South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-01-13

which he made of his wealth, ne was
fated to experience reverses- result.
ing not from his own mismanagement
but from general commercial panic
which all at once involved in ruin
many whose fortunes were largo and
whose credit was long established. In
a word Mr.. Dinsmoro failed.
Eleven years had rolled by since
the Christmas night on which our
story opens, Lizzie had not belied
the promise OF her girlhood, but had
developed into radiautly beautiful
girl. Already her hand had been
sought in marriage, but as yet she
had seen no one on whom she could
look with that affection, without which
marriage would be mockery.
Charley and Harry, too. Eleven
years bad changed them not a little.
The boys of four and six had become
fine manly youths Of fifteen and SCI
venteeu. The eldest had enter ed
college. Harry, however, who was
by no means studious, had entered
his fathers counting room.
That was sorrowful night on
which Mr.. Dinsmore made known to
his afflicted wife the bankruptcy which
was inevitable. Still saddcr, if pos.
sible, was the sale which it enforced
OF the house which they had so long
occupied, the furniture which had be-
come endeared to them by memory
and associations and the harsh inter
ruption, which loss of fortune put to
all their treasured schemes.
My poor boy said Mrs. Dinsmore,
sorrowtully, rs she placed her hand
caresslngly Oh the brown locks OF
Charley, the eldest of tho two boys.
1T will be q hard sacrifice for you to
leave the studies to which you are at
tached. and enter store, as you will
be obliged to do
'Ah, | bad not thought of that
murmured Charlie. 1T will indeed
be sacrifice but. mother, I would
not care Tor that you could only be
spared the trials TO which you will be
exposed from poverty
THANK you for your consideration
my child but do not fear that shall
not accommodate myself to it. Ii is
a heavy trial, but VIC must try to think
that it will ultimately eventuate in
our good
AT the auction Of Mr.. Dinsmore's
house and furniture, the whole pro-
perty, without exception, was knock
ed Off to young man, who seemed
apparently Of twenty-five or three
years of age. lie was able to secure
1t at price much beneath it's real
value, for times wer0 hard and money
scarce, so that he had but few co,npe,
titors. Mr.. Dinsmore did not hear
his name, and the pressure of sad
thoughts prevented his making the
inquiry.
Possession was to be given in one
week. Meanwhile Mr.. Dinsmore
sought out small house, in an OBJ.
scure part of the town, which in point
Of elegance and convenience formed
a complete contrast TO the one he
formerly occupied. He felt, however
that it would be all his Scanty salary
as clerk flor he had secured situa-
tion in that capacity would enable
him to afford.
Lizzie looked with rueful face at
the piano, as a dear friend, from
whom henceforth she must he separa-
ted, 1t being quite too costly piece
OF furniture to be retained liz their
reduced circumstances. Her prof.
cheney III music, for which she had
great taste, made her regret it doubly,
since she might with it have added
to the resources of the family by giv-
ing music lessons.
On the last evening in which they
were to remain in the old house, their
sad thoughts were broken in upon by
a ring at the bell
Cannot they even leave us the last
evening in quiet !? said Charley potu-
lantly.
Immediately afterwards there enter
ed young man, in whom Mr.. Dins-
moro recognized the purchaser OF the
! house.
Il need not bid you welcome. said
ne, smiling family, since you have
! better right here now than myself
Had | been told three months since
that this would be, | would not have be-
lieyed it, but we cannot always foresee.
| shall be prepared 20 leave tomorrow
Il shall be better satisfied il you will
remain, said the young man bowiDy.
How DO you mean 2
Simply ss this house and furniture
arc now mine 70 DO with as | like. ]
choose 10 restore to you the latter, and
offer you the use Of the former. rent
free as long as you choose 70 occupy It,
Who then are you z asked Mf. Dins.
more, in increasing surprise, who can
be 40 kind to utter strangers with no
claim upon you 2
You are mistaken. You have a claim
upon M. Shall | toll you what Il is.
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