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“TT IS ONLY A PIN.†|
A TALE FOR YOUTH,
By CHARLES MARTEL,
AUTHOR OF “LIVES OF FMINENT PERSONS.
| LLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS,
LONDON:
DEAN & SON 65, LUDGATE HILL,
_ Sotents,
ft is only apin . ° °
The pin factory . ° ° °
Mr. Barton’s story. : ,
Thepin . . .
Henry enters Mr, Bullion’s service
Henry’s industry and ability .
Mr. and Mrs. Bullion at home .
Henry’s assiduity to business,
Henry introduced into company .
Henry displays his talent in music
Mr. Bullion’s picture gallery .
Henry’s account of the picture .
Henry in fashionable company .
Henry is sent to Paris. ° ‘
Henry’s mission to Canada . ‘
Il
17
21
28
oO
38
40
49
AQ
60
62
65
73
“oe
iv PREFACE.
Henry’s voyage to America . °
Henry succeeds in his object.
Henry returns home. ° .
Henry visits Paris again . ee
Henry’s interview with Julia. °
The cottage at Saint Germain . °
Henry visits his mother .
Henry’s interview with Mrs. Temple.
Henry’s vindication of himself . :
Henry at Saint Germain .
Henry and Julia’s reflections . ‘
Julia’s New-year’s gift to Henry
Tidings of trouble in the Cottage
Henry visits the sister’s creditor .
A fortunate discovery ; ; °
The friendly plot
The persecuting creditor . :
Henry’s surprise : .
Union of Henry and J ulia ° .
Conclusion ; ; ° ° ‘
IT IS ONLY A PIN.
“ONLY a pin? such. .a trifle to make so
much fuss about, why——â€
“Stop, my dear; before you despise this
useful little object, consider how very in-
convenient it would be for us if there were
no pins. I scarcely know what we should
do without them. I do not know what
they do in those countries where there
are no pins; they must use thorns, or some
such things that grow pointed. Just try if
you can make a pin; I will not ask you to
make the wire. I will give you a piece; it
has already gone through several operations
in the hands of the wire-drawer, and the
dresser, who has straightened it, and cut it
to the proper length ; so you will only have to
point it and put a head on.†|
Bd
6 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
Saying these words, Mrs. Ashton gave a
piece of wire such as pins are made of, to
her son, and watched him while he took the
matter of pin-making in hand.
Alfred was the owner of a little box of
carpenter’s tools, with which he pleasantly
wiled away many an hour. He ran to fetch
them, never doubting that, with their assist-
ance, he would be able to convert the piece
of wire into a handsome straight-pointed
pin. :
He first attempted to point the wire, and
by means of a file he managed to produce
something that looked like a point, although
very rough; but he found much difficulty
in holding the wire, which was continually
slipping through his fingers, |
But when he arrived at the consideration
of how the head was to be made, his confi-
dence forsook him; he saw at once that,
small as it was, the task was beyond his
skill; and somewhat crestfallen he informed
iis mother that he could not mak2 a pin,
and that he should like to see somebody
make one; it must be so very curious.
‘“ Now, my son, since you have discovered
THE PROMISE, 7
how difficult it is to make a pin, you will,
perhaps, in future not be wasteful and throw
them into the fire. To-morrow, if you are a
good boy, I will take you to a place where
they make pins, to Mr. Barton’s factory,
where you will see all the people at work,
making pins; and you will, perhaps, be sur-
prised to see that more than a dozen persons
are employed in making a single pin. If one
man undertook to make pins completely by
himself, he could make only very few a day ;
whereas, by taking in hand only one portion
of the various operations required to perfect
a pin, he is enabled to contribute to the
production of a very great number.â€
THE PIN FACTORY.
Next .day, according to promise, Mrs.
Ashton took her son and daughter to Mr.
Barton’s factory, That gentleman, upon
receiving Mrs. Ashton’s request to be per-
mitted to show her children the way pins
were made, kindly undertook to accompany
them through the workshops, and explain
8 IT IS ONLY A PIN,
what was being done in each. On reaching
the workshop of the wire-drawer, they saw
the bright brass metal converted into fine
wire of various thicknesses, according to the
kind of pins for which it was required; from
the little ribbon-pin, almost as fine as a hair,
up to the stout and strong upholsterer’s pin,
nearly as large as a bodkin. They next pro-
ceeded to the dresser’s, who took the heavy
coils of wire, cut them into lengths for two
pins, and straightened them: they were
then ready for the pointer, who sharpened
each end of the wire upon a mill; from him
they were transferred to the cutter, and by
him cut to the proper length.
Making the heads was, however, the ope-
ration most eagerly watched by the children,
and they saw that several persons were
required to complete a pin’s head. First
there was the twister, who twisted the wire
into a sort of ring, and then handed it to
the head cutter, who cut off these little rings
from the superfluous wire. The heads were
then passed to the baker, who annealed them
in an oven, first making them hot, and then
allowing them to cool gradually; by thiy
PIN MAKING. 9
means the wire becomes exceedingly tough.
The heads were next taken in hand by the »
shaper, who fashioned them round and neat ;
another workman fastened the head on to
the wire.
Mr. Barton informed the little folks that,
in some pin factories, the heads are produced
in a different manner, not made separately,
but formed out of the length of wire which
is the pin, by pressing the-end into a nob or
head. The advantages presented by pins so
made are that the heads never come off, as
they sometimes do when made by the other
method.
After the heads are put on, the pins require
to be cleaned, they next pass to the hands of
the bleacher, who whitens by covering them
with melted tin, tinning them as it may be
called ; they then go to the cooler, who cools
them in water. ‘The polisher takes them
from the cooler, and puts them into a sort of
churn, with some bran, and keeps them
turning until they are polished bright. It is.
then necessary to separate them from the
bran, and this operation is performed by the
fanner, The pins are now finished; but as
19 IT 1S ONLY A PIN,
a great many of them are sold stuck upon
paper, a pricker is employed to make the
holes in the paper, and the paperer puts the
- pins into the holes.
The children passed from one workshop to
another with increasing curiosity and sur-
prise, wondering when they would arrive at
the last stage of progress in the art. of pin-
making; and when they did arrive at the
last, they looked for more, nothing doubting
that there might be others in store.
“T take great pride in my business,†said
Mr. Barton, “ for I think that of all inani-
mate objects a pin is perhaps the one that
performs the most important part in the
many little things that make up the whole
of domestic life. I knew a gentleman, who
became a wealthy merchant and banker; he
owed all his good fortune to a pin. He was
once a poor youth, but a pin was the means
of introducing him to a good situation, in
which he acquitted himself so well, that he
became what I have told vou.â€
‘““How curious,†said the children, both
together, “and all through a little pin. Oh,
how I should like to hear how he made his
fortune out of a pin,â€
STORY OF A PIN. I]
“T shall take much pleasure,†said Mr.
Barton, “in relating the story to you; it is
indeed quite romantic, but nevertheless true,
every word of it. Let us walk into the
garden, and take a seat in the summer-house.
I will then tell you as much of this story of
a pin as you will be able to remember to-
day: the rest I will relate to you the first
leisure time I have.â€
MR. BARTON’S STORY.
Henry Arpen, the hero of my story, was
the only son of a merchant, who dying
when young, left his family but slenderly
provided for. Besides Henry, there were
two elder daughters. Mrs. Arden, entertain-
ing great hopes that Henry would prove as
good a wan as his father had been, made
every sacrifice in her power to give him a
good education. Henry showed, when very
young, a strong taste for art; he was never
so happy, when away from his books, as
when he had a pencil in his hand, drawing
objects by which he was surrounded.
12 1T IS ONLY A PIN.
Henry’s father, perceiving his talent, had
wished him to become an artist; but his
mother, knowing how precarious that pro-
fession was, except to those who possess true
genius, preferred that Henry, at his father’s
death, should enter commercial hfe. Henry
felt it a great sacrifice to be obliged to quit
the fairy-land of art, for the dull routine of
the counting-house; but as he knew it was
his duty to obey his parent’s wishes, he
followed her injunctions without a murmur.
He at once sought to obtain a situation as
clerk in a mercantile house. Many of his
late father’s friends undertook to speak for
him, and promised, when anything in the
way of vacancy came under their notice,
they would let him know of it. But Henry,
fearing their memories might prove treacher-
ous, resolved to set out himself in quest of a
situation, and it was while engaged on this
praiseworthy errand, that the adventure of
the pin befel him, that I have spoken of.
Threading his way through the narrow
streets of the city, where the business of the
world is transacted in dark rooms that sur-
prise everybody but those who inhabit them,
DISCOURAGING EVENTS. 13
Henry called at one counting-house after
another, until he became nearly discouraged
at his want of success. Some looked at him
with an air of surprise; others, he thought,
with pity. From some he received civil
replies, but many, upon hearing his inquiries,
scarcely deigned to reply at all, but turned
their heads away, muttering inaudibly.
Henry’s heart sank within him, He had ©
always felt it a duty to be kind and civil to
all, and he could not understand why he,
who spoke civilly, should receive such curt
responses to his solicitations. But Henry
was, unintentionally, doing these gentlemen
injustice: he did not know that they were so
ceeply absorbed in their business, that they
had neither a thought nor a word for any-
thing that did not concern it. Had Henry
been the bearer of money bags, or had he
attempted to carry anything off furtively
from the places he visited, he would probably
have seen a different result,
It was late in the afternoon, when Henry,
now very weary and disheartened, found
himself in Billiter-square. He ascended
the stexs of one of the largest houses, and
C
14 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
opening a door, upon which was a brass plate,
inscribed
‘COUNTING HOUSE,â€
he perceived he was in a large room filled
with desks, at each of which a clerk was
engaged writing. Henry’s heart fluttered
more than ever. He felt here was just the
place in which he would like to be installed ;
and he looked around in the hope that he
might find at least one desk vacant.
A gray-haired dignified gentleman, whom
Henry supposed to be the principal, came
forward, and politely inquired his business.
“Tam seeking a situation, sir, as clerk,â€
replied Henry, “and hope, if you have a
vacancy in your office, you will allow me to
fill it. I shall certainly do my best to serve
you faithfully.â€
The gentleman Henry addressed, looked
at him kindly, but shaking his head, replied,
that they were not in want of any one at
present; he should be very glad to assist
him, if it laid in his power.
Henry had secretly resolved that he would
find admittance into that establishment, if
HENRY’S PERSEVERANCE. 15
possible; and acting under that conviction,
he became rather pertinacious. The gentle-
man made some inquiries of Henry, as to
the kind of employment he had been accus-
tomed to; but when he learned that Henry
had never been engaged in a counting- house,
he assured him that he would find it very
dificult to obtain a situation. He also
intimated to Henry that he was not the
principal of the house, but only the manag-
ing clerk.
Upon hearing this, Henry was seized with
a desire to see the merchant himself, and
begged of the clerk to allow him to go to
him; but this the clerk said he could not do,
as Mr. Bullion would not allow himself to
be interrupted except by the most important
business affairs.
Just at this moment, the door of an inner
room opened, and a portly intelligent-look-
ing gentleman entered the counting-house.
From his manner, and from the deference
with which he was received, Henry at once
concluded he was the merchant.
He approached the place where Henry
and the clerk were standing, and addressing
16 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
the clerk, he inquired of him what was the
young gentleman’s business. The clerk
replied in so low a tone, that Henry could
eatch but little of what was said; but the
merchant, in passing Henry on his way to
the door, observed to him that he was very
sorry he could not take him into his office,
he was quite full.
“Will you give me leave to call again,
sir?†said Henry, “ perhaps you may, before
long, have a vacancy which I can fill.â€
“You may do so, if you please,†replied
the merchant. “ Have you any friends who
can speak for you, in the event of your meet-
ing with employment.†)
Henry mentioned the names of three or
four of his late father’s friends, among others,
a Mr. Taylor.
‘I know that gentleman very well,†said
the merchant; “he is one of my most es-
teemed friends.â€
During these words, they had both reached
the outer door, where the merchant paused.
Henry, feeling that the interview had ended,
_ bowed and descended the steps,
17
THE PIN.
Henry was, to say the least, a little disap.
pointed. He had allowed his hopes to lift
his expectations too high. As he crossed the
square, with his eyes looking on the ground,
feeling rather dejected, he saw a pin lying
between two stones ; he involuntarily stooped
and picked it up.
“Young man, —stop!—come_ back!â€
were the loud words that reached Henry’s
ear; and looking back, he saw the merchant
beckoning him to return, He immediately
retraced his steps to the door he had just
quitted.
“ What treasure is that you just picked
up, sir?†said the merchant; “if it is any-
thing of value, you ought to have brought it
back here, so that we might endeavour to
find the owner.â€
Henry looked confused, and blushed. He
was ashamed to confess that the treasure he
had stooped to pick up was only a pin; it
seemed so ridiculous.
At length summoning up sufficient cou-
Co
18 IT I8 ONLY A PIN,
.age, he pulled out from the inside of his
vat the pin he had picked up, and exhibit-
ing it to the merchant, said,
“This, sir, is what I picked up; it is only
a pin; but my poor father, who is dead,
taught me when a child, to pick up a pin
whenever I saw one lying on the ground;
for, as he said, nothing was so insignificant
but what might some day be found useful.
I saw this pin lying on the ground, and from
habit I stooped to pick it up.†Saying this,
Henry returned the pin to his coat.
“My son,†said the merchant, “you need
not blush for what you have done; it is
nothing you need be ashamed of. Attention
to little things bespeaks carefulness in
greater ones. Orderly and thrifty habits are
valuable qualities in a young man who
aspires to be a merchant. A pin is some-
times as useful as a nail, and you may have
heard, that
‘ For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
For want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For want of a horse the rider was lost,
And all for the want of a horse-shoe nail.’
A GLEAM OF SUCCESS. 19
T admire your candour, and think much of
your attention to such trifles, and although,
as I just now informed you, I have, at pre-
sent, no need of your services, I am now
disposed to give you an opportunity of em-
ploying yourself. Walk in to the counting-
house, and we will speak to Mr. Plumer,â€
Mr. Plumer was the managing clerk, with
whom Henry had held a conference at tle
beginning of this adventure. When he saw
Henry return with Mr. Bullion, he looked,
surprised, first at Henry and then at the
merchant.
