Telegraph & Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 16, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, October 17, 1851 Page: 1 of 4
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;
LEGRAPH
71
T5RMSr $3 in Advance,
Published Weekly.
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XVI.- -NO. 41.
HOUSTON, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1851.
WHOLE NO. 823.
THE TELEGRAPH
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by
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TtSMSi
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wmmsumiu
THE WHITE SILK BONNET.
by elizabeth o iiaka.
"Thirty-five shilling*, did you say, Mrs.
Grey ? I am afraid that is too dear; and yet
U is really a lure of a bonnet."
uIt ccrtainly does becomc vou exceedingly,
Misa Leslie.'' y
"Yes, I do wish I could buy it. Just show
me that straw again, will you ? Dear me, 1
wish I had not seen the silk one ; this seems
so large and dowdy. Thirty-live shillings,
and this will be—"
"One pound sis, full trimmed, ma'am; and,
after all, it is but a second bonnet, certainly
uot a dress one." ■
"Oh, I know that, but then"the price—you
see the difference isffivery^great.''
• ••Thirteen shillings ; but il|13 .quite made
up for by the quality of the goods. This is a
Paris made bonnet; I had it sent me for a
pattern; it would be two guineas 4o,any but a
customer. I really have- made a considera-
ble reduction, Miss XesHe; now-if ^I«might
advise—" . , ^
* It Is a sweet, pretty thing, so huly-iiko
and qoipt; but I told papa I should ; spend
about a pound, and I dou't think 1 ought to go
no very lar beyond: these flowers in the in-
*iie suit me so well; however, I'll decide on
the straw, Mrs.'Grey." — r '
leH yotTwhat, Miss Leslie, I should
like you to have this bonnet: I thought of you
the moment I saw you; I have quite kept it
£>r you. Besides,-iui* a pity you should lose
tiich a dead bargain. Why, see, ma'am,
what a lovely silk it is ! and these flowers—
r Jal French flowers; why, it will do up again
quite fresh next summer. Now, if you like,
the bill shall go in to your papa as a pound,
or say three-and twenty shillings, and you
■can make up the difference to me ut your con-
venience."
"i should like to do so, and certainly no
•one who is a judge can call this bonnet dear
at thirty-five shillings; it never was made for
.the money."
. ,(Ob, dear no, Mies Leslie, it costs me
)nore. Shall I send it in? Would you like
•me to add the pelerine you were admiring?—
Now I call that a very useful thing, that and
-the cuffs to match are so complete ; I think
you bad better have them : I need not press
•ihem on any one, they are so exquisitely
bee-yoidiful; but I can't help taking the lib-
erty of 'advising a lady like yourself, Miss
Leslie, and an old customer. 1 think you said
you were going into the country; now people
iike to be dressy away from home. You
could not get such goods at that figure at any
-other establishment, and you will find them
mo very convenient."
Constance Leslie hesitated. "The woman
who hesitates is lost;" the temptation was
.£real; the things were certainly becoming;
a certain biitbday gift was in expectation;
the economical arguments were very spe-
cious.' She yielded; and against her better
jttilgmenl consented to the milliner's plan.—
■She was but a girl—let that plead in her fa-
Tor; hut there are women, wives, and moth-
ers, who condescend to this meanness, who
systematically deceive their husbands in this
matter, and )et profess to love and revere
itbem; who, involved in debt themselves, rail
:at the artifice and extravagance of their ser-
vants, who, while their whole life is a subter-
fuge, affect horror at falsehood. Oh! did
4h«y but know how contemptible such con-
•duct is; bow maid and trader despise them—
%ow can they doubt a w ite's truth ? but to ot'a
-ers the lie is transparent! and often an in-
solvent is supposed to have been cogniztnt
-of extravagances which Lis misfortunes alone
.revealed to him. And for what do they weave
a tissue of untruths ? for what do they trem-
9Ho at the slightest word or glance which may
betray their secret ? From the most paltry
aud frivolous motives—often from mere
■thoughtlessness.
To return to my story. It is time I should
properly introduce Miss Leslie to my readers.
•She was an only daughter, having long lost
her mother, and had for years been her fath-
er's housekeeper. He was of that most un
fortunate class—a poor man bound to hide
his poverty and preserve certuin appearances.
