Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Times, 1893-12-22, Page 6• n THE. WINGHAM TrmEs, nEcumnEn 2;1.is 83, Ong° iTriVilt.GOir.20/15014egga "You areVglit, my darling, We have yin sus - no inteation to conceal aught there our bleseinge our boys were children or leave ou era of etrength fee our a shall we iiQt trust our ther's hands?" 1, any dear wife,. But before tees" return let us each:ander- this fear for Ie reset lie nre- r the preenat„ We wiii not ens- trial.- Grenville will doubt - 1 pens°, Our Imeinese durinxieedlessg our so- journ abroad haa been, by criminal mie- 1 snamagemeat, ruined, and it now only remains for us to manage a settlement 1 in the most honorable manner and begin life anew," I , • ein eettiewleiliement of "failure"el- 1N8 this eveninways bangs to the younst a kind of MY*. g (rad surtet be ; terions awe, a shrinking from the first our delibeeetiown I larte..1 ;step into an .unknown and untried ro- to our child, Let t his own. words or acts should I Aim, and the father felt the dear forme us drop subject or we shall have no control; our fears when wo ' The certain and known eild have our attention just as you wisely counsel, dear ' 1 try to leave our children fixture in our Maker's hands." et silent a few moments, when •),erning to his father, said; Iron yet been able to form any i our future?" 'ag- definite of course. For the Months the probable termina- affairs has been constantly on and naturally schemes for our orts have frequently arisen and .0 rejected. When all is come led, if I an not greatly IniS- Inay hope there will be a sur- fer a oomfortable beginning, emust d.escend in a pecuniary /mot yet forme. we might leave this good great abundance for the con - f her/present style, or some- neeily like it, and she would Was us to have a home with • * ' e were building up a new But she has some curious, ed notions • about cleaving to nd .children and sharing all ns with thein, and I cannot say in 'the limed to resist her lov- :mt. But when we aro all to - evening wo must have a full consultation. Whatever ar- t canbe matured that will best ur different tastes and at the et be most conducive to the gen- of all will, I know, be your gov- dye. rather than any selfish on," s. father; I think you do not "incorrectly. I am conscious of 'at permission to aid in making bas arms encircled tremble for a me - i vient, but that POGO paS8C1 when, they obeerved their mother's calmness, and Lillian replied: But why CIA Men Le. Barron speak of you so bitterly, father? Surely you 1 did not merit such fearful accusations." o, mdet n," exclaimed George, "She , may thank herown eat ravagant folly foe it all. Her hushend would never have ventured oi saeli measures as that of i which he was guilty during father's ab- sence if she had not so wickedly in- volved him by her instill() love of dis- play. No blame can possibly rest upon our father," "Ah, yes, my son. In trusting so im- 1 • plicitly to another's honor or judgment 1 . am to blame. The principal of an eaten - sive and complicattel business like our, should never relax le. ; vigilance." "But, father, will not your loss in this failure be as heavy as the othere?" ' "'fee, my Liby. By far the largeee proportion." ' "Then why did that wicked wawa.. cast unjust aspersions on you?" said Rose; ' with excitement. "None of the members of the company will credit her words, nor indeed the business world generally, my pet. Th l unkind language you heard was simply the ebullitions of a disappointed and am- bitious woman, who should receive our, , pity rather tharx our harsh censure." . "Eat, dear papa. tell me, please, is this failure so severe that any will lose or suEer by you?" - "My dear little ne'sebred, we shall be able to pay Ivry penny. Your oyes can meet the daze of the universe fearless- ly and are that none is impoverished throuf our losses." " :en who cares, or why should we aDfeok pale and. anxious over this?" re - et as little harassing and pain - aft nfired the bright girl, clapping her hands -- joyously. parents, brothers and siste• For myself, as long no an rest upon our neer ., I feel ss—but there is the riage." cHAPTER young ladies entered the par- -eats' leearts shrank from the ge4e-Cese0rge fully shared the ea they were laboring under ng excitement was very appar- jc without pause, direct - „Newton's side, and the eldest, bling hand on his arm, said: is it all, father? We called at and were told that the ladies ed, but while we stood on the airing this message we could hear Mrs. Le Barron using the t and. abusive language to hor and, oh, father, she coupled e with injustice and dishonor, the most bitter terms, which intended us to hear.” 