Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1871-08-28
JEAN REATEAES.

Jean BsAuvais paced up and down his
apartment with q trouble and unsstisfed
air, too feverish to seek repose, although
the night was far advanced, and ruminag>
ing bitterly over the difficulties Of has po-
sltlon, which were far from being sentiment
al.
The only son OF 8 well-kuown and highly
respected ship-merchant of HAvrs, who died
some years previously, from whom he in
herited g prosperous business and Abundsnt
means, bat neither bis caution nor saascity,
he had made, on his own account, SO msng
rash and unsuccessful ventures, that his
wealth had dwindied down into insignihc-
Ance-hia credit, once so good, being com
pletely shaken. The winter then ending
had to him been q long series of m%isfortu.
mes; twice he had rlsked largely ON two
Liverpool blookAde-ruHners, celebrated for
their successful; trips to southern ports,
which were both taken By the northern
cruisers; two of his ships, richly freigh.ed
from Brazil, persisted in the Bay OF BlseAy.
uninsured his cotton specGlstioDs, entered
into lust 81 the close OF the American war.
resulted in & heavy loss aud 4 number OF
his Oldest customers, unable to Withstand
the pressure of those difficult times, were
forced 10 suspend their payments.
Reviewing his state Of affairs from every
point of view, he despsired of weaEhering
the storm, aud saw clearly that ne would
have TO sncoumb.
Looking out Of the window of the com-
Portable mansion, built with the honest earn
ings of his thrifty father, 10 q picturesque
spot on the banks OF the Seins, between
Rouen and HAvre, Il rung his heart to think
that he must part with the home of his
childhood, and that his old mother would
suffer throught his Imprudenoe.
"Thers is no hope fer it, nos" he else
ulAtsd, "and the day Of humiliation for us
cannot long be delayed" AS be gSzed out
ia the moonlight, recognizing every well
known feature Of the landscape, be thought
the scenery around him never looked 30
fair.
On the morrow he fully Rcuuaintsd his
mother Of the ~ruinous state OF his affairs,
expressing his regret and remorse for the
rARhness and folly Of which ne had been
guilty.
The old lady Was grieved beyond express
sion to near such q report, for she Was
proud Of the prosperity created by her Ia
mentsd husband.
"My boy she sand, "do whA is right
place everything you possess in the hands
Of your creditors keep nothing back from
Thorn with the wreck Of your fortune, you
may, perhaps, have enough left TO begin
life anew, in an humber way and in q bet
ter spirit. As for me | will retire to Rouen,
where | rave means of my own sufficient to
keep me in comfort.
Next week, the commercial circle of
HSvre we're discussing the failure of the
cid established house Of Jean BssuvAis. He
laid before them o true statement of his
position, placed houses, lands, shipping, and
everything he possessed, down to his gold
watch chain. at their disposal, After a thor
ough examination, it was found that the
assets amounted 70 sixty per cent. Of the
liabilities. Jean gave them every assistance
in realizing The value OF the Asssts, and pro
missed to pay the forty per cent. Of deficit,
If more successful his next ssarG in life.
On the last evening ne spent in the old
mansion, he wrote the following note to
Elise Desire, to whom he was betrothed:
"MY DEAR ELISE: | deeply regret in
forming you that, through losses in business,
] am com pietsly insoiyent, and will TO NOR
row be obliged TO suspend payments. Little
or nothing will be saved from the wreck; as
you never possibly oontemp plated such al
emergency, and As ] could not consent to
make you q partner of my adversely, l, in
sorrow and sadness, release you from the
engagement you contracted with me.
"Inteuding soon to leave Havre, / only
add farewell, Elise, and may God bless you!
Yours, sincerely,
JEAN BEAUvIs."
The parents of Elise sympsthized with
jean IN hls misfortunes, and considered he
had acted wisely in their hearts thew wers
glad that the sacrifice on his part was volpn.
tary, which left their daughter free, and tbsv
congratulated themselves that this break
down occurred then instead of months lat.
or.
Elise, however, refused to listen TO the
voice OF reason and e%ntresty. She had set
her heart upon Jean, and his geuerous ram
uncistion of her hand made her All the mora
determined to hold him 10 his promise. Ear
~ next morning, Elise and her maiden aunt
wended their way up the hill toward Bel.
revue mousse WheEe they found him jaded and
Jean" she said, 81 am sorry for many
I" things, but will never consent to be parted
from you. You have no reason to despair
OF the future, because you are at present
under . cloud in the patient and courage
Gus discharge Of fresh duties, you will en-.
eFge from IL perhaps happier than ever. ]
Am not afraid Of . few privationS, which af
yer all do not signify much, ADD will wai
~ Won nnNel -