Strict economy was necessary to affect this ;
-and hitherto Copstance had aided him well,
indeed. He was rather proud of the tact with
which she made the most of their narrow
income; for she had good taste and good
sense, and these united achieve wonders.—
There was no attempt at display; but all was
in such good keeping, the whole was so res-
pectable, that few suspected their limited
means. Mr. Leslie's income was so fluctu-
ating, that he was strict on one point only:
he wOuld incur no bills on any pretext what-
ever; beyond this, Constance was uncontrol- to have it rectified
f led, and laid out his funds as she pleased.—
Her brothers were growing up, and had to
bo pushed forward in the world; the well
doing of the whole family seemed at present
to depend on their father's position. Now,
when the force of appearances is not carried
farther than this, should we blame it ? We
are all bound to lay out our money to the best
advantage; an appearance of easy means,
when not based on debt, most frequently leads
to the reality. The world can only judge by
what it sees—good broadcloth invariably at-
tracts respect, ahd it is of high importance to
young people having their way to make in
the" world, that their home should stand well
with it. Mr. Leslie made no pretensions to
riches; he merely endeavored to hide his want
of them, and succeeded.
"That's a very smart bonnet of yours, Con-
stance; I hope you have not gone beyond
your stint—"
"Only a few shillings, papa."
She thus evaded as sue-thought, .v direct
falsehood, well knowning • all the while, that
fifteen shillings were far from being ' a few'' to
them.
•It is a very great bargain, and Mrs. Grey
advised it, as it will last two summers with
care."
'Well, well don't look so annoyed about it.
my dear: a shilling or two. more or less, breaks
no squares; but the fact is, I am rather sorry
yen have chosen such a dashing affair. J have
had one or two losses lately, as is well known
in the room, and your bonnet may be remarked
on."
Constance's tears now flowed freely; but she
dared not confess her fault.
"Never mind, my love, we are no worse off
than our neighbors. Indeed, I should not have
mentioned this, only it will guide you in your
purchases and in your behaviour at your uncle's.
1 was obliged to ask a little assistance from him
respecting Edward's premium, and this last
pull has prevented my paying him at the pro-
mised time. 1 gave him a bill and could not
take it up: but 1 have let off part of my office,
and shall soon be all right again.7'
"Oh, papa, you will be so uncomfortable
without a private room."
"I must not think of that, child; in fact, I
don't require a double office; there's the expense
of two fires to keep up; and all that's quite un-
necessary now Harding is gone."
"Harding gone papa.5
f "Yes, I find I can manage without liitn. by
doing -a little extra writing at home; and until
things came round a little, we must all pull up
in every possible way. But, remember, I wish,
for your brothers' sukes, to do the thing as
quietly as wo can. I am not ruined; but a
whisper either way would smash me at once
and the boys" credit depends on uiino."
Poor Constance! and it was at this very mo-
ment, when retrenchment was so necessary, and
her father was not only curtailing his personal
expenses, but redoubling his exertions, that she
bad incurred a trumpery debt—trumpery in
amount, but to her bonnet—sbe bad worn
it; she was afraid to spoak to Mrs. Grey about
the other articles she had sent in; for, despite
her exceeding lovciness of manner, Constance
felt she was a person who would never concede
a single point to her own disadvantage^ The
otH had not yeJTnadc"fifs appearance, and' she
'waited its arrival in fear and trembling: for
Mrs. Grey had chosen to make some indispen-
sable additions; and though she sent a message
apologizing for not having mentioned them, and
saying that they would bo merely a trifle, her
unfortunate customer felt a strong presentment
that she would be victimized. Besides, having
once yielded to temptation and set her bill "a-
going,'sbe fancied she might a3 well let the
whole sum be booked, and had already ex-
pended the fivc-and-twenty shillings set aside
for her bonnet and different trifling objects,
not absolutely wanted, and which she had
scrupulously dispensed with till now that she
had these few unoccupied shillings. The covet-
ed bonnet at once lost all its charms; it was
now positively hateful; and she set forth on her
visit to her country friends with a heart sadly
at variance with her gay apparel.
Her aunt and uncle Appleton had been rather
inconvcnienced by Mr. Leslie's dishonored bill.
People who are not in business can scarcely
make allowance for the difficulties of commerce:
they cannot understand its inextricable links,
nor how sometimes a mere change of wind may
scriously',embarrass the struggling trader.—
They had also sometimes disapproved of their
brother's style of living; and, though kind,
warm hearted people, having once assisted him
thought they had purchased a right to find fault
and dictate, and to this he could not submit.
If there was a subject on which he wasirrtibalc
it was respecting Constance. She an accomplish-
ed girl, and some of the wiseacres who delight
in laying down the law, had chosen to wonder
"she was not earning her bread and assisting
her family:" overlooking the fact that in man-
aging her father's house and adding to his com-
forts, she was of material service. A woman
in the struggling middle ranks who really docs
her duty, but rarely cats the bread ot idleness,
even when ostensibly unemployed; and Con-
stance had incessantly to promote Mr. Leslie's
views. Again: there is a kind of prejudice res-
pecting women's employment; weak, cruel,
senseless though it is, we can not step from our
privacy without virtually degrading ourselves;
hence, gcverncssing is the decayed gentlewo-
man's last resource; and is it to be wondered at,
that, knowing the light in which milliners,
or even governesses arc regarded, Mr. Leslie
should strain evory nerve to screen his daughter
from that trial? Of coursc he was blamed,
called proud and speculative, all sorts of evils
were predicted as the consequence: but he
laughed at those occasional prcachings, and
pursued the tenor of his way.