'accusations are utterly false," k1yreplied George. of course were sive of that," Rose, seating herself on her ee; "but tell us directly, papa, ou and. mother are greatly dis- out something is very evident." 'omen were tare of that'l att- swersci Roc. Lillian closer t his side, Mr. treat la, we are only disturbed est tell yon that which ghilelten uneasiness and but *o diehonor" Were pressed caressingly Lffilidgently answered; 1 be heler to endure twee we may share With "But, little one, are you aware that to do this we must leave our pleasant home, resign all the appliances of ease and lux- ury that now surround us, lose caste among many of your companions, while wo labor and economize strictly to be able to supply the family with the baro comforts of life? How can my darlings , endure this great and sudden change?" ! "Grandly, my dear papa. I don't dis- like the change at all. I was telling sis- ter but a few days ago that our mode of life was not satisfactory, being, as it has always been, utterly useless. For years - we have been simple works of art - about the house for others to look after and arrange in suitable lights. In the . Morning, we can:aot rise till Marie or Therese comes to dress us, and all day long they dance attendance upon our whims. At night wo must be disrobed and put to bed like little babies. I have long felt dissatisfied with myself, be- cause 1 was conscious that 1 was not de- veloping all the powers God had given me and yet could not understand how to change the daily routine of busy nothings. Now wo may at least learn what hands and. feet were made for." "But, dear father," said the eldest sis- ter, with sera° hesitation, "I thought our mother had a fortune invested in her own name, entirely subject to her control, to provide for just such an emergency as this. That surely will Ripply all your wants. Then why speak of returning to the hard labor and close calculations of your younger days? Your children will cheerfully do that. Our parents should rest now and allow us to learn the same useful lessons you so wisely practiced in your youth." "Why, my dear girl," said Mrs. New- ton, smiling, "your thonghts seem to run in the same channel as your brother George's," "They often do that, mother," said George, throwing his arra lovingly around his sister. "And do not mine also, Sir Brother?" asked Rose with an injured air. "No, Skylark; oh, no. rour thoughts 'soar singing up to heanen's high arch' and thence deseend upon us with suii- shine and rosy hues in the darkest hour, you darling little sunbeam, you!" "But, Rosie, what will Jasper say to this Imlay deseentand all this talk about learning the use of hands and feet, eh? !I fear that he will rebel at the two yeatte entbation, yet to be passed and. spirit you if to that; southern Eden he so enthturi- pate." Mr. and Mrs. Newton tried bya warn - ug look unseen by Rose to step George's allusion to Greavelle, but soon felt that he was aeting wise/y,„ A word apparent. ly liglitly spoken luipfat awaken a Vein of thought that would in mune degree prepare her for the lint shock should. her betrothed prove unworthy. Rose answered her brother gayly: "Never you feels for Jasper, He does not alone love wealth or station and will be the none to me in a lowly t•ottege working with embrowned and Hardened hands as when playing -the butterfly in these grand old parlors, or if he cannot," her gay smile =Moldy faded and a look of hard, stern reeolution such as her friends never witacesed before settled about her lips, ehangiug the expression of her whole face --"or if ho cannot—tlice, let him pass. He would not be worth 2' e- a -rating." thet znay be," said her sister, "not worth reeee'tleg, but could yon Whichever way he turned despair and misery stared him in the face, and his own conscience rose from its long slum. hers, and now a store, accuser set his sins in order before him, It carried him back to his youthful days and traced the beginnings of the dark tempest that now raged. so fiercely aroundhim, threatening utter destruction. It whis- • pered of the father, too early lost, whose ' 'whole life had exemplified the trna prin. ciples of integrity he so earnestly urged • upon his son; of the tender mother, whose latest breath bade him follow in his fathea's footsteps and trust in his father's God. Now it recalls the fas- (Motions of