“Mr. Plumer, give me a sheet of papery,
and a good pen:’—and placing them on a
desk near where he stood, he said to Henry,
“T should lke to see a specimen of your
hand-writing.†|
Now, Henry prided himself upon his
writing. He wrote a firm, bold, clear hand,
which was as easy to read as print. So he
took the pen Mr. Bullion handed to him,
with confidence, and he wrote as follows:
‘« Every river and sea on the globe is visited by
ships bearing the flag of England: every wind
that blows favours her mariners: they carry the
90) IT IS ONLY A PIN,
productions of one country to be exchanged for
those of other countries. The prosperity of a
nation may be measured by the freedom of its
commerce.â€
Handing the sheet of paper to Mr. Bullion, he
eagerly watched that gentleman’s face while
he perused the lines he had written. After
viewing them attentively for a few seconds,
he turned to Henry, saying,—“ Your hand-
writing displays much character ; it is clear,
bold, and free, without any redundant flou-
riches; your i’s are dotted, your t’s are all
crossed, and your punctuation is correct.
My business requires many clerks to carry
on the correspondence with my agents in
various parts of the world, Pray do you
speak French ?â€
Henry immediately replied in that lan.
guage, which he had been carefully taught
by his mother: he informed Mr. Bullion
that he could correspond as freely in French
as in English, and that he could also write
in Spanish and in German, although he
could not speak those languages very fluently,
at present.
“yy think,†replied Mr. Bullion, “I can
HENRY’S ENGAGEMENT, — Ql
at once make you very useful to me. My
business with Canada and the United States
is Increasing very fast: so by the time you
have become initiated into the mode of
addressing persons on business matters, you
will be able to take upon yourself the entire
responsibility of corresponding with my
agents in America, which is even now much
too onerous for the gentlemen entrusted
with it.â€
HENRY ENTERS MR, BULLION’S SERVICE,
Mr. BuLiion now proceeded to the rooin
reserved for his private office. whither he
invited Henry to accompany him. He then
summoned Mr. Plumer, the managing clerk :
upon his making his appearance, he said to
him, *‘ I have made up my mind, Mr, Plu-
mer, to give this young gentleman a trial.
You will be pleased to explain to him the
nature of his duties with respect t6 our
correspondence: as he is acquainted with
the French language, he will be employed on
the Canadian agency.†Turning to Henry,
me IT IS ONLY A PIN,
he said, “ You will go with Mr. Plumer, and
he will show you what to do.â€
Leading the way, Mr. Plumer conducted
Henry into a large apartment lighted from
the roof: it was divided all round the sides
into httle rooms, sufficiently large to contain
a double desk, Each of these rooms bore
on its door the name of some country: one
was France; another, Russia; another,
Havannah ; another, United States; another,
Canada. Upon reaching this last, the clerk
knocked at the door: it was opened by a
young gentleman, and Henry was introduced.
“Mr. Wilham Shard, this young gentle-
man, Mr. Henry Arden, is engaged to assist
you,†said the clerk; “it is Mr. Bullion’s
wish that you make him as useful as possi-
ble, so that he may be able to relieve you of
a portion of your heavy duties.â€
“1 shall be most happy,†replied Mr.
Shard, “to give Mr. Arden every assistance
he may require.†So saying, he took down
from a shelf a large folio volume, bound in
red, and labelled “ Letter-book.â€â€ “ You had
better begin with this,†said the clerk : “ by
reading these copies of the letters we have
HENRY’S INITIATION. 23
sent to our correspondents, you will be able
to learn the style in which we are accustomed
to address them. Commercial letter-writing
is very different from that of ordinary corre-
spondence. The qualities we have to study
and practice are clearness and brevity: to
omit nothing essential, to say nothing super-
fluous. In business, time is money; there-
fore we avoid wasting it by writing only
what is strictly essential to the explanation
of the business in question. At the same
time we do not entirely omit courteous ex-
pressions, which, like compliments, though
unmeaning, yet soften the asperities of dis-
course, and, as it were, place us on good
terms with each other.â€
Henry read over the letters very atten-
tively, noticing carefully the manner in
which the facts were expressed. He soon
saw, that commerce, like every other calling,
had a vocabulary of its own: the words of
most frequent occurrence were freight, in-
surance, disbursements, and soforth. Here
is a copy of one, which may serve as a model
for numerous others of its class ;
24 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
London, June 10, 1863.
_ © Gentlemen,
‘We have the pleasure of informing you
that the ship, Benjamin Franklin, arrived at Ports-
mouth on the 8rd instant, after a very short but
boisterous passage of fifteen days from New York.
We chartered a steam-tug to tow her through the
channel, and she arrived safely in the London Docks
on the 5th instant. During the voyage, the ship
sprung a leak in a heavy gale, and the cargo is
damaged. A large portion of the flour is wetted,
and several barrels of turpentine are stoved in.
The light cargo, stored between deck, is uninjured.
We duly notified the insurance company, who sur-
veyed the cargo as it was discharged, and they
estimate the damage at £2,500, (Twenty-five
hundred pounds). The sound portion of the cargo
will be put-up at auction on the 12thinstant. We
expect to obtain a very good return freight for the
ship. Captain Scott has gone on a short visit to his
family at Uxbridge. We have put the ship on the
berth to sail on the 25th instant. Many steerage-
passengers are offering, and we have every prospect
of getting a full complement. The ship will
accommodate 216 in the steerage, at £3 10 0 each.
‘We have duly accepted your First of Exchange
for three bills in favour of Messrs. Baring & Co.
for two thousand pounds each, at sixty days’ sight.
HENRY’S INITIATION. 95
‘‘ We hope to have the pleasure of again address-
ing you by the mail steamer of the 17th instant.
‘‘ Meanwhile, we remain, Gentlemen,
Your’s most obediently,
“‘ Messrs. Delafield & Co. BULLION & Co.â€
New York.
Henry observed that most of the letters in
the book had a number, in red ink, attached
to them in the margin. He inquired of
Mr. Shard what it meant, who informed him
that it was the mages number, to facilitate
reference.
In the course of the day, Mr. Shard gave
the letters he wrote to Henry, for him to
_ copy into the book. At the conclusion of
the day’s work, he inquired of Henry how
he liked his employment: Henry replied,
that he felt himself very much interested in
it, and hoped he should soon become quali-
fied to write letters himself.
There 1s no better way of learning the art
of letter-writing than by copying letters.
You insensibly acquire the style and form of
expression. One thing, however, is neces-
sary, namely, that you have a full and clear
knowledge of the transactions you write
| D
26 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
about ; in fact, without that knowledge, you
cannot write a letter at all.
“T would recommend you,†said Mr.
Shard, “to provide yourself with two books,
which you will find very useful to you, in
your new occupation: these are, a good
Gazetteer, and Me Culloch’s Dictionary of
Commerce. ‘The first speaks for itself; the
other contains quite a library of information
on every subject that interests the merchant
and trader.â€
Henry bought those books on his way
home that very night, and sat up late perus-
ing them. He looked in the Gazetteer for
the names of those places to which the letters
he had copied were addressed. In the
Dictionary, he looked out the words of which
he did not clearly understand the full mean-
ing, such as exchange, freight, insurance, &c.
He soon saw that he had a great deal to
learn, and resolved to lose no time in making
himself familiar with the contents of his
books. |
Henry was already familiar with book.
keeping, and well acquainted with commer-
cial arithmetic; he could calculate interest
PLEASANT ASSOCIATIONS. 27
and discount, and readily convert the cur- ’
rency of other nations into sterling money, ©
Henry and Mr. Shard used generally to
walk together on the road home in the
evening after their day’s work was over, and
held very pleasant and instructive conversa-
tion together. Mr. Shard was a very intelli-
gent person, who employed most of his
leisure in cultivating his mind. He took
great pleasure in imparting what he knew to
Henry, and in directing his studies. Henry
considered himself very fortunate in being
associated with such a person. On one of
their evening walks, the conversation turned
upon Mr. Bullion, whom Henry had seldom
seen since he had been in his service.
“Mr, Bullion,†said Mr. Shard, “is a
gentleman who has raised himself to the
highest rank among merchants, entirely by
the force of his character. His industry is
unceasing, his integrity unimpeachable, and
he has great tact in studying men, and
discerning their aptitudes, He spends a
large portion of his fortune in encouraging
the fine arts, and in promoting useful
andertakings. Yo the anfortunate he is
23 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
always a friend. His clerks all look to him
with respect and confidence; and he is not
unmindful of their interests whenever he
sees them attentive, and discharging their
duties conscientiously.â€
HENRY’S INDUSTRY AND ABILITY.
OnE morning, Mr. Bullion sent for Henry
to come to him in his private room. It was
the day the mail from Canada was expected
to arrive. Upon entering the room, Henry
saw several heaps of newly-opened letters on
_ the table; and another heap, consisting of
' bills of exchange.
“Good morning, Henry,†said Mr. Bul-
| lion: “you see we have plenty of work laid
out for us. The spring orders are beginning
to arrive, and we must be as busy as bees.
Mr. Shard informs me that you are very
diligent, and attentive to your duties. [I
think you may safely venture to take a little
responsibility upon yourself now. We must
use great despatch with these orders, for we
have only ten days to get them executed and
HENRY’S ABILITY TESTED. 9G
shipped. Mr. Shard will have as much as
he can attend to with the American corre-
spondence ; so I shall hand over the Canadian
letters to you !â€
“TI shall feel proud, sir, of the opportunity
of showing you my desire to make myself
useful,†replied Henry.
‘JT will allow you three hours,†said Mr.
Bullion, “to extract the orders, and to make
the necessary entries in the day book, as to
the various remittances and invoices con-
signed to us.â€
Saying this, he handed the pile of letters
to Henry, who received them with much
exultation, and quickly returned to his little
counting-room.
He showed his trophy to Mr. Shard with
feelings of pride. “See,†said he, ‘ what
My. Bullion has entrusted me with! all the
Canadian correspondence.
“ How long,†said Mr, Shard, “has he
given you to do it in?†“Three hours,â€
repled Henry. ‘ You will never get it done
in the time,†said Mr. Shard, laughing.
The first thing Henry did was to sort out
the bills of exchange, and enter them in
bod
0 Iv “8 ONLY A PIN.
the bill-book, the next was to copy the
orders into the order-book ; then to read
each letter carefully, and make notes of the
important matters; marking each subject
with figures, or his initials, in red ink, to
show that every one had received due atten-
tion. When he had finished, he found he
had half-an-hour to spare before the three
hours would expire. He hastened to Mr.
Bullion’s room, with the letters and bills,
and Jaid them on his desk before him.
“What, already ?†said Mr. Bullion, look-
ing at the clock, and smiling: “ are you, sure
that everything is duly noted ?â€â€™
“Everything, I believe, sir,
Henry, modestly.
“Well, really,†said Mr. Bullion: “ sit
down, we must have a little talk together.
How old are you, Mr. Henry?†“ Twenty,
sir,’ was the reply. “I think you said your
father was dead ?â€
“Yes, sir, he died four years ago. My
mother has brought up myself and sisters as
carefully as she could, and gave us the best
education she could afford. She resides in
the country, not far from London, and I go
to visit her every Saturday.â€
33
replied
HENRY’S REMINISCENSES, ol
“Is the mercantile profession your own
choice ?â€
“TI had no choice,â€
replied Henry, “else
I should have been an artist: my mother
dissuaded me from that career, because shi
thought it too difficult to succeed in; and, in
obedience to her counsel and wishes, I have
devoted myself to business ?â€
‘“* Have you ever been abroad ?â€
“1 have been to Paris, where I staid fora
year, with a relation of my mother’s, who is
a commission agent; and I obtained while
there, some knowledge of the routine of
business. When I returned to London, I
endeavoured to obtain a situation, but every
door seemed closed against me; and had
it not been for your kindness, sir, I do not
know what I should have done.â€
“ Your fortune hung by a pin,†said Mr.
Bullion, smiling. ‘1 hope you have kept
that little treasure, as a memento of your
starting in life. J have not troubled myself
with your references. I think I can tell, by
looking in a man’s face, whether he may be
trusted or not. Your’s inspires me with
confidence. I hope we may yet be friends.â€
32 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
“T am pleased,’ resumed Mr. Bullion,
“to see you so diligent, and desirous of
making yourself qualified for the duties of
the office I intend to intrust you with.
When I have louked over these letters, I
shall return them to you, to write the
answers. Your replies must be concise and
clear; it is by these qualities that our
correspondents estimate our talent for busi-
ness. Say all that is necessary in as few
words as possible; but remember that in
case of deficiency, the reader cannot ask
questions of your letter.â€
“ What is the total amount of the remit-
tances from Canada you have entered in the
bill-book ?â€
Henry did not expect such a question to
be put to him, but, from his business habits,
he had instinctively added up the sum for
his own satisfaction, so he promptly replied :
“Twenty-three thousand pounds, sir, and
some odd shillings,â€
Mr. Bullion, who had only put this ques-
tion as a test, opened his eyes wider,
evidently surprised at so prompt a reply.
“Twenty-three?†said he, “ very well. I
MR. BULLIGN’S ADVICE. 83
see you wil! make a good man of business.â€
In fact, Mr. Bullion was quite charmed with
Henry: he scanned his face and features so
earnestly, that it would have embarrassed a
less ingenuous nature. “ As your friends de
not live in London,†said Mr. Bullion, “ it
is necessary that you be provided with a
comfortable and respectable lodging. Mr.
Shard can recommend you to one, if you are
not already suited. I have no desire to
interfere with your leisure, still I should like
to know how you employ yourself when not
engaged in my business. I consider it a
part of my duty to see that my clerks do not
fall into bad habits: it is my duty to them
as well as to myself. I do not allow any
one in my establishment to smoke tobacco
or cigars, until he is married and settled in
life. Smoking, in a young man, is a most
pernicious habit, besides being extravagant.
It leads to drinking, and bad company.â€
~“T have no taste for smoking, sir,’ ob-
served Henry, ‘‘ my leisure is chiefly spent in
reading, and in taking air and exercise in
the park. I am very fond of music, and
that is the only luxury I indulge in.†“I |
34, IT IS ONLY A PIN
rejoice to hear it,†replied Mr. Bullion, “it
your taste in music is good, it is the most
harmless luxury you can indulge in. Are
you a musician?†“A poor one,†replied
Henry, modestly.
“You must be very careful in forming
acquaintance,’ said Mr. Bullion; “and as
for friends, make none without consulting
me, Think often of your mother; the
thought of her will sustain you in your
severest labours: your work will sometimes
be very heavy.†“Iam not afraid of work,
sir,†said Henry.
