Year: 1868

10 De iSll an orphan, anu soOn aitei MS oS-
reaveinent was taken by his uncle who
was a successful wholesale merchant in
the city of New. York, into his family and
employed as clerk. Here he learned
the mercantile business, and fsom the Lbs
eral salary given him By, his uncle who
well supplied the place of father, togeth>
er with the patrimony left him from the
parental estate, at the age of twenty-five
was possessed of sufficient means to go in,
to business,


He opened a retail dry goods store in
Division Street, and from the first had no
reason to complain of the favors bestowed
on him by the fickle goddess.


During his clerkship he had had occas
sion several times to visit the quiet beau>
iiful village of Bloomfield, New Jersey,
sometimes on business for his employer,
and sometimes in quest of recreation from
his duties.


In the latter locality, in neat but huns
be cottsge. the appearance OF which ex>
ternally-with its profusion of vines and
flowers, which shed their pleasant odor on
the surrounding atmosphere, or clambered
over window and arbor, as well as the or
der and neatness which presented itself TO
the gaze of the passer-gave evidence of
t-ste and refinement, resided widow la
dy, some forty years of age, with an or
phaned niece. This niece had been confi>
ded 10 her care at the death of her widows
ed mother When she was but ten years of
age.


Being herself childless, having followed
three children to the tomb when they were
in the early years of childhood, she took
the little waif TO her home and lavished
on her all the affection of Il warm, loving
heart.


She furnished her the best possible ad-
vantages for acquiring an education, sends
ing. her to the best school the country af>
fordcd. instructing her at home, and fur
nishing her with books and other Ecedful
appliances.


These advantages were carefully in>
proved, for Miss Helvia early manifested
more Than ordinary intelligence and thirst
for learning. Al the age of twenty she
was thoroughly educated and possessed all
those accomplishments which were nee
essary for her 10 take her position in the
best society.


She sought 10 become educated and ac>
c6mplished, not merely for the purpose of
making display, or from the fact that il
would give her position, but from an intu
1.-Two thirst for knowledge and her love oil
learning.


She WAS more than ordinarily beautiful
and amiable, and these facts, together with
her accomplishments, rendered her attracts
i've and :. general favnritc with those who
knew her.


During Gerald's visits to Bloomfield he
met Helvia, was attracted by her sweet
hess Of temper, and her intelligence, cultl-
vated a more intimate acquaintance,
which soon ripened into firm friendship,
and friendship into the purest and strong
est love.


With her aunt's full consent they were
married She purchased and furnished a
house in Grand Street. which she present
ed to her niece and went with the happy
couple TO their pew home TO spend her re>
naming days.


A few weeks after they were settled in
their new home, Helvia showed Gerald a
new Magazine containing an article from
her pen, over her signature. She had beer
highly applauded for her productions by
the publisher, and she fondly hoped her
husband, whose praise was worth more 10
her than all besides, would be gratifed
and pleased, and add his encomiums.-
How great was her disappointment to see
him read it with frown, and exclaim, in
no amiable manrer, IL hope you will new
er again be guilty of SO great piece of
folly, My wife Blne,Stocking, | never
could bear the idea, en- glad have an
intelligent wife, but hope she will never
disgrace me by seeking to enter the field
of authorship. which belongs TO the lords
of creation alone


She turned away to kide the fears she
tried in vain to repress. Her resolution
was at once taken. She confded it at the
first opportunity TO her aunt. Il will yet
make him acknowledge that writing is as
much woman's sphere as mans but he
shall never have cause to complain Of one
household duty neglected"


She continued to write in the privacy of
her own room, and many were the articles
in the popular Magazines and Periodicals
of the day read and praised by her hus~
band, and many the eulogies he hcaped on
unknown authors, all unconscious that
they were the production Of his own tall
ented wife.


In process of time four large and highly
embellished volumes graced his table; vol
umes which he had purchased as presents
for his wife, and which he read with no
common interest, often expressing his re-
gret that the author remained incognito,
as it would be source OF great .gratifica-
ton to him 10 know the name of the gifts
ed author.


In the preface Of one of the books the
publisher remarked: "We deeply regret
that we cannot prevail ON the talented aus
thor 10 grant US likeness for a frontiss
piece: and we have not the least doubt
could we but do so It would be especially
gratifying to our readers" This regret
was deeply shared by Gerald who unhesi,
tatingly expressed his feelings to the no
small qualification of Hclvia and her aunt.


fen years after their removal 10 their
city home passed. Up TO this time the tide
of success had been with Gerald, but now
the aspect was threatening. His home


was all he could wish II to be and the ad-
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