The Van Buren press., 1875-01-26

married the next summer. III was no"
the middle Of April, and had been II
st. Louis nearly two years, and my &C
auaintance with Ada had extended over
year and half Of that time. In this
short period l had fallen, through hel
temptation and influence into life o.
dissipation, which resulted in my dis
charge and consequent diss race. Fol
three months preceding the time o.
which l write, there had been gradua
manifestation Of reserve and colduess IL
her treatment of me. She had grown tlrec
Of her Irritation, and took advantage o.
the terrible change that had taken place
i'm nv habits to rid herself of me and my
attentions.
Twas now out of employment, and
searched around among the various mer
chants with whom ] was acquainted, II
the hope of obtaining situation. Bu
my discharge aud the reason, presented
serious obstacle in the way OF my sue
cess; and invariably was told, notwith.
standing my well-known ability, that
was too unsteady, and consequently got
ne employment
At the time of discharge, Ijhad about
three hundred dollars, and this would
have lasted me long time had not dis
sipated and gamblcd at fearful degree.
But my ill-success, in the efforts to OBJ
tain employment, had made me reckless,
and, for weeks had been incessant in
debauch.
NY board remained unpaid, and Mrs
Lawrence informed me if | did no. settle
up Immediately, must seek ot1er quar-
ters.
finally succeeded in obtaininga posi-
ton in pawnbroker establishment, and
changed my aristocratc boarding house
for one Of less pr1tcnsions, house on
north third street Dear reader, were
so disposed, could tell startling tales OF
pawn broking, carried on among the
members of so called good society, but
tina. would be foreign to the purpose of
my story Suffice it to say that ! was
called upon very often to wait upon la
dies with whom had associated in the
parlors of the rich.
! had not paid visit to Ada for long
time, not being very well pleased with the
reception had received, the last time
was in her company. We had not how
ever, had any serious disturbance, nor
did apprehend that she was governed
by any other motive than that which is
"A part of girlish nature, that is. a desire,
by an act Of reserve to bring her lover to
her feet How my doubts were put to
flight, my readers shall soon know.
One noon, as returned from dinner |
found negro, whose face well knew,
awaiting me with note. l opened it and
read:
OF interest to Il" "u5&ths 5&thsBbfgB,a MjltoNe"''"as"
ss,saLsAMs."
The terseuess of the note, and its ap-
parent GOODNESS, filled me with apprehen.
sion. tried to smother the unpleasant
thoughts that oppressed my mind, by try
ing to convince myself that Ada was Of
Tended with me because of my lack OF
attention for the last three or four weeks
But was satisfied that could easily ex-
plain the matter. and all would again be
as merry as marriage bell.' But, do
all that | might, could not keep the dis
NAL portent Of those words, a" Business
of interest to both Of us, prompts this
note" from my mind,
The appointed night came, and array
ed in my best suit of clothes. started
for Choteau Avenue, and the marble front
mansion of the Hon, Augustus Williams.
When reached the house, rctrospectlon
took possession Of my thoughts wan
dercd adown the dim aislcs Of the past.
Oh, how dreadful the change. | was no
longer the lighthear,ed boy that. less
than two years before, had trpped up the
long fight Of steps that led to this, then
gayly lighted palace Of pleasure Then
my heart was pure, and upon my head
seemed to rest lightly my mothers bles'
sing NV mothers gilt upon my little
finger, looked into my faae reminding me
of my solemn promises and resolutions.
II no longer encirced my finger; ! had
laid it away in my trunk, for could not
bear the constant upbraiding OF this 81
lent remembrance. Then, as | stood ut
the door Of that splendid residence, ]
was a sober man NoU, God help me !
stood there the degraded slave to my
love of cards and wine. ! raped at the
door, and was admitted TO the parlor,
where | found Ada, who bowed haughti'
ly. For moment the silence was pain.
full, and tho situation distressingly awk
ward Finally after one or two common
place observations, | said:
4" Miss Ada, ! received your note, last
evening, and am here at your request
"Ycs, sir she replied Z" l wished to
tell you that our engagement must be
broken, and that the sooner it 10 DONE
the better for oath of as
Why, Ada, have you ceased TO love
me ?" inquired eagerly.
Lore YOU" she exclaimed most bit
tcrly, IL necer loved you. Here's your
rinr," and she handed it to me, her eyes
sparkling, and her voice trembling with
anger"
"Why, them said ! piteously. " did
you promise to marry me z
That might the better nnd more
completely make you my servant. ! have
accomplished all that ! desired You are
at liberty; perhaps can find another AS
great a fool as YOURSELF she replied,
curling her lips in proud disdain'
You do not intend to keep your
promise, then, and marry me 7" ! asked,
concealing my temper.
=" Marry You" she exclaimed, rising
h,,.h,ilvto her feet. I" IIa, ha, ha J" she