‘Your salary,†said Mr. Bullion, “ will be
one hundred and twenty pounds a-year, for
the present; and if you are in want of
money, you may draw your first quarter’s
salary atonce. You have had no opportunity
of saving money, and must not incur debt on
iny account,—the debtor is the creditor’s
‘ave,
Henry gladly embraced this liberal offer;
for he desired to send something to his
mother, to show her how well he was
getting on. |
Mr. Bullion then gave Henry a note to |
MR. BULLION S LIBERALITY,. 35
the cashier, who would give him a check for
thirty pounds.
“This is the man to suit me,†said Mr.
Bullion to himself, when Henry had retired ;
“so cool, yet so ardent in his labours; so
well informed, and yet so modest; so much
simplicity and self-reliance. How many
young men I meet without finding such a
nature. He will surely make his way in the
world. I must speak to Mrs. Bullion about
him.â€
MR. AND MRS. BULLION AT HOME.
Mr. Buvuron had a charming villa in the
Regent’s-park. At dinner, in the evening,
he addressed Mrs. Bullion on the subject of
his treasure of a clerk. “ You must know,
my dear,†said he, ‘‘that I lately engaged a
young man as clerk, with whom I am very
much pleased. He is quite an uncommon
person, I assure you.†“TI should lke to
see him, very much,†replied Mrs. Bullion,
“but as I am not allowed to enter your
counting-house, I do not know how I am te
36 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
obtain a sight of him: what is he like?â€
“T suspect he is verv much like his mother,â€
said Mr. Bullion, laughing; “all clever boys
are. But [I will sketch his portrait. He is
about nineteen or twenty years old, of a fine
figure, and tall for his age. His skin is fair,
his hair is dark and eurling, his eyes are
black and large, his forehead is broad and
open; he has a well-formed mouth, and his
nose 1s Roman; his expression is calm and
simple, with a slight tinge of meteneholy, or
thoughtfulness ; his——â€
“Stop, stop! that will do!†cried Mrs.
Bullion; “I think, from your description, he
must be a perfect Adonis, for beauty. You
really must let me see him. I have so many
mvitations to reply to, and notes to write,
that I reaily want a private secretary; so
you must give your Mr. Henry to me.â€
“He is much too good for the office you
propose to bestow upon him, my dear; but
the next dinner-party you give, to which
Canadians are invited, you must also invite
Mr. Henry; he speaks French fluently, and
his presence will be very useful.†—
«That is a very good idea,†said Mrs, Bui-
MRS. BULLION’S CHARACTER. . 87
lon. “As all our guests do not speak
French, it is apt to become very dull for
those who speak no English. Your Henry
will be very welcome.â€
“Our Canadian friends will be arriving
very soon, to make their spring purchases ;
so you will not have to wait long for the
opportunity of seeing my Henry.â€
Mrs. Bullion was rather a frivolous per-
son: mingling with fashionable society had
spoiled her: she had lost her interest in
serious things, and had given herself wholly
up to the trifling pursuits, pleasures as they
are called, of the wealthy. Her natural
abilities fitted her for better things, but
having fallen into the vortex of fashionable
frivolity, her time was almost wholly occupied
in dressing, making fashionable calls, and in
giving and attending parties. To any sensi-
ble observer, this would appear a life of
profitless toil, and a great sacrifice ; but those
who pursue this gay round of giddy plea-
sure, think little else is worth living for,
38 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
HENRY’S ASSIDUITY TO BUSINESS.
Mr. Buxton had said truly that his esta-
blishment was like a hive for industry and
labour. This worthy gentleman, who enter-
tained much company, who went abroad
daily, was zealous in public affairs, who
indulged in a taste for the fine arts, who was
an active member of more than one charit-
able institution, was yet always in his
business. This was a problem that no one
could solve.
Before breakfast, even, he wrote several
letters; was the first at his counting-house ;
overlooked every department of his large
establishment; formed his judgment of the
absent clerks by the state of their pens and
inkstands, and by the manner in which they
left their books and papers. He could en-
dure no irregularities ; order and punctuality
were with him imperative. |
During one of his morning surveys, he
was astonished at finding Henry at his desk
writing! Henry was so deeply absorbed in
HENRY’S ASSIDUITY DISCOVERED. oY
his task, that he did not hear Mr. Bullion
enter.
“Ah! how is this? surely my house is
badly protected: how could you get in here,
Mr. Henry, when I found the door double-
Jocked ?â€
‘I beg you will excuse me, sir; I allowed
myself to be locked in, for a very important
account with Montreal requires to be finished
in time to go by this day’s mail, and I could
not possibly get it done in time, without
working all night. If it can be sent to
Liverpool by this morning’s mail, it will
arrive in time for the steamer which sails
this evening for New York, and your interests
will be secured.â€
So saying, he handed to Mr. Bullion the
account-current which he had just completed,
together with the other documents necessary
_ to verify it.
“T think I ought to scold you, Henry.
You have set a very bad example. I shall
_ have my other clerks neglecting their work
in the day-time, if they think they can make
up for it by working at night. Your cha-
racter is compromised by such a proceeding.
4.0 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
And to do this without even consulting me?
I suppose you consider yourself master here.
You look very weary; go home to bed, and
do not do so again.†|
Mr. Bullion now looked over the account ;
after a few moments’ examination, he ex-
claimed : |
— “A! I see exactly what you thought of
this affair, the least delay might prove ruin-
ous. This business must be brought to a
close with these Montreal gentlemen; they
are very irregular. I must forgive you, for I
see you have laboured for my interest in >
this affair. But be careful not to abuse
your health, for your mother’s sake.†|
Nor was this the only time that Henry |
thus acted, but when he did so, the urgency
of the affair was so evident as to plead his —
excuse; Mr. Bullion was more and more
charmed with the diligence of his new —
clerk.
HENRY INTRODUCED INTO COMPANY.
Marvters had continued thus for upwards of
MR. BULLION’S SOLICITUDE. 4.1
a year, when Mr. Bullion observed that —
Henry always dressed very plain, but neatly,
sometimes negligently. ‘ Henry,†said he,
one day, “I have no doubt you are very
economical, and take good care of your
money, for you do not appear to spend much
on yourself: have you any objection to show
me the memorandum-book of your expenses ?
do not be offended at such a_ request.
I make it for your good, and not to satisfy
an idle curiosity. Perhaps your salary is
insufficient.†“Quite the contrary,†said
Henry, “thanks to your liberality. I can
gave a trifle.â€
_ He then handed a small neatly-bound me-
morandum book to Mr. Bullion, who took it,
excusing himself. Casting his eyes over it,
he returned it to Henry without saying a
word, for he did not wish the emotion he
felt to be perceived.
He saw by the book, that Henry had sent
more than half his salary to his mother,
and had also given several small sums in
charity. |
Next day, Mr. Bullion said to Henry, “I
‘want you to do the honours of my house,
: E 3
42 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
I often receive some Canadians as guests,
who do not speak much English. Your
presence in my drawing-room will bea great
convenience to them. You will come and
dine with us to-morrow; but as this will in-
volve some extra expenses upon you, I shall
defray them. I shall raise your salary to
one hundred and fifty pounds a-year.â€
It was without embarrasment that Henry
found himself, next evening, seated at a
sumptuous table, surrounded by men of the
world, whose fortune and position differed
so much from his own. It certainly did not
appertain to so young a man to take a pro-
minent part in the conversation of such a
circle ; he felt that he should be responsive,
but not intrusive.
Henry was a good deal surprised to see
how different a person Mr. Bullion appeared
at the dinner-table from what he was at his
desk. At the latter, he was serious, silent,
and impassive; while at table, he was lively
and agreeable, full of wit and anecdote, and
he possessed the art of drawing out the best
qualities of his guests. His topies of con-
versation were those in which they could all
be interested and take a part.
HENRY IN COMPANY. 48
In discussions on fashionable parties, and |
the gossip of coteries, Henry kept a modest |
and becoming reserve, and even appeared to
listen with interest. But when the subject
of art came up, and Henry’s opinion on the
merits of the Exhibition was asked, his
replies showed, not a flippant criticism, but
a judicious appreciation of what he had
seen. He spoke with earnest simplicity,
testing what he had seen by their truth to
nature. His observations were listened to
with respect, for every person present felt
their force, and paid them that deference
honest truth will ever command. Even
Mr. Bullion looked surprised at Henry,
when he spoke so sensibly on painting. A
great lover of art, Mr. Bullion had collected
a choice gallery of paintings, and his great-
est pleasure consisted in showing them to
whoever could truly appreciate them. Mrs.
Bullion was as much taken by surprise; for
she certainly was not prepared to see a
young gentleman who could discuss profound
questions on art, and who sparingly used his
glass, while others drank so freely. She
could not, however, resist the temptation of
4,4, IT I8 ONLY A PIN.
trying to get some amusement at his ex-
pense. Turning to one of the fashionable
ladies seated near her, she said, loud enough
for Henry to overhear her, “Do you know,
my dear, our Mr. Henry has had some
remarkable adventures? He is quite a
hero, I assure you. Pray tell us, Mr. Henry,
the history of that wonderful pin to which
you owe so much.â€
The attention of all the room was imme-
diately turned upon Henry. Now, he was
neither timid nor bashful, but he felt embar-
rassed at being addressed in that marked
manner before so large an assembly. A
brilliant dining-room was a novel and con-
Spicuous arena, and he suddenly found him-
self in a position like that of a new actor on
the stage.
He soon, however, recovered his szlf-
possession, and in a low, modest tone,
addressed Mrs. Bullion: “The history of
the pin, madam, is a very brief and unim-
portant aifair: I saw it lying on the ground
in Billiter-square, and stooped to pick it up.
This action caught the attention of Mr. Bul-
lion, and led to his taking me into his
HENRY IN COMPANY. | 45
service, rescuing me from a position of
anxiety and discomfort, and placing me in °
an honourable situation much above what I
could expect to obtain. I hope I shall never
be unmindful of the obligation such favour
as I have received at his hands enforces
upon me.â€
A murmur of approbation followed this
well-spoken reply, and Henry found himself
the object of the keen scrutiny of most of
the young ladies present. This made him
feel a little nervous, for he knew how prone
young ladies are to quiz young gentlemen;
so he addressed himself to some gentlemen
who were discussing the merits of a new
Correggio, that had been added to the
National Gallery.
HENRY DISPLAYS HIS TALENT IN MUSIC.
THE guests now adjourned to the drawing-
room. A lady seated herself at the piano.
Possessing a refined taste for music, her
playing did not act as a signal for the
company to commence talking, but every one
4.6 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
listened with attention and evident pleasure.
She played streams of true melody and pure
harmony from the compositions of Haydn,
Mozart, Rossini, Beethoven, and Mendels-
sohn, which speak to the heart in a language
all who have sensibility and feeling can
understand. .
“Will you have the kindness to play that
charming Notturno of Mendelssohn’s,†said
Mr. Bullion; “no one that ever 1 heard can
play it so well as you.â€
“Mr. Bullion is a flatterer,†said the
lady, “but I have not got four hands: who
will take a part?†She looked inquiringly
around the room: there was a dead silence,
no one ventured to take a part in the per-
formance.
‘How very unfortunate,†said Mr. Bul-
lion, “that we have no one here who can
assist you !â€
“If you will not consider it a presumption
on my part,†said Henry, “TI shall feel very
happy and proud to accompany you. I have
often heard this delightful composition, and
have practised it several times.â€
His offer was warmly applauded : he seated
HENRY’S MUSICAL SUCCESS, 47
himself beside the lady at the piano, who
looked puzzled, as if she knew not what to
expect. Exchanging glances with Mrs. Bul-
lion, the duo commenced. |
There was breathless attention from every
one present, not a hand or a foot stirred;
not a shade of beauty or expression in this
ravishing composition was lost. When
finished, there was a general desire to have
it repeated. The lady was evidently asto-
nished at the skill and taste of her youthful
second. Mr. Bullion, who was an enlight-
ened amateur, and no mean performer on
the violin, was in raptures.
“So you know something more than
arithmetic, Mr. Slyboots?†said he, taking
Henry familiarly by the ear. “I knew you
were an amateur of painting, a= you never
told me you were a musician.’
“We shall never discover all his merits
and accomplishments,†said Mrs. Bullion.
Henry was astonished to find himself so
much complimented for simply endeavouring
to make himself agreeable. He did not
seem to be aware that he was indeed singular
in his tastes for a young man; but his re-
4.3 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
| fined nature would not permit him to indulge
— in the gross and rude amusements to which
many young men sacrifice their time and
health. Henry was not adverse to taking a
part in active sports and recreations in the
open air, and could play at cricket, and ply
the oar, with the roughest and quickest of
his friends.
Henry had been taught music, with his
sisters, by his mother, who was a skilful
musician. Her teaching was of the best
kind: he was taught the principles of the
art, which made the practice of one or more
instruments easy to acquire. He had ac-
quired some proficiency on the violin and
guitar, and taught himself to play on the
flute. Possessed of this delightful resource,
he was quite secure against those tempta-
_ tions young men are so often exposed to for
want of an innocent occupation for their
hours of leisure. His friend, Mr. Shard,
was an amateur performer on the violoncello,
and frequently, during the winter months,
held quartette meetings, at which Henry
took his part on the violin or flute.
49
MR. BULLION’S PICTURE GALLERY.
One day, Henry had been engaged many
hours with Mr. Bullion in the counting-
house upon important business matters.
Suddenly rising from his chair, Mr. Bullion
exclaimed, “There, that will do: enough
of business for to-day, Mr. Henry: I list-
ened to your remarks upon painting, the
other evening, in the drawing room: you
appear to have some knowledge of that
art?â€
“Tam but an amateur, not a connoisseur,
sir,†replied Henry; “I know what I admire
and what pleases me; but I am too inex-
perienced to be a critic,â€
“But you judge naturally; you know
when a picture is truthful, and can discover
under what impulse it was painted; and
that, I think, constitutes the truest know-
ledge of art, for those who are not artists.â€
“My father,†said Henry, “‘who wished
me to cultivate art as a profession, made a
practice of taking me to every picture-gal'ery
E
50 IT TS ONLY A PIN.
to which we could gair-admission. While
in Paris, we went almost every day to the
Louvre. We did not study more than two
or three master-pieces each time. Correggio
Claimed our attention, one day; Murillo
another; then Leonardo da Vinci, ‘or Ra-
phael. My father examined their works as
an amateur, as a connoisseur, and as an
artist. He explained to me the circum-
stances under which their works were painted,
their peculiar styles, and the characteristics
by which each artist’s works might be recog-
nized.â€
“That was an admirable way of making
you an enlightened judge of painting,†said
Mr. Bullion; “it is better instruction than
I have received myself.â€
“TY look back upon those days, sir,’ said
Henry, “as the happiest of my life; such
happiness as, I fear, I shall never meet
again.â€
“And why not?â€
“Because the season of pleasure, my
golden age, is fleeting away : misfortune came
early upon me, and I have had to sacrifice my
tastes; but my sense of duty leads me to
A GRATIFYING PROPOSAL. 51
take pleasure in the sacrifice. And to serve
you, sir, who received me, a total stranger,
with so much kindness and generosity, would
reconcile me to still greater sacrifices, were
it possible.†|
“Very well, my young philosopher: since
you are so submissive to my wishes, it is my
sovereign will and pleasure that, instead of
writing your correspondence to day, you
shall indulge yourself with a little art. It
is a bright clear day, so come with me, if
you please.â€
“ But, sir! my letters must——â€
“Wait, that’s what they must: you will
work all the quicker to morrow, if you take
a little recreation to-day.â€â€™
So saying, he made Henry step into his
carriage, which was waiting to take him home
to dinner. Arrived at the villa, he passed
through several rooms and passages, and
paused before one concealed with heavy
curtains; lifting these, he applied a small
key to the door, and Henry found himself
on the threshold of a picture gallery; it was
like enchantment.
