Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-03-07
4 TOUCH OF HUMAN NATURE.
BY C. NJ. KENDALL.

| BY C. NJ. KENDALL.
Raymond Wellford was considered, though
young man. one of the most fourishing mer-
chants. He was welcome guest in our So
called highest circle of fashion, while many a
calculating mamma considered him a very de-
slrable son-in-law in perspective. Suddenly
he was overwhelmed with pucuniary losses and
embarrassments; while the news spread as
gossip tongues could report it. Strange to
say, although his elegant mansion had to be
sacrificed, there we're not debt that remained
| unpaid, while some money was yet left him.
"What think you Of human nature, my
friend 70 said he to me.
ssIt is philosophical enigma" replied.'
$50 it was with me till 1 solved it, said he,
ssI found it strange companion the larger
portion of which was selfshness. For instance,
when the gliding of wealth covered my name,
L was sought after by the very men who now
turn their backs on me. / was fattered by
women, who, if my name was now mentioned
in their presence, would effect forgetfulness
of ever having heard of it. After dinner we
will make some calls during which you will
perceive some ample illustrations of what l
| 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 estimation, from the
| cold formality with which he was received.
We did not even have the courtesy of chairs
offered us. With meaning smile, Raymond
| bid the merchant good afternoon, ,and we found
| ourselves again in the street.
'sThis is illustration No, 1,'' said he with a
| smile.
| "Is it possible that you could have been in
timatey acquainted with this man, asked.
s'That man has been reduced to the eXtremi-
| ty of begging his dinners. Time after time,
have thus accommodated him. l even loan
ed him money to commence business, land now
you see how graciously he has received me
and my friend.''
We next passed to the door of an elegant
mansion wherein Raymond had been a freqent
| and honored guest. 1t was the residence of a
| professional gentleman of large fortune, who
still did Raymond the justice to regard him as
SUCH His lady had even professed friend
| ship for him greater than her husband's-f
not for own at least her daughters sake to
whom rumur once reported he was engaged.
| Since RaymOnd's misfortune was whispered
! to her, she no longer spoke of him as near
| friend, but endeavored to persuade her hus-
band to rid the house of him, which provoked
the calm reply:
| ssHe is 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, suppose, we were tolerat-
ed in the present instance, for the gentleman
was not at home. The lady treated US rather
coolly, which l was prepared to see. After
Richards, her daughter, to which the lady re-
piled with an apparent shrug of the shoulders,
that she was well, but at present engaged.
ssNo mamma, am not,'' said the beautiful
girl, as she lightly entered the room. ssI am
happy to meet an old friend, who, am sure,
is none the less welcome for having been un-
Fortunate"
The lovers-for they were-had not met
since Raymond's misfortune, and their meet
ing was now so heartfelt, that could not for
moment doubt the affection of either. l saw
also the cloud that rested upon the brow of
Mrs. Richards, nor was l surprised to hear her
say:
ssMy daughter is so pleasantly engaged ,gen-
tlemen, that trust my presence is no longer
| required and without ceremony, she left the
room.
ssClara,'' said Raymond, taking her white
hand, ssare all my fondest hopes to be realized
Can the daughter of wealthy man condescend
to acknowledge her affection for poor bank
rupt merchant 10
The fair girl blushed and looked doubtfully
at me.
ssDo not fear to speak in his presence said
he, s'tor next to you he is probably my best
friend.''
ssThen listen,'' she said, smiling sweetly.
SEA few weeks since, with the consent of my
parents, solemnly plighted my love to one
who has long possessed my hearts best affec-
tion. 1 did not ask the weight of his money
bags, nor the weight of his Golfers, for such
matters, did not form one item of considera-
tion with me. found him gentleman, and
as such gave him my hand. Until am con-
vinced to the contrary, why should desire
to retract my words ?''
ssClara, you are an angel" said Raymond,
as he covered her hands with kisses, sand this
treasure prize more than my existance, for
in adversely as well as in prosperity, it is still
true to me.''
ssMiss Richards said 1, ssyou have perplex<
ed me. When 1 entered this house thought
/ had solved the problem of human nature,
and was about to write the sum total-selfish-
ness; but must recant. Human nature is
not SO bad after all.''
After happy consultation on the part Of
the lovers, who in their earnestness quite for
got my presence, we left the house.
s'Now," said RAYMOND, GONE more visit,
one more illustration and then for home"
.sNo, MY friend, we will make no more WIS.,
its this afternoon. The last terminated too
pleasantly to be marred by fresh picture of
selfishness.''
Raymond did not urge the matter, and we
returned to his house.
When MI. Richards came home that evening,
his wife and daughter found him in excellent
humor. Something had occurred which pleas
ed him. Occasionally he indulged in silent
fit of laughter, which for him was unusual
and once an unconscious exclamation of ssCap-
ital!'' escaped his lips.
ssI am glad, Mr.. Richards, to find you SO
happy" said Mrs. Richards, ssfor was never
in worse humor. That Wexford has called
here again and Clara has honored him with
a long private conference"
81 have received note from him, in which
he desires me to sanction his marriage with |
our daughter.''
ssHow presuming 1 declare 1 quite detest
him.
"And admire him." cody replied her hus-