Year: 1862




II was wintry evening towards the close of Nov
cmber, bitterly cold and intensely foggy. These
combined influences rendered the night most un-
pleasant, and few, except those who were compel
led by necessity, ventured abroad


suburban omnibus was rapidly approaching its
destination, The only remaining passenger was a
young lady of about two-and twenty She could
scarcely be called pretty, but there was an air of
refinement about her which, notwithstanding faded
dress, plainly distinguished her as one habituated
to superior society.


Ellen Leslie was the orphan daughter Of a ruined
merchant. Accustomed in childhood and early
youth to every indulgence that morey could pro-
cure she had on the verge of woinanhood, found
herself reduced, by the bankruptcy and death of
her father, to state of almost complete destitu-
tion.


After experiencing for some months the fearful
realities of adversely, all prospect of immediate
want was suddenly dispelled by an announcement
she received of the death of distant relative, who
bcqueathcd her the sum of G20O.
This sum had been paid her on the day when our
tale commences, and she was now returning to her
checrless lodging.


We must here call particular attention to the fact
that She had, in consequence of singular fancy,
received the whole of the amount in gold, and de-
posted it in purse made expressly for the occa-
sion. M


The dreary aspect Of the evening affected her but
little. She was busy with thoughts and plans for
the future, associated with all Of which was the
image of one to whom she was warmly attached,
and who she firmly believed, reciprooated her at
tachmcnt.


Charles Ripley had long been her accepted suitor
In the days of prosperity she had preferred him to
others Of far superior wealth and station. and
in adversely her heart was devoted to him with that
faith and constancy which only loving and trust
ing woman feels


lie had been articlcd to solicitor, and but for
his extravagance and imprudence might already
have attained an honorable position in his profess
sion. However, by series of follies he had given
offence to most of his friends, who positively rerus
ed him further aid or countcnancc until he should
by his own cxcrtions in some measure, at least re-
tricvc his circumstances.


These facts were known to Ellen, but her gener-
ous nature and loving heart caused her to excul-
pate Charles from much Of the blame that was
justly due to him. And she had felt poverty
less as regarded its effects upon herself than MS it
deprived her Of the means of rendering him the as
sisnnce he stood so much in need of, she nc " re-
joiccd at her good fortune principally because it
enabled h, T to relieve him from his pressing en-
barrassmcnts .r. "a. $3.50


The most unrcstrained confidence existed be-
tween them, and she knew that about one hundred
pounds would suffice to give him start in his pro-
fesson. That being accomplished, there was no
L., n. Al. l. g,
of affection, and who stood aldof only because
they thought little actual experience might be Of
service TO him. would then give him all the assis-
tance their influence commanded, and he would be
on the high road to respectable competency.


She had not seen him for several days, and he
was become so reduced that she did not know his
address. They had, however, been in the habit of
meeting at church on Sundays, and she had no
doubt that she should see him as usual on the first
day of the ensuing week.


1t was her intention at their next meeting to in
form him of the legacy, to place the whole of the
amount of his disposal and TO consent to their speedy
mariage-a step Charles had often urged, but to
which Ellen had as yet, from prudential reasons
withheld her consent as


Occupied with these thoughts, she needed not the





BILE to distinguish external objects, and having, on
entering the omnibus, given instructions as to
where she wished to be set down, she was some
what surprised at the conductor calling out mpa-
ently that they had arrived at the end of the jour
ney. The man had neglected to stop at the desired
place, and carried her nearly half milo beyond
her destination. Remonstranoe was, of course
useless, so, hastily collecting few articles which
had been purchased in the City, she alighted from
the vehicle. s-.-..-... -.tt - -r..v
Almost benumbed with cold, but still cheerful and
buoyant, she arrived at her lodging. The other
inmates were from home, but she obtained admit
tance with key she carried for that purpose Some
little time passed before she succeeded in kindng
fire and preparing the necessary refreshment of
cup of tea.


On sitting down to her meal, the delightful
thought occurred to her; that the time was soon
coming when she would not be thus solitary and
alone, but cheered and supported BY the compan-
ionship of her beloved Charles.


Being thus reminded of the sum of money which
was so necessary to promote her happiness, she
placed her hand in the pocket where it had been
deposited.


1t was not there


She examined every part of her dressi she search
ed the room as well as the stairs and passage but
no trace Of the money could be discovered.


She hurriedOut with the hope of meeting the
omnibus before il returned to town 1t had started
ten minutes ago. There was no help for it-she
must wait till it came back.


Two hours passed ere the omnibus again came