“What do you say to this, Mr. Connois.
52 IT IS ONLY A PIN,
seur?� Mr. Bullion’s collection of pictures
was celebrated and known to all the ama-
teurs of Europe. Henry found himself in a
long gallery, illuminated by a soft diffused
light which descended through ground glass
from the roof. It had evidently been built
for the purpose to which it was applied.
Every picture seemed the master-piece of its
painter. Here was nothing mediocre or
doubtful. Every school of painting was
represented, each master by a single picture.
Their arrangement, too, was perfect: they
were not crowded together, as in an auction
room, but hung singly on a level with the
eye, a large interval of space between each.
The walls were coloured, to give the best
effect ; and in the space between each picture,
a marble statue or bust was placed on a
bracket or pedestal.
Henry was at first quite bewildered.
Looking around he saw at once that the
Italian schools reigned supreme; the Roman
school revelled in the ideal; the Florentine
school was distinguished by its purity; the
Venetian, by its colouring. There was a
Murillo, for which potentates would have
HENRY’S FEELINGS EXCITED. 53
disputed, had it been put up at auction: this
and a fine Velasquez represented the Spanish
school. Tenters, Rubens, and Vandyck, carried
the spectator back to the palmy days of the
Flemish school. As to the Dutch, there was
a most unexceptionable selection from those
masters, so varied and amusing: there was
an interior, by Gerard Dow; a landscape, by
fiuysdael; a group of flowers, by Van Huysum :
nothing was wanting.
Henry was absorbed in thought: he forgot
to speak. We always feel silenced in the
presence of greatness, either in art or nature.
At the farther end of the gallery he observed
a small picture that excited in him a strong
interest, but he did not wish his emotion to
be noticed.
“Have you nothing to say?†said Mr.
Bullion: “do you not find my collection
good enough to interest an amateur ?â€
‘Everything is perfect, sir. I see nothing
that could be changed for the better; a finer
selection could not be made. Every picture
proclaims undeniably its painter; they are
genuine. I could spend my life in this
paradise, admiring nature poetized by art.
F 3
O44 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
Here I learn what a boon wealth is when it
permits its possesser to acquire such trea-
sures as I see around me. I could almost
wish to become rich !â€
“Ah! my philosopher! I have caught
you at fault. Do you not perceive that my
crown yet wants one jewel? Look for the
great master of Parma, the regenerator of
art! where’s my Correggio?â€
“ You have one, or I am greatly mistaken ;
but I have looked at so many beautiful
things, when I ought to have looked at only
two or three. I can hardly see or speak. I
am not fit to remain here any longer; but I
shall be very happy if you will allow me to
revisit your gallery.â€
Mr. Bullion was only too glad to have a
connoisseur in his establishment.
‘Not only shall you come again,†said he,
to Henry, “but it shall be your duty to
come and work here. I have this means of
diverting your mind from too close applica-
cation to business; else your health will
suffer. Will you be keeper of my gallery ?
If you know how to enjoy these treasures ~
without possessing them,—if, for an artist, to
A CONGENIAL EMPLOYMENT, Oo
behold is to possess,—if to see is to have,—
then these pictures will belong to both of
us, to you as well as to me. Do you con-
sent ?â€â€™
Henry was quite bewildered, he could
only answer by bowing.
“Well, Mr, Keeper, your salary will now
be two hundred poundsa-year. You will be’
in constant communication with artists,
amateurs, and picture-dealers. The first
duty I shall require of you will be to make
me a catalogue of my collection, a Catalogue
raisonné. I have desired one for a long
time, but have never found leisure to do it
myself. I give you carte blanche,â€
Nothing could be more congenial to Hen.
ry’s taste than Mr. Bullion’s proposal. He
was naturally gifted to be an artist; all his
instincts tended in that direction. Duty had
called him to other pursuits: great was the
sacrifice, but he became resigned to it. The
recollection of his past enjoyments could
not be effaced. |
- He entered upon his new occupation at
once, and brought to it that spirit of order
and method which he was accustomed to
h6 â„¢T IS ONLY A PIN.
bestow upon other things. He found that
the arrangement of the pictures in the
gallery might be improved. Carefully clas-
sifying them, he took their exact dimensions,
wrote a concise account of each painter, and
an exact description of each picture. He was
careful to avoid using the exaggerate expres-
sions employed in catalogues of dealers; but
he dwelt upon those particulars which at-
tested the authenticity of the work. When
his task was finished, carefully revised, and
copied with his usual neatness. he deposited
it one morning upon Mr. Bullion’s desk,
Mr. Bullion examined it with eager curio-
sity, and shewed evident signs of his ap-
proval: addressing Henry, he said,
“Ah, Mr. Know-all, I have caught you in
a blunder; you say in your catalogue,
‘ALLEGRI, (Coreggio). Misfortune, a female
head’ You have read the signature incor-
rectly: the error is excusable: it is acharm-
ing study by Allori: the similarity of the
names has deceived you. I remember that
you said a Correggio was one of my deside-
rata, the want of which I often regretted.
Do you think I have been imposed upon?
A STARTLING OBSERVATION, 57
Know, my young friend, that everything in
this sanctuary of art is as pure as gold,
fraud has never penetrated within these
walls.â€
“Far be it from me to have any idea of
fraud,†said Henry, “I have not, I admit,
examined the signature very attentively, but
I venture to affirm that it is a beautiful
Correggio. Have the kindness to read the
lines that follow the title of the picture.â€
“Let us see,†said Mr. Bullion, and he
read :
‘‘ ANTONIO ALLEGRI, called ConREGGIO, Mis-
fortune, a female head.
“Do you really believe it, Henry?†He
continued reading.
‘“‘A young girl, in a meditative attitude, covering
her bosom with a thin black drapery: a pale star
shines upon her forehead. In the irreproachable
execution of the hands we may recognise the
master. The sombre drapery heightens the white-
ness of the shoulders, through the light blue veins
in which the blood seems to circulate. There is
good copy of this picture in the Louvre. The
present original formed part of the celebrated
Dusseldorff Gallery, and was admired under the
D8 - 8 IS ONLY A PIN,
title of the Misfortune, which has been retained in
remembrance of the misfortunes of the painter.â€
“Is it possible?†said Mr. Bullion, “ but
you must prove it, Henry. Come! come!â€
And he led the way to the gallery.
In presence of the anxiety and excitement
of the merchant, the charming poetic image
of the Misfortune, that inspiration of genius
which lives through all ages, wore a celestial
calm. The hand that had created this charm-
ing work was now cold, and become dust
which the winds had dispersed,—the thought
survived.
Mr. Bullion carefully took down the pic-
ture.
“ ALLEGRI!’ he cried, in decyphering the
half effaced name.
Henry examined the back of the picture,
which was painted upon an old wooden
pane, seeking some further proof to support
his assertion. Very near the edge he read,
“6 Parma, 1525.â€
“AtutecRI! Parma!†shouted Mr. Bul-
hon. “ Delightful!†And he shook Henry °
A VALUABLE DISCOVERY, 99
warmly by the hand; then carefully replaced
“he picture.
“An old Jew of Hamburg sold it to me,
twenty years ago, for a hundred pounds.
Finding the picture very charming, I did
not cheapen it. I would not have parted
with it for ten times that sum. But how
humiliating! to have so long possessed such
a treasure without knowing its value, and
here a mere child comes to open my eyes!
There is some witchcraft at work here.â€
“IT can very easily explain it without
witchcraft, sir,’ said Henry. “This picture
excited my feelings when I first entered
your gallery: it was well known to me, and
I was surprised to find it here, only much
more beautiful. It has teen my companion
for a long time.†|
Saying this, he opened his portfolio, and
showed to the astonished merchant a very
highly - finished drawing of the picture,
signed,
‘© Study, after Correggio. Paris, May 18—-,â€
HENRY’S ACCOUNT OF THE PICTURE.
THERE was a great flutter of excitement that
evening in Mrs. Bullion’s drawing room,
upon learning that she had so long been the
possessor of a Correggio, without being
aware of it. Mr. Bullion’s delight was un-
bounded; his ambition was gratified; his
happiness complete. There could be no
doubt that he possessed an indubitable Cor-
reggio: the proofs were satisfactory. Henry
was called upon to explain the circumstance
by which he was led to the discovery. He
related that, when in Paris, his taste for the
arts led him to visit the picture galleries
whenever he could find leisure. That he
read the lives of all the old painters he
could meet with, as well as the remarks and
criticisms of eminent writers of modern
times.
It was while at Paris that he received the
news of the death of his father; and he fell
into a fit of despondency, from which he was
only aroused by a sense of duty and of the
responsibility that now devolved upon him,
A MENTAL VISION, Gi
It was while in this state of depression
that he one day found himself seated in one
of the splendid galleries of the Louvre. But
his thoughts wandered to his dear father,
who had always been go affectionate and
kind to him. He regretted every day he
had spent away from him: he wished he
could have listened to his last words, and
_ received his blessing before he passed away
to another world.
Absorbed in his sad meditations, he list-
lessly raised his eyes, and beheld, in the
gloom of approaching evening, what ap-
peared a vision or apparition standing before
him. It was a young and beautiful maiden.
Her countenance was clouded with grief,
but yet serene; her clear penetrating glance
reminded Henry of what he had read of the
virgin martyr entering the amphitheatre,
exclaiming with a thrilling voice, “I am a
Christian |’?
He raised himself to approach the fair
object, but the illusion had disappeared. We
had been dozing, and had dreamed. The
Misfortune of Correggio occupied its place.
He oiten returned and seated himself
G
69 IT iS ONLY A PIN.
before this confident of his griefs. He had
found an object that reflected the image of
_ his sorrows, and silent communings with the
Misfortune soothed his wounded spirit. He
wished to return home, but before doing so,
he sought and obtained permission to make
a drawing of this picture, which was an
admirable copy of the original, and executed
by a German painter of the seventeenth
century. This drawing Henry carried home
with him; its image was engraved on his
mind, and it was through it that he had
been able to discover the treasure Mr. Bul-
lion possessed.
HENRY IN FASHIONABLE COMPANY.
Henry found himself at least once a week
among the guests in Mrs. Bullion’s drawing-
room. Although he felt proud of the honour
conferred upon him, and endeavoured to
make himself agreeable to the persons he
met there, yet he did not take half so much
satisfaction in spending his evenings in this
FASHIONABLE LADIES, 638
gay scene as he did in his quiet, social walks
with Mr. Shard.
Most of the fashionable ladies he met
appeared to him very beautiful, but very
frivolous and heartless. Indolent, satiated
with pleasure, they trifled their lives away in
hitting on a new dress, and visiting their
circle of friends to exhibit it to them in the
hope of exciting envy. The drive in the
park, the late dinner, the opera, the rout,
the concert, or the ball,—these form the
real business of their lives. “They toil
much, but spin little.â€
Henry’s staid demeanour irritated these
fair ladies: they could not succeed in
making him frivolous, so they endeavoured
to make him appear ridiculous.
Mrs. Bullion was entertaining a party of
ladies one evening, when the conversation
turned upon Henry. ‘My dear,†said one
fair dame, “you will never be able to make
anything of your favourite: he comes among
us, it is true, and could make himself very
agreeable, if he would condescend to do so:
but although he comes here in person, his
thoughts appear to be elsewhere. You must
64: IT IS ONLY A PIN. |
have noticed with what an air of coldness he
listens to every thing you say. Under an
appearance of politeness and simplicity, he
conceals a spice of pedantry, which is any-
thing but flattering to us.â€
Mrs, Bullion, reclining on her couch,
listened to these remarks with disdain. She
did not like to have her protége found fault
with by others: she wished to retain that
privilege for herself. “I am sorry Henry
does not amuse you. I must lecture him on
his want of condescension. I am sure he
will be very submissive,â€
“I should like to know,†said a young
lady, rising from the piano, “ what you want
of this young man. You complain that he
will only talk sensibly, and speak but when
spoken to: have you not plenty of beaus in
your own train, who are always talking, yet
never utter a word of sense. For my part,
I find his conversation more interesting than
that of any other person in the company.
He is so original and fresh in his ideas, and
yet so humble in venturing an opinion. I
beg to inform you that I shall be his cham-
pion, and take him under my protection,â€
HENRY FINDS‘'A DEFENDER. 65
“You may shelter him under your white
wings, as his guardian angel; but mind you
take great care of him,†was Mrs. Bullion’s.
remark,
The amiable lady who had undertaken to
defend Henry, was, as may be supposed, the
same who had found in him so agreeable a
partner at the piano upon the evening of
his first appearance at Mr. Bullion’s dinner-
parties. She was of Italian origin, her
name Ossoli. Passionately fond of music,
in which she excelled, she was much ad-
mired, and was always welcome at Mrs.
Bullion’s. Her manners and style were a
passport to the best society ; and as she had
an independent fortune, she could venture
to speak her mind freely.
HENRY IS SENT TO PARIS.
“ Henry,†said Mr. Buliion, one evening, as
he was about going home from business,
“there is to be a great sale of pictures at
Paris next week; among them is a fine
specimen of Rivola, which I should like to
| a3
66 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
obtain, if it be an unquestionable production
of that artist. Now I think you will be
glad to revisit the French capital, and as I
have reason to repose confidence in your
judgment, I shall be glad to have you go
and examine this picture, and see if you are
satisfied with it. I will give you a letter of
introduction to a gentleman, who will gladly
assist you with his knowledge and opinion.