Constance's dressy purchases were "thus woe-
fully ill-timed: her aunt was far too good a
judge to bclievo that a pound would buy such
a bonnet, nor did her nice attempt to deceive
her; this was but fresh confirmation of "my
brother's ridiculous extravagance. Constance
dressed up like a girl of fortune—it is really too
bad. He has no right to squander other people's
money in this way: it is almost dishonest, and I
shall give her a good set down.'1
The set-down came, and this time unaccom-
panied by the annual present on which the poor
girl had depended/and as the Applctons chose
to make a sort of parade of poverty just then,
her smart clothes were more conspicuous.
Never had she spent such a miserable six weeks:
her temper gave way beneath self-reproach and,
her aunt's nagging, and she had the misery
of feeling that she had widened the
breach between her father and relations, who,
aftor all, were kindy, nay generously disposed
toward him.
But little comfort awaited her on her return
home. Business was still very flat, and her
brother's expenses had unavoidably increased;
her father was looking haggard and care-worn.
There, too, lay Mrs. Grey's bill, the total five
pounds. A mist eame over her eyes; it was before
the first sickening feeling was over, and sho had
courage to read the items. Two guineas for
the bonnet! that must be a mistake. She flew
I am sure you told me thirty-five shillings
Mrs. Grey."
"Certainly, Miss Leslie: but of course, I was
speaking of ready money payments. You know
I must make a difference where parties require
credit. I am always very glad to accommodate
a customer, and the bonnet is cheap at fifty
shillings."
"But the cap, and the violctte—T never or-
rcd them, and you charge them thirty shillings
more."
"Why you see, ma'ma, thcymake the who'c
so complete, so suitable, I thought it was a pity
not to put them in—you know you could have
returned them if they were not approved of."
"But you sent to say it would bj but a trifle
more.
"Ho more is it, Miss Leslie. Why the lace
is dirt cheap at the price, and it will wash up
and trim a straw bonnet—wash and wear for-
ever; as for the bill, pray don't make yourself
uneasy about it; you can take your own time--
pay me at your convenience."
What could Constance do? She had not five
shillings to dispose of; and fearing to annoy her
father, or cause some inquiry, Tiad foolishly al-
lowed him to suppose she had received her
usual present from aunt Appleton; she had even
diverted some of the housekeeping money to
make her accustomed presents to her father and
brothers, their share of her birth-day gift. The
sigh with which Mr. Leslie accepted her little
offering smote her severely: it told how much
more grateful he would have felc had she
thrown it into the weekly allowance.
Five pounds seems but a very small sum, but
when it is to_besaved up by pence its imagnitude
increases fearfully, it is almost a hopeless un-
dertaking. Constance was now fairly immersed
in that slough of despond, debt; for instead of
paying away her money regularly, and in order,
it was here a little and there a little. Her life
was a perfect scramble: a perpetual staving off.
while her small bills accumulated. Mrs. Grey
had her now completely in her power: she was
obliged to supply herself from her, at credit
prices, having always forestalled her income,
and though constantly endeavoring to econo-
mize, and in essentials scarcely so well dressed
as in former times, her expenses were at least
doubled.
Having acquired the habit of running up
billf, it acquired more strength of mind than
she possessed to dispense with a hundred little
superfluities, that had sho been obliged to pay
for them on the spot, would have been instant-
ly relinquished; but as is too often the case,
while the money still glittered in her purse, she
forgot the numerous calls she was preparing for
it. Nor did the mischief end here: sho was no
longer able to pay her servants' wages: they be-
came sulky, then saucy, the work was neglect-
ed, provisions wasted; and yet she neither could
nor darod discharge them, so much did she fear
her fathers learning her heavy arrears. These
annoyances, arid constant corroding anxieties,
brought on a lbw nervous fever; changc of scene
and air wore ordered, but these could not be
obtained without expense: and tb«- and the
dread of any discovery during her absence,
quite nullified l!i3 effects oi the proscrip-
tion. Kcr debts had gradually, though almost
imperceptibly amounted to about fifty pounds, a
sum she had no present means of paying; she
hadlcarnod to tremble at the sound of a single
kuock, and. by contemptible excuses, and frivo-
lous pjct-exU tor delay, was skuyJy ycdg^iBiniag
her father's credit.
