Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-12-02

ent ana prospective misery
Blanche Devonport had been brought up
tenderly-the darling of fond father and
and over iDdulgent mother; then, after her
marriage every gift wealth could bestow was
lavished upon her by kind husband But
though apparently the spoiled child of for
tune, she had noble, high principled mind
that prosperity could not harm nor adversi-
ty crush. Those bitter tears tell, not because
she beheld passing away wealth and its en-
joyments, but that her husband name should
be accounted dishonored
By the time Blanche reached her home,
she had resolved in her own mind what
course to pursue. The child had fallen "a
sleep, and was taken up stairs to his nurse.
Mrs. Devonport was gratified to discover
that her own maid, not expecting their re,
turn for several hours, had gone to spend
the afternoon She locked the room door,
threw off the bonnet covered with its snowy
plumes, the delicate peach colored dress
trimmed with rich and expensive lace, laid
aside the elegant little watch and chain with
their costly appendages, then selected black
silk dress, a simple lace collar and cuff, aud
would have even brushed straight the beau
tiful hair, almost the golden hue of her
child s-but no, it absolutely would curl and
wave as before. She sat down few min
utes to collect her scattered thoughts for
the first time in her existence she was TO
confront the stern realities of life-but what
er?-she had her husband and her child
left ner. At length, rising and ringing the
bell, she inquired If Mr. Devonport had re-
turned. He had, ,and was with Mr. Merton,
his solicitor, in the library. Blanche felt a
little nervous, but calmly went down stairs,
then through suite of splendid apartments
to the library Her hand was on the handle
of the door, gently opening it, when she
heard her husbands voice.
Morton, will make any sacrifice buy
time Tor payment, at any price, If can only
keep these cmbarrassments from my wife s
knowledge"
His wife entered the room
Dear A thur, I kfOC dH--and now no
further sacrifice must be made Mr. Morton,
as my husband friend, | beg you will ex-
plain to me the most honorable course to
ourselves, the most just to those to whom
money is due. -
Devonport was lost IN amazement; he rose
and clasped ber in his arm $.
MY brave little wife Fool and coward
that have been | did not do you justice
There, Morton, have your owu way now
Confound it, but | am happier than before
| owned shilling"
And the poor fellow brushed away tear
from his eyes.
The lawyer then briefly explained to
Blanc he, that, IN consequence of the failure
of large firm abroad, her husband was on
the verge of bankruptcy; that he had ad
vised meeting the approaching crisis by les
seuing their expenses, and, with Mr.. De
vonport's as istance, he felt confident OF Ill
timately arranging matters satisfactorily.
Then in reply to his questions as to how
she obtained her information, Blanche de-
tailed the conversation IN the Crystal la!ace,
and inquired the name Of the gentleman to
whom they were indebted-yes, said she,
indeJtcd for her knowledge of these affairs
for he should be reimbursed by the sale
of every jewel she possessed, and the mon
ey inciosed in the note, with the compli
ments of the Eastern princess and then
poor Blanch began to laugh hysterically, and
asked for glass of water.
my dear child, cried Arthur, show in
considerate have been. You have taken
nothing since breakfast" He rang the bell,
ordered dinner to be FASTENED, and would not
allow word to be spoken on business until
they returned to the library, when all three
sat down to discuss deliberately how, in the
most prudent manner, they might weather
the storm.
The London season being at its height,
the house of the Devonports was easily
rented. A cottage in an unfashionable su-
burbau district was taken, and thither they
conveyed sufficient from their former resi-
dence to furnish it simply yet elegantly.
Bat the chief part Of the costly and valua-
bic articles in the house we've sold, as well
as the horses and carriages.
Neariy all the servants were ! dlu anu ui~-
missed-the lady who condescended to act
as nurse, and of whom Blanche stood
slightly in awe, among the number; young
housemaid. who was great favorite with
Max, begged to remain, and was retained
to supply her place; the lady's maid was
dispensed with, as Nelly would attend upon
Mrs Devonport also; she, with two sisters
formed the entire establishment
Belgravis looked on and wondered; then
in few days the Devonports were forgot
ten But if the creditors were surprised,
they we're also gratifed, for within year
all was paid in full. Mr.. Devonport who
probably had been too reliant on others,
now attended closely to business, and work
ed early and late, stimulated to exertion by
the heroic conduct of his wife.
Que morning shout six months after the
events already related, gentleman was an
nounced. The delicate tint on Blanche De-
vonpors's cheek changed to deeper color,
as she read the name of Mr.. Charles Stan
ley on his card.
''ParGon my intrusion Mrs Dveonport, !"