Year: 1862




On the evening when the purse was lost, Charles
Ripley sat i'll the parlor Of rublchorse. He was,
however far from being in a state of hilarity The
crushing weight of poverty was pressing hard up
on him, and like many persons of impulsiye char
acter, he was subject TO frequent depression which.
although never of long duration, was most intense
while it lasted.


UNt we are somewhat anticipating for he has net
yet been formally introduced to cur readers.


Charles Ripley was about four-and-twcnty, tall
handsome, and remarkably prcposscssing in his
appearance and manners. Besides these personal
attractions, he had considerable talents and the ad-
yantages of an excellent cducation


Here ON favorable description must eud, and 9th
er less pleasing traits be noticed.


Instability and want of sef-contro marred his
character. Pride and selllshness were his bcsct-
ting sins. These failings, however, were always
apparent, but CLOSED over by spccous amiabil-
ity so that few really knew him.


This is somewhat severe dclincaton but it is
nevertheless just one.


The unsatisfactory state Of lis pecuniary affairs
has been already mentioned. For some time past
he had been living he scarce knew how and at the
present moment his finances were at Il very low
ebb.


The evening was considerably advanced when
he rose from his seat and quilted the tavern. Al
though he had not far to go, he felt disnclincd to
walk, and an omnibus coming up at the time, he
hailed it. a1sa


lie had scarcely entered when he perceived some
thing lying on the straw. and, on picking it up, it
proved to be purse apparently wcll filled. The
,,,lp f,g
once gratifying lis curiosity as to The contents.


1t was not long, however before his abode was
reached, and, hastily seeking his own apartment,
he examined the purse.


An exclamation of delight burst from him as
soon as he found the contents to br two hundred
sovcreigns. Their were no bank note nothing
that could in any way facilitate the recovery of
the money. Half an hour ago he had not five shil-
lings, and now a sum which made him compara-
lively rich was suddenly and unexpectedly thrown
in his way.


There was one important consideration to which
he could moi entirely shut his eyes the money was
not his. But when the will is determined on a
wrong action, it is easy to paliate with very hmsy
excuses the course intended to be pursued lie had
made up his mind to keep the money almost as soon
as he had found it, and any remaining saruples were
drowned in the potations with which he celebrated
his good luck.


Thus it happened, that at the same time when
Ellen was sunk in the deepest dependency, chiefly
Charles account, he was raised 10 state Of the
most cxuberant excitement. OF course, he had not
the slightest idea that the treasure he had found be-
longed to Ellen Lcslie nothing would have seemed
more unlikely TO him than that ske should he pos
sessed of such sum. 1t may also be said that he
resolved to see Ellen in the morning, and make her
acquainted with her unexpected gain.


The morning came, but as he was preparing to
execute his purpose an impediment presented itself.
lie remembered that the firm principles of his be-
trohed would cause her to object to his retaining
what clearly did not belong to him. As he felt lit
tie disposed for an unpleasant alteration, ne re-
solved to defer seeing Ellen for few days.


In the meantime, he would pay visit TO his ma
ternal uncle, the Reverend Frederick Harrison, who
was ourate of parish about thirty miles from Lon
don. From this relative he had always received
the greatest kindness. AS his means were limited,
he had never been applied to for pecuniary assis-
tance, and therefore in ignorance of the straits
to which his nephew had recently been reduced.
In becoming his guest he hoped also to conciliste
several of his other relations, he had no doubt
that he should be able TO make up satisfactory,
although not true account of the way in which bis
present means were obtained


Charles Ripley seldom hesitated long, In less
than an hour he had packed up few things, and
set out on his intended visit


Hsuncle received him with the utmost cordali-
tyi he also expressed regret at not having seen him
for so long period, and inquired the cause.


Charles excused himself by aludiug TO his bus-
ness engagements, and the necessity Of close study
and application. fgoasn taaal


The Kind and conhding old gentleman received
his apologies as perfectly sincere.