the gay young beauty whose heart could only be bought by wealth and foolish splendor, not given , in generous love. Then came trooping before his fevered vision the tempta- tionto rash speculations, far overreach- ing honesty, to which he had yielded, and which, most unfortunately, proved so successful as to place him early among wealthy men and enabled him to secure the long coveted bride. Ah, how soon did ho wal:n from his enchanting dream of love to find all that his heart had so desired tura to bitter aehes! This sad disappointment in the home he lintl so fondly pictured and the little satisfaction found in the wealth and high position gained by scarcely heemst means recalled his parents' efforts to inculcate true principles, which, had they been adopted, might even thou have shielded him from the sorrows, al- ready foreshaclowed, early period of his middle life. When at last Mr. Newton accepted him as a partner, how firmly did he vow to his conscience never again n indulge in tliedangerous experi- ment of unscrupulous speculation! The strict prohibitions against any such at- tempts, which were a part cif the rules of Mr. Newton's business, helped to con- firm hiin in these wise resolutions. Once secure of the partnership, he most anx- iously strove to .conceal from Mr. New- ton some of the business transactions of his earlier life, well assured if once known his continuance in his present position would be of very short dura- tioron.r years he had stood well with the community. A few whispers of his for- mer "haste to be rich" reached Mr. Newton. but after a strict yet quiet in- vestigation ho found no cause to believe the rumors or withdraw his confidence, and the reports. gradually died away. Meantime his home was not the bright arid refreshing spot his youthful fancy had pictured. Le Barron was not natu- rally a bad hearted man. His love for his wife had been almost idolatrous. He fancied her perfection, but a few short months dispelled the illusion, and for many years he had been the slave of her • whims and caprices. Mrs. Lo Barron was early educated to feel that wealth and high social position should be her life's ambition. Her par- ents wero ,poor, but very proud, and when the risingyoung merchant, Le Bar- ron, wooed and won their (laughter their joy was unbounded. Witose house so grand? Whose car- riage, with its mpg: b horses and liveried outriders, made such daily sensation? Whose parties, that vied with the tone of the old world, were so much the style as their daughter's, Mrs. Le Barron?" Was not this sufficient to satisfy a par- ent's wildest ambition? Why should they bo troubled or dissatisfied if their child's private life was one of strife and neevish complaining—if misrule and un- governed passion made perpetual discora between the inmates of that elegant mansion? Such were the parents of Mrs. Le Bar- ron, and such the sentiments they had exhibited and taught her to act upon from her childhood. Truly they had "sown the wind," and the terrible har- vest was ripening fast. Before Mrs. Lo Barron's insane ex- travagance her husband's:wealth melted like frost before the sun. Ho saw the riches for which ho had forsaken his father's God "taking to themselves wings," and the position among his broth- er merchants, whose foundations he had laid in sand, was already crumbling away and tottering to its fall. Sleepless nights and days of dread were silvering his hair and bowing the tall form that once towered so erect above his fellows. He was a premature old man. When Mr. Newton went abroad, Lo Barron's anxieties wore almost too weighty for hire to preserve the sem- blance of self control. Itwas said Le Bar- ron was confining himself too closely to his business, and Mr. Newton with his usual unselfishness proposed that ho should remain at home and that the in- valid should have the advantage of the change. Ah, little could Mr. Newton im- agine the shock this kind proposition gave him. The miserable man know that to leave then would be swift destruc- tion, revealing at once the fearful posi- tion of his own affairs. But still able to preserve an outward calin he courteously declined the prof fered relaxation on the plea of great dis- taste for traveling, and with an earnest assurance that kis health was firmer than his appearance indicated he smilingly bade his friend fareveell. BarronLe struggled through the first yea t of his friona's absence, _knowing surely that this absence and the mums- picious nature a the junior partner alone saved him from speeay exposure. In this state tho grand temptation found him. Goaded to madness he joined hands with the tempter and fell, gaining for himself one more short respite front% ,chunorona creditors_by a 4evil forgeg i, r?