The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1878-05-25

As for James Wilkins, he soon removed
from the village, and settled in a town in
Ohio. His sparse means he invested in
land, and foreseeing that the town at nc
distant day was likely to become a point Of
considerable Importance, he borrowed mon
ey for the same purpose. His sagacity was
proved by the event. In a few years rail
road was built running through his land
Its value was greatly increased. So, too, the
houses he had built on speculation were en-
HANGED in value. He found himself in fif-
teen years rich man.
More than this, his fellow citizens discover
cd his probity and sound practical sense and
judgment. He was elected to the State
Legislature, where he became a~~tnan Of in
fluence. Whatever political question arose
he studied faithfully, devoting his leisure
time also to the acquisition of those branches
oflearning which his limited education had
not allowed him to become familiar with.
He was everywhere acknowledged to be a
rising man, and popular favorite. Ac-
cordingly it surprised no one but himself
when he was put in nomin alton for Con-
gress. The contest was a spirited one, for
party feeling ran high, yet when it was
terminated by the success of James wilkins,
he was so generally respected that the whole
district, opponents as well as friends, acquiesc-
ed in the result. James wilkins. M. G..
He had attained a position which would
have gratified Ruth's ambition. But she
had thrown him aside. Do not fancy that
he remained single for her rake. He said
truly that Ruth was not what he had sup
posed. Her marriage to Fortescue, the
motive of which he understood, had cured
him of all love for her. There was a Mrs.
wilkins, however, fan amable, attractive
woman, who had been help-meet, and who,
though proud of her husbands elevation,
had never blushed because he was mech
anic. H.
Meanwhile how Jared Mrs. Fortescue?
Her husband was a shallow pretender to
talents which he did not possess. This was
fessional success. Feeling that he was not
appreciated, he removed to larger place,
that his talents might have a wider field.
But here, to, the verdict was the same. He
failed to acquire the confidence of the more
respectable classes, and his chief earnings
came from sharp practices among the most
ignorant who were duped by his consequent
tial airs into thinking him a man of talent.
Meanwhile his little property became yearly
less from the inroads which were made up
on it, until nothing remained.
Finding his professional success SO poor,
Mr.. Fortescuc turned his attention to poll
tics Accompanied by his wife he went to
Washington to try his luck at gaining
government office. They took cheap lodg-
ings, and waited upon different officials in
the hope of interesting them in their suit.
But, as usually happens, there were ten
Office to one office, and all their eff
forts proved unavailing. Meanwhile their
scanty fund gave out They were warned
to leave their lodging house, and in despair
Mrs. Fortescue went out into the street with
her husband, now looking very seedy and
disreputable. On Pennsylvania Avenue,
they met well dressed gentleman who
looked at them earnestly.
cam l mistaken" he said, at length, ''or
do see Mr. and Mrs. Fortescue ?"
"You are right, sir" said the lady, "but
do not recall your face"
"Yet you once knew me intimately, he
said. ~ am James wilkins"
"James Wilkinsl exclaimed Mrs. Fort
escue, who had not heard of her old suitor's
elevation. care you living in Washington"
"For the present, yes. You have not
heard then that am member of Con-
gress."
"A member of Congress I" exclaimed Mrs.
Fortescue amazed.
"You are surprised" he said, smiling.
"Well so was when first heard of Il. But
how has the world gone with you, my
friends?"
Badly" said Mr.. Fortescue, gloomlly !
~ came to seek an Office, but have failed in |
my application. My money is all spent,
and / have just been turned out of my
lodgings"
"You are indeed unfortunate" said the |
member of Congress. ~ fear cannot help |
you to an Office but friend of mine in
Ohio is in want of book-keeper, He will |
accept you on my recommendation, but the
salary is small-only eight hundred dollars"
al will accept it gratefully" said Fort
escne, "only, am ashamed to say it, have
no money to defray my expenses"
"That is easily remedied," said Wilkins,
and he hastily wrote of checque for two
hundred dollars,
"You need not trouble yourself 10 repay
this" he said. "Your wife and are old
friends, and on the score of old friendship
she will accept it,"
This assistance was like plank TO a
drowning man, and was eagerly and thank
fully accepted.
"What pity ! didn't marry him."
thought Ruth Forescue, regretfully. "Who