The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1868-01-25
From Gleason's Literary Companion.
Thomas Minturn's Failure,
Ky REV. HoRATIO ALGER, JE.

Thomas Minturn sat in his counting room
late one afternoon with his head bowed down
upon his desk. His face wore a look Of deep
depression. A blow had that day fallen
which he had for some time anticipated
which he had struggled against with despo.
rate energy, but as it proved Intellectually.
In one word he was ruined!
A year before Thomas Mintun had nc.
counted himself worth quarter of million.
But q series OF calamities, beginning with
the loss OF vessel on Il return voyage from
the Fast Indies, laden with valuable cargo,
and ending with the suspension of a firm
heavily indebted to him, had brought about
the catastrophe under which he now lay
PROSTATE.
''lf it were only MYSELF he groaned, ~
could bear it, but how will my wife bear it,
and my children? / have accustomed them
to every luxury. Now they will be reduced
10 the bare necessaries OF life
Although his difficulties had been gather.
ing about him for several months, he hadn't
had the moral courage to breathe q word to
his family, who still believed him as wealthy
aus ever.
1t was with heavy heart that the ruined
merchant put on his hat and coat, and bent
his steps homcward The task which he had
dreaded must now be performed. 1t was
absolutely necessary now that his wife should
know his altered circumstances
His family lived in an elegant house mp
town, handsomely furnished rs became the
dwelling of a merchant prince. Soft car
pets, rich curtains, carved furniture, costly
mirrors, valuable paintings, all spoke Of
wealth, but alas, they were false symbols,
for the wealth had departed.
"Iou are late tonight" said Mrs Min
turn, fine, looking woman, coming forward
to meet him. IL was about to order dinner.
supposing you were occupied in some way"
"Yes, Mary, was Detained" said her
husband briefly.
Papa" said Grace, the eldest daughter,
aged seventeen, 81 have an invitation to
Mrs. Delacour's party. May go?
''When is it to be?'
"Ncxt week.
Before next week his failure would be
known throughout the city.
81 vii. speak about it Tomorrow" said
Mr. Minturn.
Papa said George, boy of fifteen,
"here is DR.. Armstrong bill for the next
terms tuition. Can you let me have the
money for it Tomorrow
''How much is 2"
"I'ilty dollars for me, aud the same for
Henry"
"A hundred dollars then
Eyes, sir.
~ think, said Mr. Minturn, hcstating,
that shall not continue to send you to Dr.
Armstrong; school,
II thought you considered ii a good
school, said George in surprise.
II do
"Thcn why do you take us away
Mrs. Minturn's eyes were fixed upon her
husbands also inquirngly. She too, was
puzzled by this announcement.
The opportunity had come, little sooner
than he anticipated, for revelation of his
position.
II have some heavy news for you oil, y he
began. "You probably think me rich
man, as year since was, but loss after
loss has come upon me, and o'day has com.
pleted the wreck of my fortunes. J aul
rnined!"
as that what has made you so thoughtful
of late, Thomas?" asked his wife calmly.
'les, Mary"
"Why did you not breathe hint of it to
me? Was not entitled to know it -
~ did not wish to pain you, Mary"
''But you had it to bear"
al care for it most on your account and
our ehildren's.
But suppose do not mind it?''
"Sot mind it o.