You may start to-morrow, if you like; we
are not so busy just now but that you can be
spared.â€
Next day, Henry accordingly provided
himself with a passport, and took the train
to Folkstone, and on the following morning
found himself in Paris.
He was quite at home in the gay capital;
his former residence there had enabled him
to acquire a thorough knowledge of the city.
His first step was to go to the place where
the pictures were, and examine the one he
was in quest of, unbiassed by the opinions
of any other person.
Next day he called with his letter of
introduction at the residence of Monsieur
Redouté. He found he had gone to the
THE FLORAL STUDIO. | 67
Jardin des Plants, where he taught flower-
painting to a class of pupils.
The Jardin des Plants has been so often
described, that it is scarcely necessary to
enumerate all its labyrinths, its elegant
rustic-houses, where the animals are kept,
or the little farm where the birds strut
about, or the splendor of the flower-beds,
or the magnificent greenhouses where tropi- |
cal vegetation displays its wonders: it may
be described as our Zoological Gardens and
Kew Botanical Gardens, both in one.
Henry, to whom all these objects were
familiar, passed rapidly on, until he reached
the building where the artist-professor was
giving his lessons.
Opposite each window, a young woman is
seated, clothed in a loose wrapper, suitable
for studying in. Before her a basket of
flowers or an elegant model is placed for
study. All give their serious attention to
work, and the little conversation required is
carried on in whispers or nods and smiles.
It is a charming scene; these fair young
girls and women, surrounded by green
branches, perfumed flowers, and luscious
68 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
fruits, engaged in their graceful and intelli-
rent task. Henry entered this sanctuary
with a timid step, and was about to address
one of the attendants, when he saw coming
out of an adjoining apartment, a little fat
man, whose physiognomy would perlaps
have been thought vulgar, had not his fore-
head and eyes denoted great vivacity and
intelligence. He was high priest to Flora,
and Pomona also. His arms were filled with
the rarest and brightest flowers. He smiled
as he bore his rich treasure around the room,
distributing the flowers according to the
skill and intelligence of his pupils.
The proud and happy professor, who
reigned in this realm of beauty, was the
celebrated Redouté, whose inimitable talent
in simplifying the practice of his art, had
created an epoch in purifying taste; teach-
ing us to see nature better, and imparting to
his favoured pupils the secret of his magic
pencil.
After giving Henry a brief audience, he
asked him to accompany him round the
hall. He had quickly recognized an artistic
feeling in Henry, and he was glad of an
ART IMITATING NATURR. Cg
opportunity to do the honours of his match-
less class of pupils.
Stopping before a tall elegant vase, in
which a splendid lily displayed itself majes-
tically, amid its long lanceolated leaves, he
exclaimed, “ What a charming contrast !â€
A branch of clematis falling from the vase,
inclined towards the pure calyx of the lily,
as if to embrace it; then twisting as if
overcome with its beauty and fragrance, it
fell in graceful spirals at the foot of the
vase, where it remained extended.
Redouté stood in contemplation before
this freak of nature, in which majestic
beauty and grace were displayed. “How
beautiful !â€â€ he exclaimed.
Giving some hints to a young lady who
had undertaken to copy this beautiful group,
he passed on. At another table he found a
small urn, containing a camellia, a rose, and
a petunia: the pure white of the flowers
heightened the effect produced by the dark
leaves of the camellia. Looking first atten-
tively at the flowers, “That is not very
easy,†he remarked to a young man at work
upon this group. “ You know the difference
70 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
between velvet, silk, and muslin?†‘Yes, |
sir, I think Ido,†was the reply. “ Weil, -
then, why have you made your three flowers |
of paper? now, the camellia is like velvet;
the rose is silky: and the petunia is like
gauze.†|
Taking Henry by the sleeve, he drew him
on one side, where he could see, at a little
distance, a table, upon which was a double
branch of convolvulus, which freely followed
the caprices of nature. He made him ad-
mire its large blue, red, and white calices,
its lanceolated leaves, and the spiral tendrils
growing around them in the prettiest man-
ner.
With a significant nod, he next directed
Henry’s attention to the young lady who
was drawing this charming study, com-
pletely absorbed in her task. Here was a
rare combination of art, flowers, and beauty.
The fair artist was bending over her
drawing, too much occupied to be aware
that her master and Henry were overlooking
her. She had seized upon the most graceful
aspect of the model, and her colours had all
the freshness and brilliancy of nature.
A NATURAL ARTIST. 71
* That is what I call a good picture,†said
Redouté to Henry. |
The young lady raised her head, and
seeing a stranger, blushed, and in her con-
fusion appeared to be seeking something she
had lost.
“Mind you do not spoil your picture,â€
cried the master. ‘“‘ You want a pin? here!
stop! no. Perhaps this gentleman has got
one. Ah! here itis!’ And he drew the
treasured pin out of Henry’s coat.
Henry seized his hand, and took the pin,
before he could give it to the young lady,
and held it between his fingures, as if loth
to part with it. The young lady looked
at Henry with an air of astonishment, and
smiling, took the pin.
Had this young artist been merely pretty,
Henry would perhaps not have noticed her
further; such was his reserved disposition.
But one of those incidents that seldom occur
except in romances, now fixed his attention.
A fine forehead, beautiful eyebrows, sott
eyes, shaded with a canopy of dark eye-
lashes, a frank expression, and an air of
melancholy that overspread her countenance.
72 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
recalled to his mind the loved image that
had consoled him in his hours of despon-
dency. Imagination, had doubtless, added
something to this fortuitous resemblance,
but to him it appeared as if the original and
animated image of the Misfortune of Correg-
gio blushed and breathed. He was lost in
thought in contemplating the image before
him.
Redouté, after a few words of compliment
and encouragement to his pupil, accompanied
Henry to the door, promising to go with
him next day to see the picture Mr. Bullion
desired his opinion upon.
The picture being entirely approved by
Redouté, in whose opinion of its merits
Henry fully participated, it was purchased, .
and carried by Henry to London, where
Mr. Bullion awaited it impatiently.
He warmly complimented Henry upon |
the success of his mission, and the picture
gallery was adorned with one more trea~
gure,
73
HENRY’S MISSION TO CANADA,
Henry hastened to resume his labours in
the counting-house, which had fallen into
arrear during his absence.
Mr. Bullion was busily examining a packet
of papers, which had been handed to him for
immediate attention. Calling Henry aside,
he said, “You must take the American
steamer from Liverpool to New York: it
sails to-morrow afternoon: there is a very
important matter in hand, and unless we act
with great promptitude and decision, our
loss will be serious. You very well know
that the account with Ledger & Co. of
Montreal, has for some time given me great
uneasiness: from information just commu-
nicated to me, there is every reason to
believe they must soon suspend payment.
. Here we can do nothing: some one must go
tn them, and enforce payment of our claims.
XY need not explain the matter further to
you, as the details of their business have aii
passed through your hands, Here is a
H
~swe
7A IT IS ONLY A PIN.
power of attorney, which will be your autho.
rity to act. And here is a pocket book,
which contains bank notes for one hundred
and fifty pounds, to cover the expenses of
your journey. They can pay, and you must
compel them. Here is a letter to the Consul
at New York, who is my friend, and will aid
you, if necessary. Now, start by the first
train in the morning.
‘J shall expect you back ina month,†con-
tinued the merchant; “ we travel quick now-
a-days. ‘The first voyage I made to New
York occupied thirty-five days, my last was
performed in ten !’
Henry wrote a hurried note to his mother ;
had there been time, he would have taken
farewell of her, but it was impossible. He
hastened to put his things into a light
portmanteau, to have everything in readi-
ness before going to bed. He arose at hatt-
past five, and was soon on his way ts
Euston-square station.
75
HENRY’S VOYAGE TO AMERICA.
Henry started upon his voyage full of con-
fidence and hope. A visit to America was
to him a stroke of good fortune. He had
heard and read much of that country, and
felt a desire to see it. His desire to be use-
ful, and to prove himself worthy of the great
confidence reposed him, gave him strength
and courage.
When on board the steamer, Henry did
not join in the trifling amusements most of
the passengers indulged in; but he kept a
journal, entering in it his observations as to
the state of the weather, and the appearance
of the sea. He watched the wake of the
ship, which kept a straight course. He con-
versed with the engineers and the officers of
the ship, picking up information from every
one. He would watch a brilliant sunset,
and scan the horizon for distant ships, for
the Atlantic Ocean has now become a mari-
time highway,
At the expiration of twelve days, Henry
70 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
found himself at New York. He perceived
very quickly that he was literally in a “ new
world.†Everything wore an aspect of
novelty. Although men spoke the same
language, dressed in the same style, still
there was something un-English about all
Henry saw. There appeared to be a greater
activity and inteusity in everything.
Henry lost no time in delivering his
letters of introduction, and in writing to
Mr. Bullion, and to his mother. He then
proceeded on his way to Moutreal, in one of
those magnificent steamboats, which ply on
the Hudson river. It was a delightful
journey. On the second day, Heury reached
the city of Montreal.
It was not till he was seated in his
apartment in the hotel that Henry fully
realized the importance of his undertaking.
He had been wafted some three or four
thousand miles as if by enchantment.
HENRY SUCCEEDS IN HIS OBJECY.
On the morning after his arrival, Hen:y's
a
l}
i
Z
\
Ti
’
.
g
Henry’s arrival in America.
p. 76,
A STRATAGEM, 2
first business was to secure the services of a
respectable attorney, to whom he had been
recommended ; he next presented himself at
the counting-house of Messrs. Ledger & Co.
In the business he had now to perform,
it was necessary to use some stratagem to
insure success. Had Henry proceeded in
the ordinary way to demand the amount of
the debt due to Mr. Bullion, he might not
have succeeded in obtaining it.
“Monsieur,†said Henry, in French, to a
person who represented himself as one of
the firm of Ledger and Company, “TI beg
to present you with these letters of intro-
duction from our mutual friends, Williams
& Co. of New York. I have made some
very heavy purchases in England, and shall
want to buy some bills of exchange on
Manchester and Liverpool, to remit in pay-
ment for them: the account I will furnish
you with.â€
The partners, Ledger & Co. exchanged
glances.
“You pay cash? certainly, sir: what is
the amount of the bills you require?â€
a 3
78 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
“ Between forty and fifty tlo.sand dol-
Jars.†|
“We can sell you bills at ten days’ sight,
for fifty thousand dollars, on Davidson & Co.
one of the first houses in Manchester, who
are indebted to us more than that sum.â€
“Very well, gentlemen,†said Henry, ‘ be
so good as to draw the bills payable to my
order, in sums of £1,000 each, meanwhile I
will go and fetch the cash.â€â€™
After agreeing to some other conditions in
the transaction, Henry went away. But it
was only to fetch the attorney, who returned
with him, and remained in attendance, while
Henry expressed himself as follows:
“Gentlemen, I think I understood you to
say that the house of Davidson & Co. owes
you fifty thousand dollars, which you agree
to place at my disposal against a similar sum
which I place in your hands.â€
“Yes, sir, that is quite correct.â€
‘IT suppose there is no set-off against this
amount, which would prevent Messrs. David-
son from accepting these bills?â€
“How, sir? do you suppose——â€
“T suppose nothing, gentlemen ; but look
COGENT REASONING. 79
at this protest on the part of Messrs. Bul-
lion & Co. of London, and you must have
been notified that Messrs. Davidson are in-
structed to make no payment with the funds
you say they hold at your credit. Besides,
here is Messrs. Bullion & Co.’s account-cur-
rent with you: the balance against you is
forty-nine thousand seven hundred and
seventy-five dollars. This gentleman here
can tell you how serious the consequences
will be to you, after having declared that
you had funds at your credit at Manchester,
if you do not give me a receipt on account
of Messrs. Bullion & Co. in exchange for
your bills of Davidson’s.â€
The attorney here explained that Messrs.
Ledger and Co, could be indicted for conspi-
racy and fraud, and that their wisest course
would be to do as Mr. Arden proposed; to
which, with some reluctance, they agreed.
The bills were drawn in favour of Henry.
The protest rendered them of no value to
any one but to Messrs. Bullion & Co. as
they only had the power of removing the
attachment they had placed on the funds in
the hands of Messrs. Davidson. In point
BO IT IS ONLY A PIN,
of fact, the bills were fraudulent, and the
offence of uttering them was punishable.
Messrs. Ledger & Co. attempted to raise
some objections to Messrs. Bullion’s account
against them; but as Henry had full know-
ledge of every transaction that had passed
between them and Messrs. Bullion, he ex-
plained away every objection. At last, it
was only through fear of exposure and con-
sequent ruin that they agreed to take
Messrs. Bullion’s quittance of their debt for
their drafts on Davidson & Co.
This done, Henry went away to dine with
the attorney, whose presence had proved so
useful to him. The success of his mission
was assured. Messrs. Davidson & Co. could
not part with the money in their hands
belonging to Ledger & Co. so long as
Messrs. Bullion & Co.’s attachment re-
mained, Messrs. Ledger’s bills authorized
Messrs Davidson to pay Messrs. Bullion,
and thus the latter was quite secured.
Davidson had formerly been clerk in Mr.
Bullion’s house, and had since maintained
friendship with him. It was he who, acting
a friend’s part, had advised Mr. Bullion of
STRATAGEM SUCCESSFUL. 81
the critical state of affairs in Messrs. Ledg-
ers business, and of the only means by
which they could secure their debt.
Henry immediately sent the firsts of ex-
change to Messrs. Bullion, quite satisfied
that they would be paid at maturity. The
seconds he retained in his possession, in
case the firsts miscarried. Everything had
occurred as he had planned and anticipated,
and Henry, in spite of his youth and inex-
perience, had acted with the sagacity of an
old merchant. |
Henry was not at all surprised, a few days
after his transaction, to hear that the house
of Ledger & Co. had failed. Any proceed-
ings less prompt and decisive than those he
had taken, would have resulted in the loss
of their debt.
HENRY RETURNS HOME,
Bustness ended, Henry thought himself
entitled to a little recreation. He had
accomplished his object so quickly, that he
had nearly a week to spare, and then would
89 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
be in London by the time the month of
absence expired.
