Litchfield enquirer., 1876-05-11
The Heart of Robert Hammond.

Thirty years ago Ralph Hammond was famous Operator" in money, bonds, and other securities that were not per- haps quite as legitimate collaterals. A cold, hard man, whose blood might have been ice water, and whose heart was only a machine to keep his brain in working order. For Ralph was one of those workers who. ate his bread in the sweat of other mems brows; and he rather prided himself on the fact.
 He had married asimple, illiterate wo- man for her money, and she quietly slipped out of life after giving birth to a son and daughter, leaving all her pro- perty to her husband, he was not dis posed to consider his marriage an un- wise speculation. ,.-,.-.t t.... lsz
 How the children grew suppose their good angels knew. He gave them food and clothing and shelter and sent them to school. But every year he be- came conscious that they were growing to an age when it would be impossible . longer to ignore their existence. And this fact struck him not unpleasantly one fine Summer evening when they had returned together for the long vaca- tion.
 Robert, the eldest had became 6 really handsome fellow, and the father acknowl- edged this the more readily as, in appear ance, he "
 
 But here the resemblance ceased; mor- ally and mentally no two men could be more unlike. >e
 Lucy Hammond was,a brighter, fairer copy of her mother, pretty, gentle girl, ,-.....r r-
 "Not too bright and goodI E-s
 For human natures daily food.". So Ralph, coming one night to the dull, silent house, which he called "home," found there a new element which he scarcely knew how to manage. For though he acknowledged little love for his children, he was very sensitive as to whatever touched his own pride or com fort; and it gave him new sensation of pleasure to consider this fine, manly youth as his son, and the bright, pretty girl as 6 bond to his wishes and com- mands.
 However, he did nothing on impulse; he thought over every circumstance which might effect his welfare; and then resolved to take Robert into his office and make Lucy the manager of home which he refurnished with ostentatious but, grudging. extravagance. . At first Roberts share in the business was confined to it's most legitimate as- poets, and being apt and clever. he won his way very rapidly in hls fathers fa- -vor. But, as he became more familiar with the secrets of the business, and found honor, integrity, friendship only so much stock-in-trade, bitter disputes occurred between them. H
 Not for this, however, had the elder Hammond any idea of dissolving the business relationship he had formed with his son. Unwittingly to Robert. his open countenance and free, gentlemanly man. ners were useful in alluring that conf dence which is own crafty face would never have won.
 In the, second year of their alliance, however, these disputes grew every day more determined in character, and Robert finally summed up all his faults by romantic and improyident marriage with girl whom old Ralph declared, in 8 passion of anger. twas not worth . pen n.y." For youth. beauty,loye and virtue were not marketable assets to man who knew no standard but "C'dsh." s9st
 The result of this marriage was total arrangement between father and son, and the ensure of the latter's name from the business. aa-4s sT
 This did not trouble Robert much, for he had long spoken in indignant terms of the principles on which it was con ducted. Besides the girl he loved was his vic; he had one thousand dollars in hard cash, and unlimited funds in the Bank of Hope and Energy s ..- Hope told him many golden tale, and urged him westward. with promises which were well seconded by his neces. sities. ts p
 Only one thing held him in New YorA the face of his pretty. gentle sister but she, with the unselfshness of true affection, forgot her own loneliness in his welfare, and urged his departure. Before leaving hersought his fathers presence to win from him some kind word of promise or forgiveness; but the old man was very bitter in his anger and disappointment.
 .sI have no. time, sir" he replied t Roberts petition for forgiveness; T have no time for such fooleries. If you are