Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1877-05-02
MY BEST FRIEND.

elgnty thousand uOll2rs IN casn, anu
owner of handsome residence on one
of the stylish thoroughfares of a large
city.
No governor, no guardian, no maiden
aunt, no bachelor uncle to object to my
disposing of myself and means accord
ing to my fancy.
She who gave me being had departed
from this world of change and success
sion ere / could remember. My re-
naming parent, engrossed in merchan-
disc and bank stock, had no time to
spare in looking after his heir; con-
sequently was placed in the hands of
a nurse, and as soon as my age would
permit, was bundled of to an institu-
ton to be ''crammed."
Before reaching my majority, 1 re-
ceived a telegram TO hasten home as my
father had received a shock which his
fatal. 1 reached hons just in time to
see him breathe his last. Having re-
ceived no special marks of affection
from him, and having only seen him
during the many exciting intervals of
my vacations, my days of mourning
were soon over. L returned to college
and remained there till l was twenty
one, at which time / came into posses
sion of my fortune to use at my own
disposal.
had no idea of following the wake
of father. had horror of business.
| cherished a recollection l had for the
yearning in youthful days for an ex-
hibition of the affection L bad seen
lavished on others of my own age. My
memory was still aliv with the remem-
brance of how 1 had run to his knee,
longing to be clssped in his arms and
had my heart stung with a cold repulse.
"Why not enjoy life while 1 can? ?"
l said as l sat alone in my room, for
when youth has passed and manhood
is on the wane, 1t will be time enough
to clog independence with the encum-
braces of life.
lifted the bank book from the table
before me, and looking over it saw there
was no mistake, there was eighty thou
sand dollars placed to my credit.
Ijoined club. In closing my initia-
ton speech l rendered a champagne
supper TO my companions. They were
too polite, certainly, not to do me the
honor of accepting. At the supper 1
was cheered and toasted, and was pro-
nOunced a merry good fellow.
Assuredly l must have fancy team
and give my friends turn around the
most popular drives. Besides / must
visit the course and "stake on favor
ties" and engage in an occasional game
of poker in the club. IL | lost must
not vince, nor be heard to utter any
regrets. All this did and kept it up
for year. Then my eyes were opene d
but not in the same manner quite as the
deacon's kittens-by knocking their
brains out. 1t happened this wise:
met young lady with whom fell
deeply in love. No young lady was
sure, as | surveyed myself in the glass
on the evening l intended to propose.
could resist my suit. A handsome
form, reputation obtained through my
club of being great deal wealthier
than was (as if they didn't know my
fortune TO dime) and standing in
society that any one might envy, in
deed, no sensible one would refuse was
my comment. But my vanity received
a mighty shock. | was refused, and so
decided was the refusal that felt there
was no hope. hastily left the scene of
my disappointment, went home, shut
myself up, walked the floOor until
morning-ior was desperately in love,
and even then was at home TO no one.
remained all day, Notwithstanding a
trot was to take place that afternoon,
on which | had staked large amount.
L cared nothing about the result. and
entertained some serious thoughts about
making my will. While meditating on
the subject the thought entered my
mind that possibly might have rival.
felt curiosity to see how he looked,
and finally concluded not to make my
will yet.
The second forenoon | sauntered
forth. | displayed a negligent aspect
and haggard countenance which con-
trasted sadly with my former scrupu-
lously neat and happy appearance. j
saw a number of my club associates,
but they seemed to avoid me, as they
would cross the street before we met,
or, if on the opposite side, would be
deeply interested in viewing an object
in another direction. l returned from
my walk, and after dinner ordered my
team for a drive. The programme of
the morning was re-enacted.
1 passed several of my acquaintance,
and instead of receiving the usual polite
bow and pleasant smile, got a cold
stare or no notice whatever.
"Were they all witnesses of my re-
jection?" was the internal inquiry. l
knew of nothing else to effect SO OBJ
vious change in their demeanor.
The mystery, however, was soon
solved. was sitting alone at dusk in
my room, my mind in a vague, dreamy
state, when the housekeeper entered,
inquiring whether she should not light
the gas. That meant there was ring
ing of the bell.
"Yes," replied, "and if that is any
one to see me conduct him in.'
The quietness and my solitary con-
finement was becoming unbearable to
me. Instead of shin" conducted to
my presence, there stood before me
woman closely yelled. l was taken by
surprise, my feminine visitor threw
her veil back, and beheld the identi-
cal lady who had so recently admin
istered such scorching blow to my
vanity.
You will excuse this intrusion, Mr..