Smyrna times., 1874-01-14
A Miniature Novel,

Some six or seven years ago, by one OF the
current accidents of social intercourse, there
came together, and got interested in each other
in an American city, young man and young
womsa. The man was educated, in profess
sonal life, of good social rank, aud generally
esteemed Of more than average ability. Those
who thought best of him believed he was sure,
sooner or later, to do great things.
In the meantime, he had the misfortune to
be poor The young woman was the daughter
of rich manufacturer. She had been brought
up to attach at least its proper value TO money,
but she had too much innate refinement to be
purse proud. An affection sprang up between
these two people, avowed in time on both sides,
cementsd by every reciprocal pledge of fidelity
The matter became knows, after a space, to
the lady family, aud then began the peculiar
phase Of the story that has; now reached its
climax. An explaeation having become neces-
sary, the lover was confounded with the state
ment from his per6dious adored one that he
had totally misconceivsd her feelings aud in-
tentions. There was much talk, but this was
the gist and end of it. The invention was as
palpable as its purpose.
Astonished as was the poor fellow, he was
equally helpless. Either the girls own pride
OF the stress of family influence had led her to
adopt q course, which however painful or how
ever wicked, presented the advantage of ad
mitting absolutely of no appeal. Bewildered,
humiliated, and stricken to the heart, the
suitor accepted the situation like brave, if
also like sensitive man. Adieux were ex'
changed in the guise of friendhness, but when
the discarded admirer went away, he made up
his mind that he had gone away forever. The
play and the reality are in precise accord here,
and they continue wonderfully so to the end.
Years rolled by, and the affiuent manufac-
turer, who had thought himself far and away
beyond the caprice Of fortune, by series OF
unlucky chances became slightly embarrassed
Tight money markets, the failure of correspon-
dents, the encroachments of competitors, a re-
!. duced demand in his special trade, each or all
} increased this embarrassment, until at last. in
advanced age, and living in O most expensive
, manner, he found himself on the brink of fail
urs and ruin. Pending this, the "whirligigt
of time" had been at work in good earnest
The man who had been 80 deXterously--oi
: shamelessly out of his bride, partly
by the force of his natural genius, partly bJ
: good foltune, had risen to wealth and power.
: By one of those chances which il is the fash
ion to say happen only on the stage, or in sen
: sation romance, but which do in sooth Otter
: come to pass in real life. the key, 30 10 speak
1 TO the manufacturers position fell into thi
b gentleuans hands. Bills 30 O large amour
0 made by the former Cresus' potential influence
with the corporations and individuals, viii
t whom his affairs we're most blended, were q
e the control of the lover of five years ago. b
a natural process again. il fell out thar the oil
IS position was resumed, but this time under haI
pier auspices. 1t was natural that the old ger
}, tleman should be willing 20 espy and use
y practical method of escape from his dificultiei
:, 1t was natural that the younger man shoul
r hail with JOY the chance TO recover his lost love
l. An engagement was soon made, then, on term
IT easy to imagine, and this time without an
"a lying or equivocation.
o The relative situations had changed, an
It there was room both for happy revival Of th
a past, and polite silence concerning ID.
Of this, too, the bridegroom presented himsel
s, and then in the presence of the brides famil
le and friends came the climax. Ii Ia not TO
I'd justified. and yet none can say il was not
le righteous retribution. To be brief, the brid
IS groom, in the drama and in the reality, are
he the same exact accord as up to the catastrophe
Q, On the morning Of the day fixed fer the wee
at ding, and st an hour fixed tor signing nscessal
20 papers, the bridegroom proceeded calmly
q tell the whole truth of his relations with I'll
er young lady and her family. Having rscite
.. the nature OF his provocation, he wound up
Of recitins, that of his revenge. This consisted
le bis utter refusal ever to wed the woman he ha
70 once loved, and to whom he had been for
at second time aifianeed. The indigestion an
IA excitsm snt that followed need not be describe
in The act was cruel and unmanly; but il mu
r. be remembered that for years the iron hi
n been citting into the perpetrators soul.
M the play the girl, who throughout everythiB
,f. tenderiv loves the man whom she once betray,
ri and 30 taught TO betrsy herself, marries hi
ir after ali. when she ID Just dying OF brok,
az heart. In the drama OF .rsal life, the actis
e has proceeded only as far as ne have related