Henry thought he might combine business
with pleasure, by calling on the various
correspondents of the house of Bullion & Co.
who resided in the various cities and towns
he passed through, on his way back to New
York. Most of these places, now so busy
and prosperous, had risen within a few years,
as if by enchantment. Lower Canada still
preserves the traces of its French origin in
its religion and customs. The fertile fields,
overshadowed with long rows of apple trees,
reminded Henry of some of the most beau-
tiful scenes of Normandy. In every village,
the church spires pointed heavenwards, while
the sound of their bells completed the illu-
sion, and stirred his feelings deeply.
While at Montreal, Henry chanced to fall
in with a picture-dealer. It is true that his
stock in trade was of the humblest character.
The things termed Raffaelle’s, Rubens’s,
Guido’s, Claude’s, were only good enough
for sign-boards to country inns. If Cana-
dians were to take these productions as the
representatives of EHuropean taste in art, we
AN AMERICAN DEALER. 83
cannot be surprised that they should prefer
to study nature for themselves, and leave the
arts to others more capable of appreciating
them.
The stock in trade of the picture-dealer
was, however, not entirely of the character
, described: Henry observed among them
— some genuine studies from nature, of Indian
manners and customs, made by young native
artists, which would have excited interest
_and admiration even in Europe. Henry re-
solved to take some of these home with him,
~ He could foresee that art would in due time
. be developed and spread its roots in the
fruitful soil which industry had ploughed.
The dealer informed Henry that many
Canadian ladies who had visited Europe had
brought back with them a knowledge of the
art of flower-painting, and had set the
fashion of making it an accomplishment ;
| but as there existed a difficulty in obtaining
good copies for study, they had to make
shift with old engravings.
It immediately occurred to Henry, that
among the pupils of the Jardin des Plants,
there might be some who would be glad to
84 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
find a good market for their productions.
So he made a bargain with the dealer to
send out to him, upon his return, a dozen
choice studies of flowers, after nature.
Henry found himself again in New York.
He took care to avail himself of the oppor-
tunity of looking into the business of that
busiest of cities. He visited the Exchange,
the Custom-house, the auction rooms, the
ship yards, the dry-docks, the public
libraries, and hotels. The novelty delighted
and bewildered him. What their grand-
fathers found a forest, inhabited only by red
‘men and wild animals, 1s now covered with
beautiful cities, and towns, and villages that
soon aspire to become cities. A map of this
region becomes obsolete when a few years
old. The richest and most varied products
of nature abound. The dinner table is
laden with tropical fruits, southern vege-
tables, and northern fish, and a traveller sits
down to a sumptuous dinner at a New York
hotel for half-a-crown. For this modest
coin he obtains a choice of many kinds of
soup, and fish, of joint, game, pastry, ices,
and cessert.
HENRY’S SAFE RETURN. 85
Henry took passage in the first steamer
that sailed for Liverpool, and on the evening
of the tenth day after leaving New York,
found himself again in the quiet counting-
house in Billiter-square,
HENRY VISITS PARIS AGAIN,
“Aut is right,†exclaimed Mr. Bullion, upon
seeing Henry come in; “we have got the
money, and you have well earned your com-
mission: here it is.’ He then handed
Henry a cheque, and shook him warmly by
the hand.
“ You have proved yourself a most active
and zealous agent,†said Mr. Bullion; “but
you were none too soon: one week later,
and the funds in Davidson’s hands would
have been seized by Ledger & Co.’s assignees,
and our friend could not have retained them
for our benefit. You must not think of
work yet; after your long voyage, you must
feel fatigued, and require rest. Business
will accumulate a little during your absence,
but we will provide against any mischief
I
86 "7 IS ONLY A PINe
arising. I do not want to see you here
again for a week.â€
““T know my mother must be very anxious
to see me,†said Henry. So after express-
ing his thanks to Mr. Bullion for his kind-
ness, he proceeded to his lodgings with a
light and happy heart.
Upon reaching home, Henry found a
letter from his mother awaiting him, in
which she stated, that, anticipating he would
be some weeks absent, she had accepted an
invitation from her sister to accompany her
to Granville, a pretty sea-bathing place on
the coast of Normandy.
Henry felt a little disappointment at tliis
news, although he knew the change would
be beneficial to his mother’s delicate health.
So without losing any time, he determined
to make a visit to Paris, and proceed from
_ thence to where his mother was staying.
Arrived in Paris, he wended his way to
the Jardin des Plants, to execute the com-
mission he had undertaken for the picture-
dealer of Montreal. He arrived there just
at the hour at which the lessons in painting
are ram, and it was not without apprehen-
TIE VACANT SEAT, 87
sion that he saw that the only seat which
interested him was vacant.
Redouté, who observed Henry’s emotion,
said, laughingly, “I suppose Mr. Bullion
has sent you here with another commission.
I expected to see you again soon. Come
into my study, and let us have a little chat.â€
- “Do not think I am jesting,†said Henry,
‘when I tell you I have an order for you,
although it is not from Mr. Bullion. While
I was abroad, I undertook a commission for
some flower-studies, that might suit some
of your pupils. I freely confess that, after
comparing the different studies you had the
kindness to show me, when I was here
before, the free and natural style of draw-
ing of the person, who I perceive is absent
to-day, pleased and satisfied me more than
any of the others. May I beg the favour
of your opinion.†|
Redouté replied, “ You have shown your
taste and discernment, and I must say, that
such a commission could not be placed in
better hands. They are two sisters, worthy
of esteem and respect; they were recom-
mended to me by some esteemed friends, and
88 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
I shall be happy to serve them in any way
that lies in my power.â€
Redouté added, jokingly, “ Perhaps you
would like to know where they live? All I
know is that their name is Melville, and
that they reside in a little cottage at Saint
Germain. The one you saw is the youngest ;
her name, I belicve, is Julia. I hope,
through Providence, you are sent to do them
a service, for their circumstances are not
very prosperous.†|
Next day, Henry set out for the place
where the young ladies resided. He under..
stood that they gave lessons in painting ;.
therefore, he did not anticipate any difficulty
in finding them. Henry flattered himself
with meeting beings quite worthy of the
interest which the ingenuous countenance of
Julia, and the commendations of Redouté,
had inspired.
As he entered the village, he passed the
church which adjoins the chateau, and ob-
served that the usual daily service was about
to commence. As his journey had prevented
him from attending church for several Sun-
days, he felt glad of the opportunity that.
TILE ARTIST DISCOVERED. 89
presented itself of returning thanks to God
for preserving him through the journey he
had accomplished.
HENRY’S INTERVIEW WITH JULIA.
SERVICE ended, Henry was among the first
who reached the door, where he lingered
while the congregation came out. He had
not waited long before he saw two young
ladies slowly approaching the door, one of
which he recognized as Julia. She instantly
recognized him, and when he extended his
hand, she put hers into it.
‘Let me have the pleasure of returning
you your pin,†said Julia; and she took it
out cf her scarf, and handed it to Henry,
who received it with a smile,
“‘T have come here at the recommendation
of Monsieur Redouté,†said Henry; “to
make a proposal to you respecting your
drawings.†|
“T shall be happy to listen to it,†replied
Julia. 2
The two sisters proceeded on their way,
13
90 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
and Henry walked respectfully beside them.
The elder sister whispered to Julia.
“You have never been in this place before,
I presume?†said Julia to Henry.
“Never, miss. J am very much occupied
in business, and have but little leisure; but
what 1 see around me, the noble trees and
pure air, appear to me most delightful.
Who could place his foot upon these flowery
meadows without experiencing a desire to
revisit them ?â€
“That is what all our friends say. But
you are not always so busy but you can
sometimes enjoy painting? and you know
Monsieur Redouté.â€
“IT made his acquaintance but a few
weeks ago, miss, when I came to Paris to
purchase a picture; and being now in want
of some flower-studies, to send to America,
and having noticed your work when I first
had the pleasure of meeting you, it occurred
to me that you might perhaps find it agree-
able to undertake them.â€
“He is a picture-dealer, then?’ said
the elder sister.
“TY really do not know,†said J ite,
SISTERLY QUERIES, OL
“but you can easily see that he is a
gentleman, and quite in earnest; he evi-
dently has no idea of being impertinent.â€
They endeavoured to engage him in con-
versation with a view of learning something
more about him, as well as to study his
physiognomy, before they could make up
their minds to let him cross the threshold of
their home. The result of their scrutiny
was favourable to Henry. His behaviour
was so respectful, and his face so free from
guile, that it was impossible to mistrust him,
They soon reached a neat cottage situated
in the midst of a garden, on the borders of
the forest. The front of the cottage was
eovered with climbing roses, which gave it
a charming aspect. ‘The landlady was Mrs.
Temple, who occupied the ground floor.
She was friend and guardian of the two
sisters, who occupied the rooms above.
‘Dear Mrs. Temple,†said Julia, who
entered first, “here is a gentleman, who
wishes to see our paintings. . Have the
kindness to allow him to take a seat in your
parlour, while I go and select some specimens
to show him.â€
99 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
| © Pray take a seat, sir,†said Mrs. Temple.
“It is a beautiful day, although rather warm.
Will you take some refreshment? I dare
say you are tired, and perhaps hungry.â€
Henry thanked her, and she placed before
him some cake and fruit, and a bottle of
wine, and some delicious cold water fresh
from the spring.
“There,†said Mrs, Temple, “when you
have finished that, you shall see the works of
the young ladies. Ah, dear creatures! they
are so good, so prudent, so clever, and
always contented, and with what? with
nothing! But I must hold my tongue, for
here they come. Do you want a good many
drawings? I hope youdo; they have a good
many done: they are always at work. I
hope you will buy a good lot. Oh! Miss
Julia paints such pretty things, is so clever
with her fingers. But you will soon see
what she can do, but don’t say a word.â€
The two sisters now came in, carrying
portfolios, They displayed their merchan-
dize. Mrs. Temple seated herself near the
window; Julia placed herself at a large
table covered with her drawings ; and Henry,
THE DRAWINGS VALUED. 93
in his character as purchaser, placed himseif
on the opposite side.
“These, sir, are a lot of very beautiful
drawings: we have a most complete assort-
ment. Have the goodness, sir, to select
those most to your taste.â€
Henry assuming a serious air, observed,
“YT shall select this bunch of daisies, and
this group of poppies, if we can arrange as
to price.â€
“Sir,†said Julia, “TI really cannot take
less than� .... and she turned greatly em-
barrassed to Jane, who said to her:
“Go on; you are a very good merchant.â€
“Well,†said Julia, “I cannot take less
than twenty-five shillings each. But next
time you come â€
‘How well she understands business,â€
said Mrs. Temple, upon hearing the price,
‘‘she can sell as well as she can paint; she
understands everything.â€
«Twenty-five shillings !’â€â€™ said Henry, as-
suming a dissatisfied air, “1t is quite impos-
sible for me to offer you such a price.â€
‘Well, then,’ said Mrs. Temple, now
warily interfering, “there can be no deal-
D 4, IT IS ONLY A PIN.
ing. Poor dear girls, they have well carned
the paltry fifty shillings. If you only
knew how many hours it cost them; up
early and late; but you never can know.
Ah! you don’t know !â€
The two sisters vainly attempted to stop
the flow of words, till at length, Julia, taking
the old lady by the arm, gently, said: “ My
dear Mrs. Temple, let the gentleman do as he
pleases; he will, I am sure, give us what
he thinks they are worth.â€
‘‘T cannot think of paying less than fifty
shillings a-piece, or five pounds the pair, for
such drawings as these,†said Henry. “I
shall give you an order for a dozen. You
will perhaps. allow me to fix the price.†|
“ But, sir,†replied Julia, after a moment’s
reflection, “you uffer me twice as much as I
asked.†| ee
“T only offer you the price I am autho-
rized to give by my emplvyer, and I must
bid no less. As this transaction may iead to
others, I recommend you to close the
bargain.â€
“Well,†said Mrs. Temple, “this is qui‘e
a new way of doing business. 1 shall make
FRIENDLY OFFICIOUSNESS, 95
it up with the gentleman now. I see, now,
he is not a dealer, but only a connoisseur.
Will you take some more cake? take a little
‘more wine, Mr.— Mr.—â€
And the good dame ransacked her brain
to find his name, but could not, for a very
good reason—she had never heard it.
Jane, who in a manner took the part of
mother in their little home, addressing
Henry, said, “ I suppose, sir, we may take in
earnest what you have said to my sister, as
you are recommended by a very worthy
gentleman ? sia we have not the honour of
knowing you.â€
Henry, anticipating the question, replied,
* Here is the order of my correspondent. I
hope it may be followed by many others.
You see, the price he has himself fixed, and
I cannot pay you less than that, which is
what I have offered you. -I will now pay
you for the two drawings I have selected.â€
Counting out five sovereigns, he placed
them on the table.
“ As to the other ten subjects,†he said to
Julia, “I leave the choice and treatment to
yourself, only they must be the size of
96 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
nature. Here is my card, with name and
address. As soon as the drawings are ready,
let me know: the money will be ready for
you, and I hope the time will not be very
long.â€
“Tt will take some weeks before they can
be finished,†said Julia, looking at her
sister; “we must procure the flowers, and
select the best. I do not think I can possibly
do more than one pairina week. And I
should like you to examine my work as I go
on, to make sure that Lam working agreeably
to your wishes.â€
“If you will permit me,†said Henry, “I
will call again in a few days, to see how you
are getting on. I must return to London
on Saturday.â€
This proposition was agreed to, and Henry
took his departure, highly gratified with his
morning’s work.
THE COTTAGE.
Ir was a beautiful day, and Henry thought
he would improve it by walking back to
PLEASING REFLECTIONS. 97
Paris. He cou'd the better reflect upon the
events of the morning. He was certainly
very much pleased with the acquaintance he
had made; even the blunt familiarity of
Mrs. Temple did not appear to him out of
place, for he perceived that this good dame
was the friend, confidante, and protector,
almost a mother, to these orphan girls. He
_ thought of the prudence with which Julia
questioned him on the road from the church
to the cottage, before inviting him in; and
_he comprehended the reserve of her sister,
and of their caution in having Mrs, Temple
a witness to the interview. |
He was much pleased also with the draw-
ings they had shown him; and still more
pleased with the simple and natural manner
of Julia, and the air of goodness of her
sister, who acted like a kind mother. |
His reflection upon all that had passed
were very pleasing, and he liked to dwell
upon them. In the evening he returned to
Paris. |
But we must return to the cottage, where
Julia, Jane, and Mrs. Temple, remained
seated in their little parlour,
| K
OS IT TS ONLY A PIN.
“Now, just think, Julia,†said Jane,
‘‘what we promised our dear mother? That
a stranger should never enter our home
without being introduced by her friends.