It is a long time ere -'master" awakes to the
feelinig that has home is uncomfortable, or is
aware of all that goes on within it, esepecially
if he be in business, lie hurrries away in the
morning and ere he returns at evening things
have assumed a kiiulof company aspect; besides,
habit throws a veil over many discrepancies a
stranger can easily preceive. Constance's wre-
tched health all accounted for many errors of
management: and Mr. Leslie, generally a keen,
shrewd man, was blind to the state of his do-
mestic affairs. His daughter worked so hard
to retrieve her lost ground: liisand his sons' lin-
en was mended almost beyond comfort; he had
discovered her busy fabricating pretty knick-
knacks for which she hoped to obtain an unsus-
pected sale, he felt as if it would seem brutal to
pry into here conomy. Poor thing, she answered
all the advertisments by which "ladies and gen-
tlemen are offered an income of two pounds a
week, while practising an elegant accomplish-
ment," but the papier mache and carthcnlstamp-
ing trade were already overstocked with work-
ers: she only increased her difficulties by the
outlay.
At this crisis, when at her wits' end, an unex-
pected heaven appeared. She . was a pretty,
ladylike girl; and Allan Macdonald, a young
merchant, and a rising man, chose to fall in
love in with her. There are many dilfernt rea-
sons for accepting a man besides simply loving
see these things. I should have dropped before
I could have asked Grey for money, when first
we were married— it's unknown what 1 suffered:
you know I can send the bill in to Mr. Leslie by
aud-by."
"Why, I would rather—I think it would be
better for me to pay you: papa might be vex-
ed."
"Well, then, ma'am, shall I make out the
account to you? Mr. Leslie has nothing to do
with it—it is quite between ourselves."
"That would be much the best way, if you
have no objection. Mrs. Grey."
'•Oli, not the slightest; perhaps you will look
at these silks."
A very handsome outfit, far better than Con-
stance had^ven contemplated, was now ordered,
and all her prospects seemed brightening around
her. She had married him without strong offec-
tion, but their intimate communion brought out
the more amiable points of his character; she
had learned his worth, she confided in his mar.ly
affection, and each day increased her love for
him—not even her father was more dear to
hfijv XhcTe_was- but quo *peak ou the horison;
book keeping was her husband's hobby; though
far from mean, ho was naturally frugal; he was
as proud of her housewifery accomplishments
as of her more brilliant accomplishments; her
father had often vaunted them, and ho liked to
prove for how little she could provide their lib-
eral tablo. Therefore ho insisted on every item
being set down and carried to the weekly ex-
penditure: he had drawn up a set of books for
her use, and was delighted to sec how well she
kept them.
"There's nothinsr like black and white, Con-
stance, depend on it: when a woman knows ex-
actly what her expenses are she need never go
beyond her income, unless she's born a natu-
ral."
There was an end to all the schemes of "cab-
bage" by which she had hoped to make Allan
pay his father-in-law's debts: it was evident
that he W3uld seo how every penny was laid
out, and that nothing short of deliberate false-
hood— of which she was then incapable—would
mislead him. At length, duiven to deperation
by the importunities of one or two pressing cre-
ditors. she ventured to ask for a few pounds for
herself.
" For yourself, my darling!—what can you
mean ?"
" Why, dear, isn't my meaning plain enough:
I mean my pin-money, Mr. Macdonald," and
she tried to laugh oS' her confusion and his sur-
prise.
" Your pin-money, Constance! Why what
is all I give you but that ? Is it not enough !-
take more; but separate pursos seperate inter-
ests, that's my opinion."
"My dear Allan !"
'•Yes, why should you or any other woman
have your private purse ?- I have none from
you. Constance."
''But then a fired sum is so much more com-
fortable."
"How so ? we have already settled what our
oxpenscs should be—your pretty little books
here show that you do not exceed the average
we struck, my wee wifey; what more would
you have Are we not one, Constance ? When
you want money ask for it, do what you will
with it; if you aie over the mark one month,
we can pull up the next. I throw all our ex-
penditure in common, you see. tailor and all; I
won't buy a waistcoat even without giving you
the chance of lecturing if you've a mind; if we
find we have ttil along been within our limit-
why we'll make each other a present, or have a
jaunt: but in heaven's name, Constance, don't
talk to mo of your own purse. I've seen enough
of that—no, no, let s hare no eonccalments or
privacies of eny sort."
She was so disappointed at this unexpected
refusal that she could not restrain her tears,
and Allan looked very rueful and uncomfortable
at the sight. He had a mixture of feelings; he
did not like to see his pretty Constance weep,
but it was rather gratifying than otherwise to
his marital pride, that his displeasure, or the
fear, of it, should create such emotion; so in a
half-penitent, half-pacha like temper he set
himself about consoling his mourning bride.—
He felt that according to his convictions he was
right, but feared that ho had not gono rightly
to work.
