Middletown transcript., 1875-03-27

had seemed to the young man. igno
rant in all business details, as secur
az they were fattering, had fallen :
ruin. and a few hundred dollars onl
were left Of what had been noble for
tune.
At first Raymond did not realize tn
extent Of his misfortune. He was still
young, we'll educated, in perfect health
and certainly the world held some nich'
where be could earn an honest living
But weeks Of seeking for employment
gave him ksener knowledge of hi'
misfortune. Friends who bad beer
willing to smoke his cigars and drink
his wines, who were yet willing to ex.
tend every social greeting. shook theil
heads when asked to confde any por.
ton Of their business into bis keeping
Brought up to study. to live life Of
elegant leisure, Raymond Thurston. al
twenty EIGHT, knew absolutely nothing
of business, nor had be studied any
one branch sufficiently to qualify him.
self for teacher. He tried faithfully
to find some employment. spending
what little remained of his fortune with
the lavish hand that had net yet learn
ed economy.
Society welcomed him home after
two years Of wandering. for Amabel
Barclay kept an open house for her
friends, and Raymond was favorite
in her circle. Her husband, many
years older than herself, had long ago
retired from business, with large in
come. and while he gave Raymond
cordial welcome, bad no opportunity to
aid him in finding occupation.
And Bertha Haines, the friend from
whom Raymond parted two years before,
10 this renewed intercourse, became to
him more than ever was friend before.
They had not thought Of love in the
days when the girl was debutante in
society, and Raymond one Of its favor
ite beaux but when they met, after the
long parting, some new emotion stirred
both hearts They did not know what
made the hours pass SO quickly when
they were together, nor recognize the
subtle charm that dwelt for each in the
others presence, for many weeks.
Raymond was the first to awaken to
the knowledge that love was the charm
that bound him to Bertha's side, when
ever she was present; that it was love
that made her eyes-the dark spark
ling eyes-so beautiful in their express
sion; that love turned her voice 50 mu-
sical; that lsve made her the dearest
Of all women in his eyes
Amabel was delighted. Bertha was
one Of her own-fast friends, and Ber-
tha's father a merchant of standing
and influence. Aside from this the
girl had inherited money from her
mother. Altogether. Amabel decided
the match would be charming. But
hint to that effect met Raymond's stern
est frowns, such as had never visited
his face in the old sunshine days.
"Nevsr speak of it again. Amabel."
he said. >"L am no fortune hunter to
live upon the money of rich wife.
Ell carve out my own way firstp'
But carving his own way proved tc-
dious work, till, desperate at his many
failures, he accepted position. offered
in jest. Of driver to an express wagon.
II do understand horses" he said,
"if I cannot sell goods or keep books"
It proved harder work, however,
than in the first flush of his despara-
tion he had imagined Not the mere
work; that be soon conquered /; but the
sights, rudeness and stares Of his old
friends. Some few recognized the
true nobility that accepted honest la
Dor rather than an easy dependence
upon wealthy connections, but these
were few.
A week passed, when one morning.
delivering some goods at one Of the
most fashionable stores on Broadway,
as be went out, Raymond saw Bertha
Haines opening the door Of her low
carriage. An impulse made him start
forward to hand her out, only to draw
back, crimson with confusion, and
dropping the hand be was raising to
lift his hat. The sweet musical voice
be loved spoke at once:
"Please, Mr.. Thurston, help me with
this obstinate door. 1t will stick +"
He went forward, then, with all the
easy grace of manner that had ever
marked his intercourse with ladies.
The little gloved hand was extended to
meet his. as she thanked him.
1T is too bad you are engaged" she
said. II should like to borrow your
artist eye to aid me in selecting dress
for my reception on Thursday evening
But you will come and tell me how I
succeeded alone, will you net 2"
She said the last words very earnest
ly, raising her dark eyes to his face.
"Do you really wish me to come
now?" he asked.