anna!'
said Mr. Fleetwood, but not with the air o
a man who felt relieved from the pressur
of heavy turden. "Your courage, you
faith, your patience, will give strength il
hours of weakness that are sure to come
But, let me tell you the whole truth i
plain words; and then you will not wonde
that the blow has stricken me down. M
little fortune has been lost by the treacher
ofa man in whose integrity l conided, an
for whom have done what never woul
have done for myself-used the official siy
.,. nature of the Insurance Company of whic
am president, for purposes outside of i
legitimate business. learned of his fai
ure an hour ago, and called upon him il
stantly. From his lips received the bias
ing intelligence that every dollar of h
property had already passed hopelessly
yond his control. Have you net secur
me in anythipg' asked. He shook b