"I must not give up, that's positive." he
thought; "but poor, dear girl, how sorry she is
to have vexed me. 1 must bo a brute; I daro
say she wants a new dress or two now wo re go-
ing out so much; old Leslie told mo he could
not do as much as he wished for her."
Acting upon this idea he proceeded to kiss
away her tears.
"Come, Constaucc, darling, you must not bo
angry with me—I'll be bound you want some
finery for Dawson's ball; why did you not say
so at once, you silly girl1 There, tell me how
him; some girls are afraid of dying old maids; j much will be noccessary—but I dare say you
others do not know how to say "no;" others arc | don't exactly know yourself; take this, dear one
ambitious, others mercenary; others wish to : and mind 1 expect to see my wifey the best
please pap and mamma; and others wish to spite j dressed as well as the prettiest woman in the
some particular friend. . Constance married j room. There, kiss and be friends, Con ; 1 have
from none of these causes: she loved—no, liked,
respected Allan, and felt grateful for his pre-
ference; but her prevailing feeling was that the
wedding would help her out of her difficulties.
There would be the money for her trousseau,
and of course presents from her relations; and
out of these she could surely squeeze enough to
clear the greater part, if not all her debts. Al-
lan, too, would be sure to make her a liberal
allowance, and she could 6ave something from
that, once free, it would be a lesson for life.
Things seldom turn out exactly as we ex-
pect. The presents made her, though hand-
some, could not be turned to account; work-
tables and silver tea-pots are not very servicea-
ble in a lady's wardrobe; and though her father
had strained evory nerve, he did not give her
more than one half of what she had reckoned
on. She ventured to petition for more.
"Tut, tut, Constance! Macdonald knows ex-
actly how I am situated, that I really am very
much hampered, for I have no concealments
from him; he is not the fellow to go rummaging
over his wife's drawers, or to refuse her a new
gown when she wants it. Of course 1 wish you
to be respectable, and what you have now will
set you out as well a3 any child of mine need
be; more, in my present circumstances, would
be improper."
Shejvras silcncc.1. Her means were all ab-
sorbed in paying off the driblets she owed in
all directions, but yet there were comparatively
large sums remaining. She spoke to the trades-
people, "the expenses of her wedding, & c:" the
excuse seemed reasonable, though some were
inclined to wonder why Mr. Leslie left this
disagreeable task to his daughter, and, as they
wished to secure Mrs. Macdonald's future cus-
tom, they were exceedingly forbearing. Mrs.
Grey alone remained; the wedding clothes must
be supplied by her now, although Constance
anticipating so much more money, had already
announced that they would not, as "she did not
like her style." This report Jhad evidently
reached her. and she received her customer s
explanation with a mortifying air of civil disbe-
lief; but when Constance began to explain her
errand, and hesitatingly ask for credit, "It is so
very awkard, Mrs. Grey, but gentlemen can
not understand these things: papa cannot see
why I should like to have a littlo money in hand,
but you must know what yon felt yourself."
Oh. to be ?urt- Miss Leslie: but men can't
one favor to ask, my love; I wish you'd tako
any thing you want from Green's, they can put
a thing or two in my way sometimes."
The clog accompanying Allan's gencreus gift
made it scarcely a relief to her; but those bills
must be paid, and though sho knew she would
expect to see the sum accounted for, she could
not comply with his wishes. He folt annoyed
at this; why should- she not say how she had
laid out his preseut ? At the same time other
discrepancies forced themselves on his notice,
and made him most uncomfortable. He was
more grieved than angry, however. His wife
had certainly not made any purchases at Green's
although he had not only requested it, but ex-
plained his reasons—nay more, sho was not as
handsomely attired at the ball as he could have
wished; he had felt that from the first, and was
more inclined to admiro her moderation than
grumble at her appearance; but his sister had
further and accidentally enlightened him.--
Constance's was only an old dress re-trimmed;
if so. where was that money ? Her books, be-
sides, though apparently very accuratcly kept,
presented increased expenses, while his table
was not so good as it had been—he could speak
with certainty on that head; she looked shabby
too, sometimes: gloves, shoes, bonnet, ribbons
were not so often reneewed as ho considered
necessary. He could not understand it; some-
thing underhand was decidedly going on, but
Constance al\t ays evaded any explanation.—
Then she was growing thin and low-spirited,
nearly fretful, so he did nut like to press her—
what could it all mean ? Comfort seemed ban-
ished from his hearth, some evil influence was
hovering around them. There was some lurk-
ing mystery; and yet he was sure that she
loved him. How anxious she was to please
him in all save this ? How proundly she had
looked up to him, how tenderly she had nursed
him in a late severe attack. But why should
she not tell him the cause of her unhappiness;
why was there not perfect confidence between
man and wife ?
