The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-02-27
THE IMPENDING RUIN.

he is not well."
"But, Maudc, shall you golf he is sick?'
"Pshaw he is not sick. Jane is always
fussy, only | shall feel easier if | know
you are with him. Go of course [ shall
go. | wouldn't miss this party for any
thing. 1t will be the one of the season
and my dress was made on purpose. Is
it not lovely? | wss three whole day
looking for this exact shade of rose color
and the lace is perfection | have nor
dared to ask what Madame gave for it
Then these new pufs are so becoming, land
nothing suits my complexion like blush
roses. Elise, raise that bud about half
an inch-so p and the beauty stood erect
before the long glass;. trifling with The
full folds of her rich silk, and touching
a fall of lace here aud there to add to the
effect of the costly toilette. Never did a
perfectly fitting robe cover more grace
full 6gure,or an exquisite couture eighteo
the charms of a fairer face The delicate
features, soft, waving brown hair, large
hazel eyes, and rich, beautiful complexion
each and all cdded charms. FROM the
wcll-poised head to the tiny foot there
was beauty in all.
Il wish you would ever 60 out Hattie, "
was the next remark of this bright but
terfy. You would be almost pretty if
you would dress like other folks, and wear
your hair in anything but these old maidy
folds. What's the matter to night Z You
are unusually grave, even for you"
"Notbing more than | have already
told you. | am afraid there is something
wrong with Wilfred. He looks SO pale
and haggard that it worries me-"
4'Do you really think him i'll 2" The
wife's face grew shade anxious too.
Not exactly i'll, but l am sure some.
thing is troubling him."
'FOh, hard times The old cry. I never
asked papa for a cent when he did not
tell me it was hard times, and yet he left
US ten thousand dollars piece, and there
were seVea eff US, and mammals thirds
besides. 1t is always hard times with
business men. am sure Wilfred never
denies me anything,and if he were really
IN wact of money, why, you know I could
do With less Jewels and dresses, and
there are other ways TO save I suppose.
But what's the use of talking about it.
You and can do nothing | think
have kept that carriage waiting long
enough. Elise, nay hood aud cloak. Good
night, Hattie Don't forget about Willie.
Dear little man | would 60 10 and kiss
him only | am afraid he will cry when |
60 away. AdieuP p and away she tripped
humming polka, as her light feet crossed
the hall.
Hattie Farquar waited till she heard
the hall door close, and then stepped
across the entry to the nursery. The
nurse sat before the fire rocking in her
arms lovely boy of about two summers,
whose flushed face and restless movements
spoke of feverish illness. In little crib
another child girl of four years of age
was sleeping quietly.
"YOu can go to bed Jane," said Har.
riet, taking the child from the nurses
arms. 81 will stay here till Mrs Farquar
retnrns. Wilfred darling come to auntie. y
The child nestled down coutentedly
into the loving emprace, and for hours
the auut sat before the fire soothing and
ceressing her little charge.
1t was long past midnight when she
placed him now sleeping quietly in his
little cradle, and went softly down to the
sitting-room. To her surprise she found
it occupied. Seated before the fire, his
hands folded over his knees, his face
clouded with gloomy thoughts, sat the
master of the house. .....-
And here let me pause moment tc
introduce the inmates of this house to ny
readers. Wilfred and Harriet Farqnal
were orphans, born in far western home
and early 10 life left with mere pittiance
for support. For few years they strug
gled in their own home for a living, ther
an offer being made to the young man o
situation in counting house in the city
of B---he left the west and accepted
the new position. Hattie at the same
time opened small school in a village a
few miles from her old home.
Fortune smiled upon Wilfred or rathe,
by his own industry, energy, and appli
cation, be conquered the tickle dame, and
rose in his station. From one clerkshiI
to another he advanced steadily, and BY
close economy 10 his ptivate expenditure
saved gradually, until at last he was able
to go into business for himself,i in modes
way, but still prosperously.
Then he married, Of his wife Harrie
heard but little, save that she was beauti
full and winning, and had ten Thousand
dollars. From the day when first he fell
independent of work, WiIfred had urged
his sister to leave her school and come tC
him, but she preferred her independence
and atnnHIlu III -: