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

TIE MERCHANTS WIFE.
A handsome barouche with splendid pair
of horses, harness and trappings all of equal
style, waited at the open door of mansion
10 fashionable square at the west end of
London. A young. beautiful and richly
sttired lady descended the steps accompanied
by gentleman, who handed her into her
seat; already a lovely boy of about four
years old was placed there.
Come vita us. papa" be cried, ''this
once"
DO, Arthur, echoed the young mother !;
Max pleads for US
Dear Blanche, am overwhelmed with
business this morning. But you will not be
alone. Are you not going to take up Laura
and Fanny Oliphant? There. go and enjoy
yourselves; We shall meet at dinner
He pressed the little hand resting on the
carriage door and she kissed his in return to
their parting salutations, as the spirited
horses, that had been paving the ground
impatIently, dashed off at full speed
Arrived at the Oliphants, Mrs. Devon
port found her cousins ready. There was a
flower show and musical festival at Syden-
ham, and the Crystal Palace, so worthy of
that name, would be attended by the gay
votarIes of fashion and pleasure. Some
came there on this fair summer day to view
the rare and choice flowers, and others to
listen to fine music, many 70 behold the
n IL
science, collected in the far famed palace, but
many more to meet with friends or 10 exhib
It their elegant toilettes. and discuss the dii-
ferent events then on the topics in London.
Laura and Fanny Oliphant had fingered
among the flowers, whether induced to re-
mHln by the sweet perfumes and glowing
ccIors, or by the appearance of two dashing
yonng guardSmen of their acquaintance who
usually hunted in couples, the reader must
decide. Mrs Devonport, fatigued with wan
derlng up and down the gay crowd, after ap-
pointing place Of meeting with her cousins.
left them, and with her young son seated
herself to hear the music of a new opera.
Ills little hands were filled with expensive
toys she had bought for him.
What a beautiful child" was the gen
eTai remark OF strangers as they passed him
Oy and beautiful he looked in his white en-
brodered cashmere dress and dark blue sash
across one shoulder, forming contrast to
the curls that tell over it ike shower of
goid,a velyet'cap the color of his sash, whose
single plume was fastened by rich jewel.
Immediately behind Mrs. Devonport were
seated two gentlemen, apparently more in
'eTe>ted IL each other conversation than in
the line strains from the orchestra. Be
tween pause in the music, Blanche over
heard an unwilling listener) portion of
their conversation.
And 50 the great house of Devonport &
20. Is likely to become bankrupt"
lou greatly astonish me; | thought De
'onport one Of our wealthiest merchants "
l can only say, replied the first speak
er' that few days since bill to heavy
amount was returned to me, and on making
inquiries this morning in the city, from a
Lr,enl who Is usually au fat in such matters,
nave 10 doubt their liabilities will be en-
oFnous- And then they live in such an
expensive style, that little wife of Devon
Put might be an Eastern princess.
Foor Blanche! She could have exclaimed
with Beatrice. What fire is in mine ears
'@A this be true?" She burst not leave the
spoN ieaung To attract their notice. At
"usLh' after what appeared to her an incal-
'aa'.e space Of time, little Max, who vainly
TH1eaFoFed to attract his mother attention,
Sssah TO cry. She rose, and taking her child S
Ianl moved away. Fastening through the
'Ilohg, she sought her young cousins.
Blanche, what ails you? How pale you
i9ok, said Laura.
have a sudden headache, dear, (heart
%'ue would have been more truthful.) The
''7e' aud noise are insupportable. But will
"'' Iake You away the carriage shall return,
Hua these gentlemen will escort you back to
town"
Ohe OF the young officers found Mrs. De-
'Onpcrt carriage, and conducted her to it.
SHe bowed her thanks. Home" she just
'ound voice TO utter to the liveried servant.
Who stood waiting her commands; then, as
'Dey drove of, she sank back and burst into
tears
What chsngel 1t was like one awakine
, nom dream, and what rude awakening !
oniy few hours since she had left splen-
uld abode, brilliant and happy; the very
spnoeams seemed to dance before her path