Chance solved some of his doubts. He acci-
dentally opened a letter addressed to Mrs.
Macdonald. It contained a bill and receipt,
and came from her brother's tailor. The wri-
ter, while thanking her for the last payment on
accounts, hoped she would soon make it conve-
nient to settle the balance, as it was sometime
since thf voung jrentleman had had the?" nrH-
cles. Macdonald naturally felt annoyed, nay
indignant, that his comforts should be curtailed
to pay his brother-in-law's bills, for he never
once imagined that Constance had long since
received the money for them, and appropriated
it to an ither purpose; all he could see way her
weakness, and the meanness of the young man
in submitting to such an obligation; and he
would have spoken his mind pretty freely but
for the fear of agitating his wife, whose ap-
proaching confinement had thrown her into a
very precarious state of health." Rather than
she should know that lie was aware of her fol-
ly, he at once paid the somewhat heavy
remainder. He was still smarting from the
irritation when lie met Edward Leslie, the
elder brother, exceedingly well-dressed, and
in high spirits. Ho had just returned from
an interview with a merchant who waj in-
clined to send him abroad on very advanta-
geous terms; the only difficulty was a small
sum to start with: and Edward naturally
thought he might apply to his wealthy brother-
in-law for an advance on his expected salary—
At any other time- Allan woald willingly have
made tho lcai,. but at that moment it seemed
too much liko victimization, as if ho were a de-
stined prey to the Leslies, he therefore not only
refused point blank, but accompanied his refu-
sal by certain i'nucndocs at Edward's expenses
and appearance, which were as incomprehensi-
ble as offensive to the latter, and the result was
a violent quarrel between 'them.
Meanwhile Mr. Leslie's difficulties were in-
creasing, and he saw himself compelled to call
a meeting of his creditors; this had hitherto
been concealed from Constance, but it soon be-
came necessary to apply to her,, as, to^hpr,
father's utter astonishment, bills of which"' he
had not the slightest knowledge now poured frp
on him. She was alone in her luxuriou^draw--
ing.room, looking the picture of misery, having
that day heard Edward's version*of ^her hus-
band's extraordinary conduct, and his own dis-
appointment, now likely to bo attend ;d with
serious consequences, as, if ho could not raise
this money, he must relinquish this lucrative
appointment—a provision for life. And now
her father's position was explained to her; what
was to become of them? what could sho do?
"1 should not hare worried you with all this,
my poor girl; the general opinion is in my fa-
vor; people seo how this has been brought up-
on me. and two or three of my creditors have
come forward very handsomely; Lynch offers to
back me if I will start again. I called at Al-
lan's office as I came along; I wanted to have
his advice, and to know whether he would join
Lynch as security if I continued the agency;
but he was out so I left a note for him, explain-
ing what I wanted, and came on here. I mis-
sed my dinner with it all. and really should be
glad of a glass of wine, Mrs. Mac—: come, dear
don't cry, there's no disgrace ih my misfortunes
—wo have never been extravagant or thought-
less; but Constance I was rather surprised to
sec theso bills among my other accounts; sure-
ly thoy were paid long ago?"
"I—I—I forget, father."
"Nonsense: I'm sure you had tho money for
them; those very sums are entered in my day-
booK Now, do calm yourself and l.jok them
over. See, why, they're dated two and three
years backyfii.kncvci>.- had any account with
my,trade|menJoriger than a quarter. I looked
at joa/bpoS^.aQ^'cojildn^^make head or tail
of it. or 1 would not liave^bothered you now.
You really must examine-*into:this, Constance:
ignating conversation was forbidden; but Al-
lan's teudor kiss and gentle tones told that sbe
was forgiven. N<rwa8herfatherinesorable:fcw
parents but would have cons djrod her punish-
ment sufficient; and in the meantime her hus-
band generously rectified the errors she had
occasioned. The debts were all liquidated-
their amount was comparatively so small, that
it seemed astonishing how so trifling a cause
could have produced so much unhappiness, and
Allan thought the sum well expended that
could restore hiswift'j peace of mind. Edward,
too, obtained the r qusite|!oan, which was rep.v'd
within the specified time, while Macdonald
willingly joined Air. Lynch as security for- his
father-in-law., Mr. Leslie, thus backed, at
length revived his past losses. Ho never&<*ain
alluded to that unfortunate scene, except vThen
he and Allan once nearly quarrelled for tho.
second tim.e, because he insisted on repaying
the money advancedffor Constance's debts. As
for Charles the younger son, he was soon well
provided for; for uncle Appleion, seeing how
the others were thriving, took him in hand, and
using his bowngh interest, easily procuring him
a comfortable appointment. — °
A fine band of rosy children have long sinco
con soled Allan for the loss of his first-born: but
Constance has never forgotten that terriblo les-
son; and though placed beyond the necessity of'
rigid economy, never feels tempted to indul«-o
in a single extravagance, or to incur even °u
trifling debt, without being warned by the
memory of the White Silk Bonnett.