* "vein it?" s. tho *irked girl. ne .!houlk1 scorn seeh a *."•1 too deeply to mourn for him. Bret,Lll, aro yen trem- bling, lest Etetace may 'wish to desert yen? Ali, I shall not allow that. Hohn. km too long a to o lnother to fear any cean.se m lira. sietr, I um not fearing or doubt - in;, but one cannot resist the intrusion of many unwonted thoughts in content- plisteng a ennege so entire and sudden. • But you need not fax 1 nall do Eustaco ' justice. VVo havo lfllOwn ea&iother too long. I would. as readily doubt George, or you, my only sister," "It would be very strange, my chil- 1 • ," said Mr. N -ton, "if your niiuCls did not at times turn toward possibili- ties until youhavo seen both your friends and they fully understand your present poaition. 1 do not say this became I. have the remotest suspicion that loss of wealth will produco any change either in Dunbar or Grenville. On the con- trary, I expect to see increaaing tender- ness end a more earnest desire to shield you from trial and hardship." Ron) sat unusually quiet, and George's loving watchfulness changed the current of her thoughts by saying: "Your question, my gentle Lilly, re- mains unanswered. You were inquiring concerning property belonging to our mother. Could you not read an miniver in father's glance which made her cheek as fresh and blooming as your mill She will not accept by right that which would embarrass her husband in settling ;the whole concern on the broadest basis of old fashioned honesty." "And. that, my son, is but simply do- ing my duty, not at all deserving your gallant compliment. Would you wil- ingly give any the least occasion to ac- cuse your father of wrong or injustice because legally I might retain that which could enable him to make a moat satis- factory settlement of this whole busi- nos?" "Oh, no, mother; I rejoice that von can do as you propose if by so doing the most captious can find no blame in fa- ther, yet you must allow me to be a little proud of you notwithstanding," "And all this time," interrupted Rose, "no ono has spoken or thought of Alfred and Ralph." "You aro indeed greatly mistaken, my child; our boys have not been long ab- sent from our thoughts. I am very thank- ful that these developments have tran- spired during their vacation. I hope we can manage to aid them in completing their education." "Alfred will never agree to that—nev- er," cried Rose. "Do you think he would consent to our laboring to keep him in college at such a crisis as this? Iaro, in- deed; I know my brother better. Much as he prizes his literary advantages, they would never repay hien for the depriva- tion of sharing with us in these united efforts." "Patienen, Rosie," interrupted Mrs, Newton, smiling. "We have not a doubt of our boy's willingness to share in all the self denial or hardship that may be in store for us, but his college course is nearly completed, and howill be capable of so much more remunerative labor if he can enter upon life with a well cul- tivated mind that it would seem wise for him to finish, even if some extra ex- ertion on out part and self denial on his may be necessary." "I think," said. George, "we under- stand your wishes and am sure we would all most gladly aid in perfecting them, but I fully agree with sister that it will be difficult to notreince Alfred that he cannot participate in our work from the commencement." "I appreciate the sentiments you both express," said Mr. Newton, "lent wewill leave the matter for a later discussion. I must now have a few moments' conver- sation with your raother, while you, my daughters, lay aside your riding attire and ring for tea.. This evening we must be denied to all callers and meet in a strictly family council." CHAPTER IV. We turn with great reluctance, even ter a few moments, from this peaceful home, whose inmates look calmly to the uncertain future, Upheld by a "eon - science void of offense) toward. God. and man," to a most painful contrast. A more wretched penal can hardly be imagined than Le Barron as with bowed head and folded arms he passed from the store and bent his steps home- ward. Ali, what a home awaited hint! Well he knew how the tidings he roust portrays to payout you from communicate would be received b hid with nig the changes we antic!. faln-11Z. • Poor Ze B of )1r, Newtorte