And here you have invited this gentleman,
' who is quite a stranger, to call again.â€
“Fear nothing, my dear sister,†said
| Juha, “I did right in speaking to him, as
‘you must admit. And as I had already
~ seen hin——?†|
» But you did not tell me that,†replied
Jane, rather quickly.
Julia blushed slightly, and then related
how she first met Henry at the Jardin des
Plants. |
“My dears,†said Mrs. Temple, “it is
very necessary to be cautious, and, thank
_ God, you have nothing to reproach your-
selves with on that score. But if, after
having spent all your money in learning to
paint, you wish to sell your pictures, you
must not shut your door against customers.
You should be reasonable, my dear Jane.
Am I not here to protect you? And there
_ is one thing, my dears, you are apt to forget,
which is, that you are much in want of
THE SISTERS COMPORTED. 99
money. You never complain, but I know
very well how you live.â€
And with the corner of her apron, she
wiped away the tears that were beginning
to fall down her sun-burnt cheeks.
“Ah, well! God is good! Here is this
money that he has sent you; you have well
earned it, you have.â€
“Take it, housekeeper,†she said to Jane,
“and may it be like the widow’s cruise.
Now, give meakiss. I expect company to
tea, and since you have been such good.
girls, I shall invite vou.â€
The young ladies kissed the warm-hearted
dame, thanked her for her kindness, and
then retired to their own apartments, happy
and thankful, and more hopeful and en-
couraged than they had been for some time
past.
HENRY VISITS HIS MOTHER.
Henry now lost no time in visiting his
mother, and passing the remainder of his
term of abseuce with her. Having, almost
Tco Is IS ONLY A PINe
unaided, succeeded in bringing up her young
family, and placing them in a fair way of
making their way in the world, she felt the
necessity for repose to recruit her health
and strength. An unlooked-for legacy had
brought to her old age the ease and comfort
that had previously been denied to her, and
she had gladly availed herself of an oppor-
tunity that presented itself of visiting the
sea-coast of France.
Henry found her at Granville just as shee
was sitting down to dinner. Although but
a few weeks had elapsed since she had seen
- him, he was so altered, grown so much of a
man, that for a moment she was a little
~ startled. Necessity, that stern task-master,
_ had already given him a precocious maturity,
_ and his long voyage had imparted a certain
air of self-confidence, that made him appear
much more of a man than his years would
have led any one to expect. The old nurse
who had dandled him when a baby, an-
nounced his arrival to his mother with joy
and pride. She received him with tears of
happiness and a grateful heart.
© My dear boy,†she exclaimed, “I do not
HENRY WITH 11S MOTHER. 101
think I should have known you, had I met
you in the street. What has altered you so
much? Ah, I see, you are quite sunburnt.
It is that hot American sun, and your long
voyage. I have prayed for your safety every
day, my son, and I thank God he has
permitted me to see you again. I do not
think I should have consented to let you go,
had I been asked.†|
-“ You would not have prevented me doing
my duty, I am sure, dear mother; and to
serve Mr. Bullion, you ought to let me go
the extremity of the earth, if he desired it.â€
“You are fortunate and happy, my dear
Henry, in having such a friend, and I am
proud to think that you deserve all he
bestows upon you. I sometimes regret I
cannot have you with me, but that is a
selfish feeling. Your sphere is the busy
world; mine is solitude and peace. Mr.
Bullion has written to me to say how happy
he is in having you with him. God bless
you, my son, for rejoicing the last years of
your mother’s life.â€
“It is the law of nature, my dear mother,
that disperses families. I always desired to
K 3
102 IT IS ONLY A PIN,
remain near you, and requite you for the
care you bestowed upon me when I was
unable to take care of myself, and, by my
constant attention to your comforts and
wants, to compensate you for the sufferings
and privations of your past life. How well:
I remember our being seated around the
table, young and old, morning and evening.
How respectfully and lovingly your words
of kindness and advice were listened to! All
are dispersed, and, we alone, of all that
group, sit together.†| |
“The recollections of a well-spent life,. my.
dear child, are not painful. You will know
that some day. I am like the wearied tra-
veller, who, arrived nearly at the end of his
journey, stops to rest, and survey the route,
before entering the city that will become his
place of everlasting refuge. There is only
one thing I can think of now, that is the
happiness of seeing and talking with you.
What have you got to tell me, of yourself, of
your voyage, of your projects and pros-
pects ?â€
‘Let us go into the air, dear mother, we
MATERNAL ADVICE, 103
talk better there ; besides, the air will do you
good.â€
Leaning fondly upon his arm, the proud
mother walked beside her son, with a confi-
dent and vigorous step. They soon became
engaged in earnest conversation. At length,
she said, ‘‘ You have told me about all that
has passed, but of your future you have said
nothing. You work hard, you are not fond
of gay society; you have even saved money,
thanks to the generosity of Mr. Bullion,
who, I am aware, wishes to attach you
entirely to himself. You will be looking for
a wife some day: perhaps you are looking
for one now: have you already found one
suited to your mind ?â€
Henry looked confused, and was silent.
~ “T need not tell you what sort of a person
to choose. Your own good sense will guide
you better than any advice I can give you.
May heaven bless your choice. If I cannot
say what you should choose, perhaps [ may
venture to say what you should not. Do
not marry a woman with much money, with
what they call a fortune: if you do, you will
never after be your own master, but a slave
104 IT 18 ONLY A PIN.
to her tyranny and caprice. She will feel
as if she had bought you, and treat you
accordingly. I shoulu sike to see your wife
a good, simple, pious woman, fond of her
home, with a taste for music, strong-hearted,
and brave, for her courage may some day be
‘put to the proof. I do not care whether she
be handsome or not, if she be modest and
amiable, and of a cheerful temper, I do not
ask that she should be learned, but I should
wish her to possess a talent which she can
cultivate in her leisure during prosperity,
and be a resource in eee
““My dear mother,†said Henry, “ every
word you utter seems like the echo of my
own feelings. What you wish for me, is
what I wish for myself. By you I have
been nurtured in virtuous thoughts; from
you I have learned to love the good, the
beautiful, and the true. I desire that my
wife should be like my mother. As for
riches, I esteem them only as a means to
comfort and happiness. I would rather owe
everything to my own industry than to her
I ought to protect and support, You have
THE SFCRET DISCLOSED, 105
interpreted my feelings, and read my heart
as easily as when I was your little child.â€
‘My dear son, your thoughts are instruc.
tive, but illusive when they came at an un-
seasonable time: if Providence has brought
you to the being who has your happiness in
her hands, then I say the hour that will
determine your enure has struck, and I have
nothing more to say.â€
“You have read my secret, dear mother,
a secret I can confide to no one but your-
self.†| |
Henry now related his meeting with Julia,
and his visit to Saint Germain, in all the
glowing terms his enthusiastic nature in-
spired. Many times during the recital, his
mother smiled at his ardour; she thought of
her own early youth, and the golden visions
she had painted upon the canvas of the
future.
“ Henry, my son, you have in many y things
the sense and experience of a man: you
reason like one. But you may bestow your
heart, your devotion, and your sacrifices,
where they will neither be appreciated nor
requited. What you have told me of the
106 TT IS ONLY A PIN.
lives of these two young ladies, is certainly
very pleasing, and honourable to them.
You have also the introduction of a person
who knows them, but only indirectly. At
present, however, you really know nothing
about them, their family, or relations, nor
the cause of their troubles, I do not say
this with a view to oppose your wishes, but
to caution you against the blind impetuosity
that so frequently hurries ardent youth into
rash engagements. You have to guard
against the illusions of imagination. Time
is the great corrector in these matters. All
I would ask of you is, to act with prudent
reserve. You are not so old, but you can
afford to wait. Be observant, make no rash
promises, keep your secret to yourself. Be
as useful as you can to her to whom you
wish to devote your life: but be not too
intimate. Maintain proper independence
and self-respect ; and if, after a year or two’s
trial, you still keep in the same mind, then
take her for your wife, and you will have
accomplished all I desire.â€
Giving Henry a large envelope, she con-
‘inued ;
MATERNAL SOLICITUDE, 107
“That is for you, my dear son; it is the
money you saved and sent me, in times of
difficulty: fortune, become more kind, has
enabled me to return it to you.†a
‘Thanks! thanks!†cried Henry. “It
was with pleasure that I devoted my first
labours to you,—a poor compensation for
your care in bringing me up, dear mother,
but you ue not part with this good
souvenir.’
“ Well,†said his mother, “I will keep this
filial offering, but I shall give it to your
Julia, to commence house-keeping with.â€
Henry promised to act with the prudence
she recommended him: and at the expira-
tion of a few happy days, “departed full of
joy and hope.
HENRY’S INTERVIEW WITH MRS. TEMPLE.
THe eight days of holiday granted Henry
by Mr. Bullion were not yet elapsed. Henry
had spent his vacation in satisfying the
dearest inclinations of his heart.. He had
found a new aim for his life, and had not
108 rv IS ONLY A PIN,
thought of withholding his object from his
mother for a single day. There was suth-
cient time left to enable him to pay another
visit to Saint Germain, to see what progress
had been made in sketching the flower-
pictures.
He approached the cottage with some mis-
givings; his mother’s cautions had aroused
doubts and fears in his mind, and he trem-
bled lest anything might happen to disturb
the beautiful dream he indulged in.
At first, he thought he would incur no
risk, but, after taking a view of the cottage,
return as he came, with his hopes still un- |
broken. As it grew later, Henry thought
he might approach a little nearer, unob-
served. He plucked a white rose from a
bush that grew at the corner of the garden,
with the intention of carrying it away with
him as a remembrance. After several
efforts, he at length summoned up resolution
to go, and just as he turned to do so, he en-
countered Mrs. Temple.
“So! so!†said she, “1 did not know we
had spies about; perhaps there are robbers,
I)
too
HENRY AT THE COTTAGE... 109
“Pardon me, Mrs. Temple,†said Henry.
“] thought I would call on you this after-
noon; but when I arrived here, it was so
late, and your house was all in darkness,
that I concluded I had best defer my visit
_ to another day.â€
“Ah, Mr. Henry, and it is you! Pray
step in; the young ladies are gone for a
walk. They will not be long before they
are back, and I am sure they will be glad to
see you, for | heard them say to-day, they
had something to show you.â€
Henry did not want much pressing, so he
at once entered the cottage, and the good
lady hastened to prepare her evening meal.
“You will take something? You look
fatigued, a cup of coffee will refresh you.
We will not wait for the ladies. You have
done us a good service, and we need not
stand upon ceremony. I say ws, for what
you have done for them is good also for me,
and you have found out the best way of
helping them, in giving them work. It is
not easily found here: for, as their friends
say, it is at Paris that employment is to be
obtained. But they will not go there, they
L
110 Ir IS ONLY A PIN.
do not wish to quit their mother’s native
place, and they would rather remain under
the protection of some old friends.â€
And she continued talking in this fashion,
while she laid the table.
The table was laid with scrupulous care -
and neatness. The sun was near setting,
and Henry seated himself opposite the win-
dow, where he could view the garden, and
get glimpses, through the foliage, of the
blue hills in the distant horizon.
Highly as Henry’s mind was cultivated,
he could enjoy the society of plain, simple
people, when he found them eivil and
obliging. He valued a good heart far above
the conventional manners of society. He
gratefully enjoyed this impromptu hos-
pitality, and the beautiful view the open
window, surrounded with roses, afforded
him. The fragrance of the flowers pervaded
the room: there was no sound but the
droning of a few insects, and the chirruping
of the birds which hung in eages at the
window.
“There is my little family: they know
you are a stranger: hear what a noise they
HENRY AND MBS. TEMPLE. 1}
make: they are asking me who you are, and
1 am sure I cannot tell them. I heard the
young ladies speak of you as Mr. Henry, I
like my birds; they are like children in the
house, they enliven it so: without them [
should be dull indeed, very, if I did not
know how to occupy my time, as you may
see.â€
When the coffee was served, with some
excellent cream, it proved to be worthy of
all the praise Mrs. Temple had bestowed
upon if.
Henry resumed the conversation upon the
young ladies; he hoped to obtain some in-
formation on the past life of his young
friends.
“Vou were acquainted with their mother?â€
said he.
“Yes, I knew her well,†replied Mrs.
Temple; “and as I was her most intimate
friend, that is the reason why her daughters
prefer living near me, for then we can often
speak of her together.
‘When Mrs. Melville, their mother, be-
came a widow, she withdrew a sum of money
from her husband’s business, which, with
112 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
her own industry, would have enabled her to
bring up her family respectably. She had
the imprudence, however, to entrust her
money in unsafe hands. She had much
care and uneasiness for her daughters, not
for herself. Sickness followed, then debility,
and at last, misfortune. I cannot relate the
whole of their history. Julia was sixteen,
Jane was eighteen. She entrusted them to
my care, but neglected to inform me of
many things I ought to have known, re-
specting the state of her affairs. JI did what
I could to divert their minds. At length,
the consolations of religion, and the desire of
fulfilling the wishes of their mother, roused
their energies; and I always trusted to Pro-
vidence, in whose wisdom and mercy I have
implicit relhance. I believe that God has
sent you to befriend them, for you appear to
be an honest, worthy young man: I, whoam
responsible to their mother for their safety,
I receive you with open heart, as I am sure
she would herself, if she were here to protect
them. But the young ladies have returned,
I just heard them go up stairs, and I can
sinell the flowers they have brought in. Ati}
HENRY’S RECEPTION. 115
they toil very hard up there. Now, you
must not say anything about what I have
told you: their sorrow is sacred: they do
not desire all the world to know of it, and
though poor, they are proud. Do not stay _
very long, and look in again on me before °
you go away.â€
Henry thanked her, and timidly ascended ©
the staircase, which led to the rooms above.
He knocked gently at the door, and upon
opening it, found himself in what might be
termed a work-room: the walls hung round :
with a large number of studies, and Julia .
seated at a table covered with flowers.
She raised her head, her face was very
pale. “Already?†she said, in a faint
voice.
“Miss Julia,†said Henry, “Ihave availed ©
myself of your permission to see how you
were proceeding with your drawings, but I
now see I ought to have waited for your
invitation. Pray pardon me.â€
“The time has been very short, I have
really nothing to shew you; but you have
something to show me, I presume. I see
you have brought a portfolio.â€
L 3
114 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
“You remember that I said, when I first
saw you, that your face was familiar to me.
I will now show you a drawing, which I
made long —_ I had the pleasure of
meeting you.â€
Henry opened his portfolio, and produced
the drawing of Correggio’s Misfortune.