— #
Female M. D— Miss Elizabeth Black-
1>., has returned to this city, from a
^wo years' residence abroad; one of which
was-.sjJeiit as au interne, or house physiciau
the Maternity lying-in Hospital of Paris.
Another year was occupied in tho same ca-
pacity in the St. Bartholomew's Hospital in
London. Miss B. has also spent some timo
with Preisnitz, at Graeffenburg, studying the
water cure treatment. Miss Dr. B., we- un-
derstand, has just opened un office at No. 44
University-place, and is prepared to practico
in every department of her profession.i-JV.
Y. Tribune. , ,, .
my character .is touched by it—to leave. such
bills so forf^npaid.'^®'
"Perhaps th.crej^ome^mjsiike."- -
"No.ie at all; either vou did or' did, not, pay
thosebills. If you did pay'fill e^ii. hun^upHfie
receipts. I don't know the names evSRSf tlfijli)
fellows—did you ever deal with -1hemiyAnsweiv
me at once -yes or no—did you ever owe them
anything?" ■- ** ^
"Yes—I mean that is—"
At this moment Allan entered the room, evi-
dently in a towering passion, while a servant
brought in the refreshment Constance had or-
dered for her fa:her, by an opposite door.
"Take aw.iy thosa things!',' lie thunder-
ed. "they are not wanted here "
Tho loot-boy hositated a moment.
"My mistress sir." he said.
"Take them away, I say!"
The ssrvant obeyed. Constancc had sunk
back on the sofa in violent hysterics, while Mr.
Leslie seemed petrified. Allan for the first
timo in his life was neglectful of his wife, and
had refused her father's proff :red hanrl.
"You wrote to me, Mr. Leslie, this morning,
he continued, "to make a most modest request.
I need offur no comment on you and your
family conduct towards me; but do me the
favor to read ntc this letter: it is a sufficient
answer; and then, sir, leave my house, before
I am tempted to kick you out of it."
"Allan!" shrieked Cons'artce.
"Was it not enough, sir, that my comforts
should be curtailed, my home rendered uncom-
fortable, my wife's health and spirits broken,
her integrity destroyed—yes, that she should
bo taught to deceive me systematically, in or-
der that my money should pay your
and your sons' debts? Was not that enough
without such disgrace as this? A lawyer's let-
ter demanding payment of my wife's debts
when single, her wedding clothes even not paid
for!"
"Good God! what is this? Speak. Constancc,
this instant."
"You have killed her!" cried her husband,
bending over her insensible form. "I find you
hore with m >re bills in your hand—I find her
in tears, while you arc feasting at my expense.
Leave the house I say."
"Allan Macdonald I will not. You have at-
tacked my character and my sons'. Unless
you use force, 1 will not leave tho room 'till
Constance clears this up, let the conscquences
bo what they will, she shall speak. I will not
remain under these imputations."
"Pshaw! how can she clear you? Let mc
ring for her maid—she is dying."
"She is not: leave her to herself for a mo-
ment; sho is rccovering---see. My God! man,
I am her father! There, give her some water.
Be advised for once; let no one in, as you would
avoid a disgraceful exposure. On my word—
on my oath, if necessary—I knew nothing of
this—I knew of no bills till this morning."
Mr. Leslie's firm tone and high character
held Allan in check, and ho submitted to his
advice. It was long ore Constance revived
from her death like swoon, and then she would
have evaded explanation, had not her father
stuck pertinaciously to his point. All at once
she seemed to at once to gain courage from his
soverity and her husband's anguished features.
She knew not where their suspicions might
tend, and throwing herself at Allan's feet, sho
revealed all her errors.
Her strength again failod her, with the last
words she fell prostrate, and was^carried sense-
less to her bed. A raging fever ensused; a dead
child was born. In the wildness of delirium
her now intense love for her own conduct, and
her dread lest she should share in it. His voice
alone could soothe her. and yet she seemed to
shrink from him as if she felt she had incurred
his displeasure: that was her prevailing fear
His name, her father's Edward's, was ever on
her lips; but always in conjunction with images
of misery.
Consciousness was at last restored to her: nl!
