Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-05-10


Europe alone. / tagged away, often heart
sick and weary, till sudden turn of affairs
put me in as junior partner of the firm in
which | first entered as humble assistant
Also about this time my father died, leaving
an unsullied name behind him, and prop
erty that, divided between ten children, gave
each Of them $1,000 Allmy brothers were
now settled, most of them in distant part
Of our country, aud my only sister, pretty
E;tle creature of nineteen, was claimed by
me as her elder brother, and head Of the
family.
Then, too, hope long cherished, but FIRE
quently relinguished, became at once feasi
ble as it was delightful. l could now pos
sess home of my own, simple and plain
for this alone my reeans permitted-bdt still
my own, where my sisterand one other per-
son, even dearer, should take their places
by the hearthstone, and rule by right of au-
.hority and affection.
This was fifteen years ago, be it remem-
bered man in those happy days could
buy small house at moderate price, and
furnish it, without utter ruin, at the uphol-
sters. Indeed the snug dwelling which so
comfortably contained my household goods,
my dear little Susie, and my still more
charming Caroline. was in itself nothing re
markable, but to my eyes the abode of hap
piness and luxury.
As it chanced, about two months after my
marriage, | met, accidently, my friend Paul
Contend in the street not far from my own
house. looking for lodgings after a prolonged
tour in Europe Never was friend more
affectionately greeted than l !; never did my
heart respond more warmly &c Centend' 5
kindly interest.
| invited him Immediately to my house
and promised him unlimited hospitality
from my wife and sister.
/ shall never forget Pauls fcst visit at
my modest domicile He took stock in
a moment of all my economical arrange
ments, and smile which brought back re-
miniscences Of boyhood, lit up his face as
with a gleam of sunshine.
The same cd two and sixpence are you,
my boy, as when first We met upon the
banks of Deel' And does your adored ad-
mire mahogany and hair cloth, and conde-
scend to put her feet on a viliainous three
ply? She must be very much in love in
deed -
Il hope she Is, said laughIng; ''at
any rate she Is contented, apparently. with
me and NY belongings. Ihlve done as wei
for Ia h.r as I could afford. and she know 1t
anj Is satisfied; indeed, happily for my
pocket. neither Of us has expensive tastes,
nor sisLs foT what Is uuat,aiuable, -
There Is ths mistake yoI alg. Us make.
my dear fellow; : handsome thing a, double
the common price Is the cheapest, because
it does not 90 ont Of fashion and lasts longer
Depend uron it, rosewood furniture and the
heaviest carpets are The best Investments IN
the end
Certainly f5- = rich mar. IN. I have not
the maney to pay for such things, and in
debt 7 viii never be.
There you are again. Wkstalks about
debt? Everybody says yoa have money put
away IN an old stocking, and can afford to
do as you please.
That is a mistake. have a good bnsi-
ness and thiS house. and esnnot afford to
use everything up in the present.
Ceptenj now planted himself on the cor
ner Of my comfortable, though despised
sofa. and discourse3 elo1Ienhy for tz7o NOR
tai holrs about his European tour, lis pres
ent plans and future purposes.
Now I an going to work, Ee said,
laughing. 4 am educated to a P5in. that
will make me a. useful person in any capacity
and will undertake any kind Of business
which will be at the same time very light
and very remuncrative-
'Remuueratiyel You, one Of the lucky
o,,es, talking of WORK What viii happen
next e.
We'll, Jack, the fact of il is, that tour
in Europe cuts into ones capital in the wo
fullest style imaginable. l don't know
whether I should have gone. had kn5wn
how things would really have turned cut
but you see. travelling first-class and al that
sort of thing IS expensive, and OF course
nothing else is fit foT = gent eman-
''.Ahen. And suppose there are many
other ways Of getting rid of ones money
besides travelling first class .
Well, you know L never gamble. and
don prefer running in debt, or trouble of
any kind, it Is 81 intensely vulgar. But |
did give some of the neatest dinners in Par
Is ever 20. up by an American, don't mind
telling you that, and it made dreadful hole
in my purse. assure you"
Il am sorry to hear it. You are one Of
those who can't afford to be poor; your
tastes are too elegant
Stop laughing al me, Jack, and give me
the best advice as 10 what shall do and
here Pau, l,relying on my faithful friendship.
gave me long account Of his financial diff
iculties, for, having spent nearly two-thirds
of his eapifal, his means were entirely too
limited to suit his ideas as 10 what was alb
solutely necessary for a gentleman's decent
appearance.
At this turn of proceedings my wife and
sister suddenly entered the room. They had
been out shopping together, and as they
came into The parlor. animated and bloom