The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1863-01-07

Patience, the critical moment is al
hand. Amongst those present l had re-
marked from the first young man Of
most prepossessing appearance-about
my own age--polished in his manner, and
talented, as his conversation plainly show
ed. On his part he seemed equally pleas
ed with myself, and, before the evening
was over, we were the best friends in the
world, and it was agreed we should dine
together the next day. However, before
going further, L remembered my uncle's
advice, and, on my return home, opened
the famous book at the article Friends.
"The paragraph ran thus:
&c Friends. To distrust London friend
ship. Not be too easily led away by
the advances of strangers. Particularly
shun those who, with fascinating manners,
seem TO take fancy to you at your first
interview. AS general rule such are
mere adventures, who want to borrow
money of you.'
"Forewarned was forearmed. When,
the next day, my insinuating young friend
presented himself at my door, he was told
that | had changed my lodging, leav-
ing no address.
"This was No. l.
any time being my own, / had ven
tured on few timid attempts in litera-
ture. Verses naturally were among them,
an unpublished volume, and play, as l
thought, completely unknown. But things,
somehow, do come to light, | hardly know
how; and, one evening at party gave
in my own rooms, was asked TO repeat
mere trife--a sonnet. At first l re-
fused, but was overpersuaded. My play
and three sonnets all passed the ordeal.
at was a perfect triumph h!-compli-
ments, thanks, applausel | was retiring
to bed in ecstacy, when the inexorable
handbook rushed to my thoughts. l
opened it at the word Compliments
Compliments it sneered; 'never to be-
lieve one word of the praises of the world.
True merit never excites anything but en-
yy-the more you are praised, the less
you should think Of YOURSELF
(Which means, clearly, / thought,
with sigh, that am a perfect nonenti-
ty. My poor MSS. did not take five
minutes in burning.
"This was No. 2.
al now turned my thoughts on acquir-
ing wealth. Fortunately, merchant to
whom l had been introduced as sue
cessful speculator, had condescended to
express great appreciation of plan | had
conceived, and had expressed himself most
kindly towards me. Giving me his card
he added:
"' Come and see me tomorrow; we
will talk over this together, and as you
appear intelligent'-these are his words
9 l may be able to get you a share in a
most lucrative affair.".
AS | was preparing the next morn
ing to.kcep this appointment, thought
crossed my mind-I had forgotten TO
consult the handbook. l turned over its
leaves impaticntly, till l came to the word
Business
"'Business. On this point more than
on any other, mistrust is most necessary
quality. Speculations are double opera
tions-cheat on one side-dupes on the
other. Rnle without exception. Should
any speculation be proposed oyou, deem
it worthless, otherwise it would not be of
fered you, as men prefer keeping the good
things of this life to themselves
"On reading these lines l sincerely
blessed the uncle who had snatched his
nephew from such imminent danger. As
for the merchant, l need hardly say that
| never went to his house, but when /
met him accidentally ! turned my head
away to avoid recognizing him. A
wretch who lived on dupes.
"This was No. 8.
"I think l said l was then just twen-
ty-one. Who, at that age, can help fall
ing in love? How beautiful Flora was
how full of candor, innocence and mod
ern grace thought, too, she was not
quite insensible to my devotion. Indeed,
some stolen words and glances had almost
converted doubt into certainty. ! was
told she had but slight expectations, but
l should have been ashamed 10 have made
that consideration. l determined on
making my sentiments known to her the
next day. But first the handbook lay
open before me.
"' Love-Marriage. A snare to catch
fools. To dread, like the plague, the soft
glances and moderate airs of portionless
girls. This is one Of the most common
kind of trickery.'
Trickery There was the word.-
Was j TO allow myself to be tricked
How exact the description. Soft glances,
modest airs" 'portionless. Very near.
ly so-what an escape! Without my un.
cles's handbook, what would have become
of mel
"When l met her again, my withering
contempt proved that her unworthy STRAIT.
agems were discovered.
Yet that evening l was exasperated
without knowing why. l wanted to bt
reyenged on somebody. 1t SO happened
that every one was enthusiastic in the
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