• UNEXPECTED DE-BUTT-ANTE.
The Livorpool Timos rolatcs the following
ludicrous incident: "
A circumstance provocative of more hearrty
and general laughter than is usually heard at1
our theatre took place on Monday, during tho.
performance of the last and most impressive
scene in the play of "Julius Csesar." Mr. Van-
denhofl' sustained tho choractcr of Brutus. He
was at that passage where, after~bis army had
been defeated, ho asked his freedman to kill
bim, and resolves to commit suicide. At this
moment," a venerable looking goat, with a long
board, made his appearance at tho side ocenea,
and took a deliberate survey of the house. Tho
audiencc at first, surprised at this novel appari-
tion broke into roars oflaughter. to the evident
horror and astonishment of tlio tragedian to
whose oars tho unlooked-for sounds were a pro-
fanation. Tho cause of the merriment, walked
deliberately down to the footlig'its, and stared
at-tha aurfiftnftfl* T- -
startled him, and drove him" once more up the
stage. Iu the meantime Brutus stabbed him- Ifljury Notfifcl
self with as much tragic dignity as possible u
under -the circumstance and covered his face
with bis robe. Tho goat, seeing his fall, walk-
ing aver to the prostrate Brutus, took a snuff at
him. and was then then, amidst louder roars of
laughter than ever, in which the actors joined,
romoved off the stage. t
tr- : —— -
^ Interesting Facts.—:Columbus was a wea-
ver; Franklin wtis a journeyman printer: Fer-
guson and Burns were ploughmen; iEsop was a
slave; Hogath an engraver on pewter plates: Ben
Johnson a bricklayer; Akcnside and Wolsey
were sons of butchers; Halley was the son of a
soap boiler; Belzoni was the son of a barber;
Blaekstone and Southey were the sons of linen
drapers: Crabbe was a fisherman's 6on: Keats
the son of a livery stable keeper, and Ilaydcu
the son of a wheelwright.
DEATH OF CHILEREN.
Leghton thus wrote on hearing the death os
a child. " sweat thing, and and he is so vuick-
Ip laid asleep ? Happy he ! Though we shall
have no more the pleasure of his lisping and
laughing, he shall no more have the pain of cry-
ing, nor of being sick, nor of dying. Tell my
dear sister that sho is now so much more tkin
to the other world: and this wilf be quickly
passed to us all. John Is but gono at an early
hoor to bed, as children used to do, and we are
undressed to follow. And the more we put off
the lore of tho present world, hnd all things au-
psjfluous beforehand, wo shall have tho less to
do when wclic down."
CURE FOR DRUNKENNESS. -
The following singular meaus of cnaeiug ha-
habitual drunkenness is cmployrd by a Russian
physician, Dr. Scrciber, of Brzesc Litewski. It
consists in congning a drundard in a room, and
furnishing him a discretion with brandy diluted
with two-thirds of water : as much wine, beer
and coffee as he desires, but containing one-
third of brandy; and the feed: the bread, the
meat, &c., are steeped in brandy and water.—
On the fifth day of this regiment ho has a dis-
gust for brandy, and carntstly requests other
diet; but his dis ease must not be yi.elded to, un-
til the poor wretch no longer desires to eat or
drink. He is then certainly cured of his pen-
chant for drunkenness, He acquires such a dis-
gust for brandy that he is ready to vomit-at
the very sight of it.
BALKING OF" HORSES.
*
i We have always looked upon the habit of
balking iu the horse as incurable. We havo
seen it lately stated that the Mexicans .over-
come this propcasita by tha lollowing kindly
treatment:
Tho driver approaches the head of fhe horse,
pats him gently on tho neck and bead, speaking
soothingly to him all tho while; after a few
minutes, while the horses sulky humor some-
what subsides, the driver commences to blow
very gently up the horses, nostrils, which ho
continues to do for a few-minutes then soothes
and pats him egain. and repeats the blowing
up of the nostril, whan, it is said, the animal
will bo found to have been subdned. This ia
the plan, also, as stated by Catlin. that the
buffalo calves are tamed by the Indians: wheth-
er it will prove successful in conquering this
radical fault in the horse, wo know not; it may,
be worth a trial.
So far as our experience goes, kindnoes is ono
of tho bust correctives of bad habits, cither iu
man or boast, and it may be that tho gcntlo
treatment indicated above: may be efficacious.
Am. Far.
Iron Railroad Car.—It is stated that some
ingenious mechanic of New York, has invented
a railroad car rr.nd^nf wrought iron, cuM to bK
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Moore, Francis, Jr. Telegraph & Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 16, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, October 17, 1851, newspaper, October 17, 1851; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth233367/m1/1/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.