mune. "end now he goes to tell this fatal story to those whose otos bate united to drag him down toir- retrievable destruction. Bankrupt! Die - honored! A forger! Fugitive frozeus tice or only shielded by him whom he has pecuniarily ruined, yet bearing in his own heart the punishment of his crimes, how can he endure the terrible meeting with those harsh spirits at home? Who would willingly follow him as he enters his dwelling and listen to the cruel recriminations, the bitter taunts, with which that heartless woman, wild with rage, assails him, when, with trem- bling frame and, quivering lips, he re- veals the misery and shame before them? • We cannot describe the terror of that scene, and surely wo would not if we could. It would be like standing by the mouth of the pit. It was the few words of this dreadful SC0110 that Lillian and Rose heard which aent them bewildered and frightened home to their parents. Poor Lo Barron sank into a chair at the first outburst of his wife's passion. stemma and moaning like one in a fear- ful dream, CHAPTER V. I Edward Newton at 20 was left an or- phan with a line education, but ahnost penniless. His parents wore hoping to see him established in some profession congenial to his refilled and intellectual tastes, but their sudden death changed all his prospects and compelled him to look for some employment that should provide at once for immediate wants. A distant relative offered him a situa- tion in his store far beneath that which, without vanity, he might have hoped for. But with an unusual degree of good, practical common sense for one so young he accepted the offer at once, knowing that he had energy and Imowledge that would enable him to rise rapidly if he was faithful to his trust. A very few weeks sufficed to show Mr. Stanly that the new clerk 'was greatly superior to his position, but the old gen- tleman was cautious and suspicious and had no intention of making any hasty change. He had. given Edward his pres- ent occupation because of favors received many years ago from the young man's father, when Stanly greatly needed a friend, and for this ho had felt dempelled to offer the position to his son, if but to satisfy his own conscience. "Then," he thought, "if he proves capable and hon- est I will help him to make his own way into a good business. But should I find him unworthy I am bound by no prom- ise and can easily drop him and let him pass from my thoughts." But Edward was soon too valuable to be discarded, and added to natural endow- ments his life was a peculiarly sweet ex- emplification of Christian faith and prac- tice. His father was simply a moral man, making no pretense to any reli- gious motive for being, as he truly was, an example of sterling honesty and un- flinching integrity. Hie own conscience bore witness that he never oppressed the poor; that the widow and fatherless could bring no charges against him, even in thought, for fraud or extortion. When Mr. Stanly gave Edward a chance to work, he considered all in- debtedness for kindness received from his parents as fully canceled. Ho liked the young man, and after some naonths' acquaintance came as nearloving himas was prudent in a business man. He would be well pleased to see him slice cessfal, but if he proved so while in his employ it was, after gi,ving him the situ- atioia, simply a business operation, and every upward step henceforth must be paid for in care and profitable labor. Step by step he slowly increased his salary and his labors also. When after four years of faithful toil Edward New - ten had made himsele so necessary to the interests of his employer that it became but selfish policy to offer him a partner- ship in the eetablishment, fr. Stanly was at heart really rejoiced that his Cousin's son had proved so worthy and had so faithfully earned the promotion. When received into this partnership, Mr. Newton's next step was to secure a home for himself. Tho idea of his neer- riage was distasteful to Mr. Stanly. "Still," said. he, "my rule has always been to leave each man to act -and judge for himself and. then abie the conse- quences." In his heart ho whispered: "Foolish boy, when ho was doing so well too! AO 'will lose eine) has gained 'now. Had I known of this inaeriage, I should have waited, awhile before receiving him as a partner. Ent I shall swatch more closely than over, and if 1 doted one false move I trust drop him. Mali be really sorry to do it, though, 1 must be growing childish. Edward has crept tearer my , heart than I