The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-10-04
Select STORY.
HAPPILY RUINED.

HAPPILY RUINED.
Arthur Morton sat in his room in his
hotel. He was young man, six-and-
twenty, tall aud slim frame, with face of |
great intellectual beauty, dressed in costly
garments, though his toilette was but in
differently performed.
He was an orphan, aud for some time
had lived at hotel. II required but
single glance into his pale features to tell
that he was an invalid. He sat with his
head resting upon his h. ands, and his whole
frame would ever and anon tremble as
though with some powerful emotion.
As the youth sat thus, his door was
opened, and an elderly gentleman entered
"Ah, Doctor, you are moving carly this
morning" said Morton, as he lazily rose
from his seat aud extended his hand.
"Oh, not early for me, Arthur" return
ed DR.. Weston, with bright smile, 81 am
an early bird"
swell, have you caught worm this
time r.
81 hope it viii prove a valuable one"
II don't know, sighed the youth ~
fear thousand worms will inhabit this
poor body ere long"
Nonsense, you're worth half CEN
tury yet" cried the doctor, giving him a
gentle slap on the shoulder. "But Just
tell me, Arthur, how is it with Crosby p
"Just as ! told you. All is gone"
Il don't understand it, Arthur"
, "Neither do /, said the young man
sorrowfully. "That Matthew Crosby could
have done that thing; / would not, could
not have believed. Why, had an ange
appeared to me two weeks ago and tolt
me that Crosby was shaky, would no
have paid moments attention to it. Blu
only think, when my father died, he sc
J. lected for my guardian his best friend, an,
a such even now believe Matthew Crosb,
was, and in his bands he placed his wealth
for him to keep until | was Of age. An
when / did arrive at that period Of life
- | left my money where it was; | had n
use for il. Several times within three Q
four years has Crosby asked me to tax
my money and invest it, but would no
H. bade him keep it aud use il il he wishet
| only asked that when / wanted none
he would honor my demand felt mol
safe, in fact, than should have felt ha
my money been in bank on deposit
How much had he when he left2
, He should have had hundred tho
sand pounds"
: "What do you mean to do 2"
!. "Ab, you have me on the hip there"
y "And yet you must do something, u
son. Heaven knows | would keep you
l could. l shall claim the privilege
paying your debts, however"
"No, no, doctor-none Of that
"But tell you | shall pay your deb
IS but beyond that l can only help you
assist yourself What do you say to 2
ing to sea2"
ed A faint smile swept over the you'll
pale features at this remark.
81 should make a smart hand at S,
"a. doctor. | can hardly keep my legs
I shore. No, no; must"
- "Must what, Arthur"
"Alas, ! know not. l shall die-tl
is ALL"
"Nonsense, Arthur | say 60 to s
[, You couldn't 60 into shop, and y
would not if you could. You do not W
TO remain here, amid the scenes of yC
happier days Think Of it; at sea J
would be free from all sneers of the hea
=, less, aud from all contact with things y
y. loath Think Of it,
Arthur started TO his feet aud paced /
floor for some minutes When he st,
ped new life seemed already at VIC
within him.
"If went to sea, what could do ?''
Z. "You understand all the laws of forei
trader"
"Yes. You know / had thorou
schooling at that in my fathers countiI
ls' house"
"Then you can obtain the berth Of
super-cargo
"Arc you sure that | can get one p
eyes,
'"Doctor Weston, | viii 60"
Arthur walked one evening to the hot
ID Of wealthy merchant, John Melbourl
MI IL was a palatial dwelling, and man,
hopeful, happy hour had he spent benei
u. its rool' ne rang at tne DELL and was
mitted to the parlor II few minu
ire Grace Melbourne entered. She was OF
y twenty. She had been waiting until Il
w age to be Arthur's wife.
Some words were spoken, then ma
q minutes Of painful silence ensued.
~ "Grace, you know all / am goi
est away from my native land beggar
his cannot stay longer now. Grace, did
70 know you less than door, knowing '
well, did know you as did many
II should give back your vows, and free J
es. from all bondage. But believe shot
trample upon your heart did l do Il
:, thing now. know your love is too pl
y, and deep to be torn, SO our love must
free. Wait, | am going to work.
upon the sea to work"
"But why upon the sea2 Why aw
e. where my poor heart must beat ever
anguish, fear and doubt as it follows you
Because cannot remain here. HI
g, dreds Of poor fools have imagined "