The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-01-29

her brothers generosity. but suuuchlS
without warning, there swept over The coun
try one Of the devastating financial crashe
so overwhelming in this land of speculation
and Raymond was recalled from Europe D.
his brother.in.law, informing HIM that me en-
tire pa,rlmony had been swept away. Invest
ments that had seemed to the young man, Il
nOrant in all business details, as secure u
they are tlaltcring had fallen to ruin, ana
few hundred dollars only were Icit OF VIVA
mad been noble fortune
At first hammond did not realize the eS
tent OF his misfortune. lie was still young
well educated, in perfect health, and cerlalnl.
the world had some niche where he coul'
earn an honest living. But weeks OF seekln!
for employment gave him kcener Know
edge of his misfortune. Friends who Ia.
been willing to smoke his cigars ana driht
his wines, who were yet willing to extent
every social greeting, shook their heads wher
asked to confidc any portion OF their business
into his keeping
Brought UP to study, to live life of elegan
leisure, Raymond Thurston at rs knew abso
lutely nothing of business, nor had he studlce
one branca sufficiently to qualify himself ioi
A teacher. lie tried faithfully TO find some
employment, spending what remained OF his
fortune with the lavish hand that had not ye
learned economy.
Society welcomed Inn home after two
years of wandering, for Amable Barclay KEEP
open house for her friends, and Raymond was
a favoritc in her circle Her husband, many
years older than herself, had long retired from
business with large income and while he
gave Raymond cordial welcome, had no op
Iportunity to aid IL finding occupation.
And Bertha Haincs, the friend from whom
Raymond parted two years ago, in his renew
ed Intercourse became to him more than ever
was friend before They had not thought OF
love IN the days when the girl was debut
ante in society, and Raymond one OF its Ia
vorte beaux but when they met, after the
long parting, some new emotions stirred both
hearts They did not know what made the
hours pass so qNickly when they were togeth
or, nor recognize the subtle charm that dealt
for each in the other. presence, for many a
week
RAYMOND was the first TO awaken to the
knowledge that love was the charm that
bound him to Berthas side whenever she
was present; that 1t was love that made her
eyes sparkling eyes, so beautiful in their eX-
preston that love tuned her voice so music
ally; that love made her the dearest OF all
women in his eyes.
Amable was delighted. Bertha was one Of
her own fast friends and Beriha'S father
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 one of Raymond's sternest frowns,
such As had never visited his face in the old
sunshiny days.
"Nevcr speak Of il again, AmabcI,' he
said, 81 am no fortune hunter to live upon the
money of rich wife. I'll carve out my own
way first
But carving ms own way proved tedious
till, desperate at his many failures, he acccp-
ted position, offered in jest, OF driver of an
expires, wagon.
Il DO understand horses" he said, iii |
cannot sell goods or keep books
i, proved harder work. however, than in the
first flush of his desperation he had imagin-
ed. Not the mere work, that he soon con
quered but the sights, rudeness, and sares OF
his old friends. Some few recognized the
nobility that accepted honest labor rather
than an easy dependence upon wealthy con.
neCtons, but these were few
A week passed. when one morning, denver
ing some goods at one of the most fashionable
stores on Broadway, as he went out Raymond
saw Bertha IIaines 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 he was lifting TO raise his hat. The sweet
musical voice he loved spoke at once:
please, Mr. Thurston, help me with this
obstinate door twill stick"
lie 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
i - n ri of n
aid me In selecting a dress for my reception
on Thursday evening. But you Will come
and tell me how | succeeded alone, Will you
mott"
She said the last words very earnestly, rails
ing her dark eyes to his face.
ADO you really wish me to come now?' he
asked.
~ do"
Then will come! must say good morn.
ing" and he left her with most corteous
bow.
But while the great express wagon ratified
down the streets, Miss lIaines turned away
from the store she had been entering and re-
entered her carriage.
"To my fathers she said TO the driver,
and few moments later the merchant looked
up from his ledgcrs to see his only child, In
a faultless walking dress, entering the count
| lup hVuoC'
another checkw he said, moving chair
to her "llow much this time:'
Nothing | want 10 talk to you. Shut
the door, so these horrid men can't hear me-"
The door closed, and privacy IN the sane
tum secured Bertha astonshed her paternal
relative by bursting into passion of weep.
idg.
"Why, Bertha" he cried.
Never mind, papa It's all over now. DO
YOU remember what you said to me when
I RAYMOND Thurston asked for some employ
meut hercE'
: Not exactly"
al do You said that a man brought up a'
The had hen would want n sinecure; that he
never would come down 10 real work, and
that you had no position for fine gentlemen
9 that his offer to take a subordinate position
and learn business was simply farce.
did say all that, Bertha"
:, ITO me you did. suppose you dismissed
e him politely enough. But, papa, If yor
~ lltyf ~,