thought any one conld," and I the old Merchant's face showed a ten - doer feeling than it had worn since childhood.. •soxiliou lint when Mr. Newton wedded renew Dale and presented her to, Mr. Manly her gentle, womanly manners qui,. I won the hard old num's heart, and not many years passed before lie rerned them t4.tako up their abode with him, that he might at last realizesnne of the irae y,e of home. A rely yeere under Inneyel puro influence added to t lor litieband'a telly Christian but trabideneive teaching, by, God's bletnime, softened the worldly heart, and when, "Iilso a shock of earn, fully ripe,"'Mr, Stately was gatlorcla, his fathers his large poeaessions, after Wino affectionate lenacies„ were tlividea among judicious charities and promised. long to be 'blessings to many. Stanly left no near kindred, and the elegant dwelling and. grounds, where he had passed a lonely life till his young frionds brought joy and sunshine into 25, he bequeathed to Mrs, Newton, "a thank offering for the love ;the had ehown him and the good she had Cane him." This Was the magnificent place so poorly dee scribed at the commeixemeent ot this. story remoileled used improved. by its present owner's correct taste until the stern grandeur of tho (•riginc.1 buildiug had it:»*.• harmonious pro- pm:Lions. Lot the reader become better eicenaint- ed with Mr. N.r,vton's household 'before we intred,o upen them when assembled in tho pleasant etady. Lillian, the eldest, her mother's teem - neer child, won horn when the birds and roses of Juno filled the air with melody and fragrance. Tall and graceful at 24, she has hor inother's figure, but with more quiet unci repose of manner, Her dark golden brown hair is tl,vined in heavy brads around her head. requiring no other ornament than the single rose- bud Goorgo has just placed there. The twins—Rose and Ralph—nent younger than George, are always the first to attract attention on entering a' room when the family aro to°nal:or. A more lovely tableau could hardly be found, Imagine a bright, petite figure, with oyes that would be black 'WOW they not over too full of hope and joy, the perfection of a woman's head adorned with woman's crowning glory—a mag- nificent mantle- of hair, the color of which, whether let down, as was Ralph's teasing custom, to ripple in beautiful waves to her tiny feet, or bound in careless (Taco about her bead, was made by any changing light or posi- tion equally uncertain as her oyes, So fax this may -may an outline for fancy to fill, but farther wo may not ven- ture, The • most consummate artist could but faintly convey the charm, the sweetness of Rose Newton's face. Her character was fresh and original. She inherited from. her father a singular com- mand of choice and appropriate lan- guage and from both parents a well bal- anced mind that cultivation had richly stored, but the sprightly humor, the brilliant and choice wit, the playful rep- artee, belonged to herself alone, or if shared by any her twin brother. Ralph, might claim a parytnership. At 15, in form and features, 'Coe brother and sis- ter wore singularly alike, but now, when nearly 20, Ralph's figure had developed into more manly beauty and towered high above his sister. In mental endowments Rose had tried Alfred, b riri to keep near -bit in her studies, and while be surpassed' her in strength and vigor of expression she fax outshone him in lln te youngest, a lad of 15, was quite sedate—not as much given to the beistemes amcseinentepg boyhood for 7._ •• ; ::: Clifford Blackman A Boston Boy's Eyesight Saved—Perhaps His Lite 13y Hood's Sarsaparilla—Inlood Poise seined by Canker. lterid the following from a grateful mother: "Iffy little boy had Scarlet Fever when 4 years old, and it left him very weak and with blood polsoneil with canker. Ills eyed beeatnn so inflamed that his sufferings were intense, and, Tor seven weeks lie Could Not Open His Eyes.. X took Iiiin twice during that time to the lye and Ear Infirmary on 'Charles street, but their rtmedles failed to do him the faintest shadow of good, / commenced giving hint fleeces Sarsaparilla and 11 semi cured him. lino never doubted that it tin 7ed might* eVen if nor kia voiry fife. You may use this tes. timonial in any way yon choose. I am always ready to sound the praise of Hoods Sarsaparilla because of the wonderful good it did my son." Annus P. IkArlatArr, sons Washington ret., lemon, Mass, Get MOWS, i-1000-11 PILLS are sand made, and ars patio fad le comoosition, proportion And annaarinda, :A 1 Ari