The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-09-12
Human Nature.

though very young man, one of the
most f1ourishing merchants. He was a
welcome guest in our so-called high
est circles of fashion, while many cal
culating mama considered him a very
desirable son-in-law in perspective.
Suddenly he was overwhelmed by Pc
cuniary losses and embarrassments,
while the news spread as far as gossip
tongues could report it. Strange to
say, although his elegant mansion had
to be sacrificed, there was not debt
that remained unpaid, while some mon
ey was left with him. Wise men, in
the reviewal of his conduct, were heard
to say that he was exceedingly honest,
or an immoderate fool.
"What think you of human nature,
my friend ?" said he to me.
"It's philosophical enigma" re-
piled.
$50 it was with me till l solved it, :"
said he. 81 found it strange compan-
ion; the larger portion of which was
selfishness. For instance, when the
gliding of wealth covered my name, /
was sought after by the very men who
now turn their backs on me. / was
hattered by women, who, if my name
was now mentioned in their presence,
would affect a forgetfulness of ever
having heard it. After dinner we will
make some calls, during which you will
perceive some ample illustration of
what l have said"
Accordingly after dinner we set out.
We first entered the counting-room
of merchant, to whom he introduced
me as 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 bade the, merchant good
afternoon, and we found ourselves in
the street.
"This is Illustration No. l." said he
with a smile.
SIS it possible that you could ever
have been intimately acquainted with
this man." / asked.
"That man had been reduced to the
extremity of begging for his dinners.
Time after time have l even accommo.
dated him. l even loaned him money
to commence business, and now you
see how graciously he has entertained
me and my friend"
We next passed the door of an ele.
giant mansion, wherein Raymond had
been frequent and honored guest. 1,
was the residence of q professional
gentleman, of large fortune, who still
did Raymond the justice to regard him
on all occasions as his friend, and treat
him as such. His lady had even pro
fessed friendship for him greater thar
her husband's-if not for her own, al
least for her daughters sake, to whom
rumor reported, he was engaged
Since Raymond's misfortune was whis
pered to her, she no longer spoke o
him as a dear friend, but endeavored
to pursuade her husband to Grid the
. house of him." which provoked tn,
calm reply.
"He is gentleman, and as such it il
my will that you should entertain hin
whenever he may honor your house
with his presence"
On this account, suppose, we were
tolerated in the present instance, fo
the gentleman was not at home. TIL,
lady treated us rather cody, which
was prepared to see. After we wer,
seated, Raymond inquired for Mis-
Richards, her daughter, to which tn,
lady replied, with an apparent shrug O
) the shoulders, that she was well, bu
at present engaged.
"No mama, | am not" said the beau
tiful girl, as she lightly entered tn,
room. 81 am happy to meet an OLE
friend, who, l am sure, is none the les
welcome from being unfortunate"
The lovers-for they really were
had not met since Raymond's misfor
! tune, and their meeting was now
: heartfelt, that / could not for momen
doubt the affection of either. saw
also the cloud that rested upon tn
= brow of Mrs. Richards, nor was vas
, surprised to hear her say
"My daughter is SO pleasantly en-
y gagged, gentlemen, that trust my pres
ence is no longer required )" and, with
: r out ceremony, she left the room.
"Clara," said Raymond, taking he
white hand, "are all my fondest hope