The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-11-08
HUI M AN N A II U r e /;
OR, THE BANKRUPT MERCHANT.

most fourshing merchants. He was
welcomed guest in our so-called highest
circle of fashion, while many a calcula-
ting mamma regarded him as very de-
sirable son-in-law in prospective. Sud
denly he was overwhelmed by pecunlary
losses and embarrassments, while the
news spread as fast as gossip tongues
could report it. Strange to say, although
his elegant mansion had to be sacrificed,
there was not debt which remained un-
paid-while some money was yet left
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 is a philosophical enigma" I re-
piled.
$50 it was with me, until I solved it,"
said he, ~ found it strange compound
the larger portion of which was selfish
ness. For instance-when the gliding of
wealth covered my name was sought
after by the worry men who now turn their
backs upon me. I was f1attored by wo-
men who, if my name was now mention
ed in their presence, would affect a for
getfulness Of having heard it. After din
ner we will make some calls, during
which you will perceive some ample illus
trations of what have said"
Accordingly after dinner we sat out.
We first entered the counting room Of
q 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 mer-
chant good afternoon, and we found our
selves in the street.
"This is illustration number one," said
Raymond, laughingly.
''Is it possible that you could ever
have been intimately acquainted with this
man 2" asked
ssThat man has been reduced to the OK
tremity Of being obliged to beg for his
dinners. Time after time have thus ac-
commodated him. I even loaned him
money to commence business, and you
see how graciously he has entertained me
and my friend"
We next paused at the door of an ele-
giant mansion wherein Raymond had been
frequent and honored guest 1t was
the residence of professional gentleman
of large fortune, who still did Raymond
the justice to regard him on all occasions
as his friend and to treat him as such.
His lady lad professed greater friendship
for him than her husband, if not for her
own, at least for her daughters sake-to
| whom rumor once reported he was en-
gagged. Since Raymond's misfortunes
had been whispered, she no longer spoke
of him as o dear friend, but endeavored
to persuade her husband to rid the house
OF him, which provoked the calm reply:
"He is q 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 I suppose we were toll
Grated in the present instance, for the
gentleman was not at home. The lady
treated us rather coolly, which was pre-
pared to sec. After we wore seated,
Raymond enquired for Miss Richards, her
daughter, to which the lady replied, with
an apparent shrug of the shoulders, that
she was we'll, but at present engaged.
"No, mamma, I am not" said the beau
tiful girl, as she lightly entered the room.
~ am happy to meet an old friend, who,
l am sure, is not the less welcome by be-
ing unfortunate"
The lovers-for they really were-had
not met since Raymond's misfortune, and
their meeting was now so heartfelt that
could not for moment doubt the affec-
ton of either. I saw also the cloud
which rested upon the brow Of Mrs Rich
ards, nor was surprised to hear her say:
"My daughter is so pleasantly engaged,
gentlemen, that 1 trust my presence is
no longer required" and without ceremo-
ny she left the room.
"Clara," said Raymond, taking her
white hand, care all my fondest hopes to
be realized ? Can the daughter of a
wealthy gentleman condescend to ac-
knowledge her affection for poor bank
rupt merchant%
The fair girl blushed and looked doubt
fully at me.
"Do not fear to speak in hif presence"
said Raymond, 'for Penville next to your
self is perhaps my best friend"
'sThen listen," she said, smiling sweet
ly, ga few weeks ago by the consent of
my parents, 1 solemnly plighted my love
to one who has long since possessed my
hearts best affections. I did not ask the
weight of his money-bags, nor the depth
of his coffers-for those were matters
which did not form one item of conside-
ration with me. I found him agentle-
man and as such gave him my hand
Until I am convinced that am mistaken,
why should I desire toretract my wordsY'
"Clara, you are an angel" said Ray