‘“ You see that we are already old friends,â€
he said.
The two sisters were much astonished
at seeing so faithful a portrait, dated so
long ago.
“But do I always look as sad as that?â€
said Julia.
“When you are at work, you do,†said
Jane. ‘It is so like you, that I fancy you
must have sat for your portrait, slyly. Pray,
sir, tell us how such a curious coincidence
has happened.â€
Henry, mm few words, related the principal
events of his life, and described the circum-
stances under which he had obtained this
portrait. Julia became pensive and thought-
ful. Jane was afraid to trouble her with
exciting things, and wished that something |
would change the topic of their discourse.
TIMIDITY AND MISGIVING, 115
Fortunately, Mrs. Temple came to the rescue
and took upon herself the burden of conver-
sation. Henry, seeing the young ladies be-
coming silent and reserved, understood that
it was time to retire. Addressing Julia, he
said, “ When you have finished the drawings,
I presume I shall hear from you. I hope it
will not be very long,†and he held out his
hand to Jane, who put forth hers timidly.
“Ah!†said Mrs. Temple, “I must not
offer you my hand ;†but Henry took it, and
gave it a hearty shake.
Henry wished to shake hands with Julia,
but he felt timidity in offering to do so:
and as she did not put out her hand, he
quitted the room.
As soon as Henry was gone, and Julia
found herself alone, she leaned back in her
chair and began to refiect upon her visitor.
Was he really an amateur of flower-paint-
ing? did he really come to see her pictures ?
vor did he come to see her? The idea per-
piexed her; she became thoughtful and sad.
Her sister observed her emotion, and had no
difficulty in comprehending the state of
matters.
116 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
Henry, on his part, was very much dis-
turbed at the interview that had taken
place, and particularly at Julia’s extreme
reserve. He thought he was perhaps not
agreeable to her. As he passed Mrs. Tem-
ple’s door, he saw her standing there, and,
with some confusion, saluted her: she said
to him: “ We shall see you again some day,
I hope.†It was a fine moonlight evening,
and Henry took the road to Paris, revolving
in his mind the events of the day,
“Tf I were nothing to her,†said he to
himself, “she would have received me like
anybody else, without reserve. My presence
made her nervous and timid. Her pale face
betrayed her deep emotion.â€
No young man ever found himself so
happy at having been repulsed, as Henry.
With his imagination filled with charming
pictures,—Julia at her drawing table; her
pale face and graceful form: the bouquets of
flowers: the little cottage: and pretty gar-
den! Pleasant dreams |!
LL.
HENRY’S VINDICATION OF HIMSELF.
Tue week of absence was expired. Henry
resumed his duties with more than ordinary
energy: for,on the one hand, he felt that he
owed to Mr. Bullion every effort and devo- |
tion; and, on the other, he had decided
plans for the future. The good opinion of
his protegées was confirmed by reflection, and
the repulse he fancied he had met with from
Julia, so far from wounding his feelings, en-
couraged his fondest hopes. |
Some days had passed in this manner, |
when, one morning, Henry received a letter
bearing the post mark of Saint Germain,
‘he trembling hand-writing of which was
unknown to him. Henry was not super-
stitious, but he had his presentiments; and
when the letter was handed to him, he felt
a dread that something was wrong. ‘The
letter was as follows:
“Dear Mr. HENRY,
‘It is very fortunate you left your
address with me. for I have oceasion to write to
118 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
you, and I do not wish my neighbours to know of
it. What have you done, sir? You, who by your
modesty and goodness of heart, inspired me with
so much confidence? I cannot make out what has
happened. We can get nothing out of Julia, who
has been very sad and reserved ever since you
were here. As we can get nothing out of her, we
must apply to you, for you appear to be the cause
of her trouble, and can probably explain what it is
that has given rise to it. I wish to believe that
you have nothing to reproach yourself with, but
look to you for an explanation, that will at once
relieve our anxiety. I should like to see you, but
I suppose that is not possible.
‘* Hoping that you will still merit our esteem and
friendship,
«« Believe me,
Yours very truly,
A. TEMPLE.â€
This letter troubled Henry exceedingly.
He was conscious of having done no wrong
intentionally, and he felt hurt to think he
should be considered capable of doing any-
thing to injure Julia. He knew that his
business duties would not admit of his going
to Saint Germain again so soon, he therefore
FHE LETTER AND REPLY. 119
addressed the following letter to Mrs. Tem-
ple, in reply.
‘‘My dear Mrs. TEMPLE,
‘Your letter has given me much
surprise and pain. I am surprised to hear that
Miss Julia is suffering, but I beg to assure you
that I am innocent of having done anything to
wound her feelings. I respect her too much for
that. I am pained to think you should consider me
capable of giving any cause for offence. From the
first hour of meeting with this young lady, 1 have
felt the profoundest esteem and respect for her,
which has been strengthened and confirmed by her
demeanour, and by the praises of Monsieur
Redouté. When I called upon her the other day,
it was not with the idea of intruding, but, as |
thought, in obedience to her wishes. But she
received me very coldly, and appeared reserved at
my visit, and I cannot think of seeing her again
until she permits me. |
«‘ Do not suppose that I resent the cold reception
she gave me; I appreciate Miss Julia’s prudent
reserve, and I fully understand her delicate sensi-
bility. I was as happy at being so promptly dis-
missed as others would have been to remain. Do.
not, I beg, allow any unfounded suspicions to enter
120 3P IS ONLY A PIN.
your mind. I shall never do anything to render
me unworthy of the respect and esteem, both of
yourself and of your two young friends. It would
afford me much pleasure to visit your cottage again,
but at present, I do not believe it possible.
“*] remain,
My dear Mrs. Temple,
Yours very faithfully,
To Mrs. Temple, HENRY ARDEN.â€
Saint Germain.
Henry despatched this letter with a feel-
ing of satisfaction, although, had circum-
stances permitted, he would have preferred
to have made his vindication in person.
It was with no little satisfaction that, a
few days afterwards, Henry received an
intimation from Mr. Bullion, that he again
required his services in Paris, to purchase
him another picture, which was advertised
for sale.
“This time,†said Mr. Bullion, “you will
have a very different task. The picture I
desire to possess, is said to be an early work
of Murillo’s, while others maintain it is only
the production of one of his pupils. I have
no doubt that, upon examiuation, you will be
HENRY AT THE COTTAGE. 12]
able to decide correctly ; but should you feel
perplexed, here is a letter of introduction to
my friend, Dr. Gonzalez, a Spanish con-
noisseur, who will cheerfully give you. the
benefit of his experience and judgment.â€
In his eager desire to revisit the little
cottage at Saint Germain, Henry quite
forgot that he had no right to make his
appearance there again until he was invited ;
and this restriction did not occur to him
until he had reached Paris. He thought,
however, he might at least venture to call
upon Mrs. Temple, especially since she had
written to him. Accordingly, early on the
morning, after he had discharged his duties
in Paris, he presented himself at Mrs. Tem-
ple’s door.
‘““So you are come, you naughty boy, are
your†said the good Isdy. ‘Well, I am
very glad to see you. Come in; the young
ladies are not stirring yet, they were up late
working last night, so we can have a chat by
ourselves. I have a deal to say to you.
There, sit down; you shall have some break-
fast as soon as the water boils. Now tell
me candidly, Mr. Henry, between ourselves,
M
122 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
tel! me, as you would your own mother, what
you have said to this poor child, to make
her so miserable. These young ladies feel
much beholden to you, and you have gained
their esteem by your apparent goodness and
piety. Itis proper you should understand
this, lest you excite feelings to which you
cannot respond. You must not abuse the
privilege your business introduction affords
you. Now tell me frankly, whether you
merely wish to form one of those frivolous
attachments in which so many young men
throw away their present and future happi-
ness? One of your city flirts would do well
enough in that case. If you came here
only on business, how does it happen that
you do more harm than your generosity has
done good? You appear to have honesty
and integrity; but I should like to know
whether you are reaily a friend Providence
has raised up for us; or an enemy who, in
the name of kindness, has come to darken
the little sunshine of our home.â€
“ Be assured,†said Henry, as soon as he
could put in a word, “that I have nothing to
reproach myself with. I flatter myself, I
HENRY S EXPLANATION, 123
am in no respect unworthy of your friend-
skip and theirs: nor have I abused your
confidence or hospitality.â€
“T hope what you say is the truth,â€
replied Mrs. Temple; “but now tell me,
what are you going to do? what are your
intentions? for, thanks to your explanation,
I begin to understand what is the matter
with Miss Julia. Pray have you thought of
the future? In your position, you will
doubtless have many opportunities of esta-
blishing yourself in life; and if you entangle
yourself now in an engagement, however
sincere you may be, who knows but that,
some fine day, you may find you can do
better? Would it not be better to consult
your friends before advancing upon a road
so difficult to retrace ?â€
“My dear Mrs. Temple, I believe Provi-
dence orders all things for the best, and I
also believe that it is His will that Julia and
myself should be brought together. I be-
lieve myself sincerely attached to her. I
have no one to consult but my mother, and
I am sure she will oppose no obstacle in
the way of what she regards as my happi-
1°4 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
ness. But at present, it would be premature
to declare my sentiments to Miss Julia, as
I really do not know how she regards me. I
hope you approve of my prudence. You
shall be my confidante, and help me to
secure Julia’s happiness. I shall have much
need of your assistance in giving her confi-
dence; and, if you are agreeable, we will
make a little plot for the future.â€
“You speak sensibly,†said Mrs. Temple.
“ Now I must attend to breakfast. I will
first go up stairs and invite the young ladies
to come down, but I shall not tell them
who is here. You go into the garden for a
few minutes.†|
So saying, she ascended to the apartments
of her neighbours.
HENRY AT SAINT GERMAIN,
“Come, my dears, breakfast is ready, put on
your roses and your smiles. I have a
visitor to take breakfast with us, Do not be
afraid, when I tell you it is a handsome
young gentleman: so make yourselves look
UNEXPECTED MEETING. 125
nicely. Iam going to make an omelette, so
lose no time.â€
In a few minutes, the sisters descended
into Mrs. Temple’s parlour, wondering who
the visitor could be. At the same moment
Henry entered from the garden. Julia
looked at him with astonishment, but cer-—
tainly not with displeasure; and gave him
her hand with an air of frankness. Jane
accorded him a hearty welcome.
Mutual confidence and esteem pervaded
the little circle of friends.
“Mrs. Temple is very proud of her
coffee,†said Julia to Henry. “I-hope you
will praise it, if you like it.â€
“Tt is really excellent,†said Henry. ‘ In-
deed, I think I never tasted coffee before
that she has bestowed upon me, although I
have often drank what was called coffee.â€
_ “What progress have you made with the
pictures ?â€â€™ inquired Henry.
“This last week,†replied Julia, “I have
not done much, for I have not felt very
well; but to-day I am better, and shall be
glad to consult you as to the arrangement
of some of the groups of flowers.â€
M3
126 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
_ A knock at the door was answered by
Mrs. Temple, who ushered in a gardener,
bearing a profusion of exquisite flowers,
which he quickly arranged on the ne
stand, and withdrew.
Breakfast ended, Julia invited Henry to
her painting room, to see what progress she
had made. Henry remarked that the room.
presented nearly the same appearance as
when he was last there.. Julia herself
looked like a drooping flower.
‘1 dare say,†she said, “you will think.
me very indolent, but I assure you I couid
not hold my head up for many days; but I
will make up for it now, and not keep you
waiting very long for the pictures.†|
“Ts this your work?’ said Henry, looking
at a portrait of a lady hanging against the
wall.
_ “That,†said Julia, “is a portrait of my
mother, which I painted shortly before she
died.†=
_ “The eyes are very expressive,†observed
Henry, “they seem living. You paint por-
traits as well as you do flowers.â€
“There was a pause, when Mrs. Temple
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THE FOREST WALK. 127
said, “ Come, let us take a turn in the park,
we have only to open the gate.â€
In a few moments the party found them-
selves walking beneath the verdant roofs of
the monarchs of the forest. Henry offered
his arm to Mrs. Temple; the two sisters
walked beside, sometimes apart. When they
arrived at the palace, they made a halt, and
looking down the valley, beheld a most en-
chanting landscape. The silence and soli-
tude of the place had their effect upon the
minds of the spectators. Henry soon found
himself seated beside Julia in silence; nel-
ther had a word to say. |
But although not a word was uttered, yet
they seemed to divine each other’s thoughts.
As is customary with promenaders who
visit this charming place, they went out by
the royal gate. The transition is most
sudden and striking. Overhead is the biue
open sky. The landscape is bounded by a
varied horizon: at our feet lie the dwellings
of the inhabitants, past whose pretty villages
a broad river unceasingly flows.
Returning home, the party grouped the
{lowers in the order best adapted to produce
128 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
fit harmonies and contrasts, for Julia had
been an attentive listener to the lectures of
Mr. Cheoreul, the great master of the laws
of colouring, and she knew how to turn
what she had heard to the best account. ©
In Julia’s apartment, nature and art
seemed to contend for the mastery. The
few ornaments around were the work of the
two sisters; some books, by our best and
favourite authors, filled the shelves of a
recess.
The time passed very quickly. Henry |
looked at his watch: he rose to depart. |
Julia also arose, and seeing his intention,
extended her hand to him, saying, “ What,
already ?â€â€
Henry recalled to mind the occasion upon
which Julia had made use of the same ex-
pression. It was not so harsh to his ears, or
so painful to his feelings now, as on that
occasion. They parted, but not until it was
agreed that Henry might come again as soon
as he had an opportunity.
Mrs. Temple accompanied Henry to the
door, and when taking leave, she whispered
in his ear, “ You have been a very good boy
THE PARTING WORDS. 129
to-day. Take courage, you have half won
the battle.â€
Henry could not but feel gratified: in
spite of the whisperings of prudence and the
dictates of reason, he found himself more
and more fascinated by the charms of the
society of Julia.
HENRY AND JULIA’S REFLECTIONS.
On the evening succeeding that in which
they had taken the long ramble in the
forest, Henry found himself seated beside
Julia at her work table. In an adjoining
apartment, Jane was playing on the harmo-
nium, which was a present from a friend of
her mother’s, who knew her taste and fond-
ness for music. She performed on this
charming instrument one of those plaintive
melodies of Schubert, which seem to echo
our tenderest and deepest emotions. .
“ Sadness,†said Julia to Henry, ‘does
not appear to agree with you; it must be
very dull here after the bustle and activity
of your London life. You have lost your
130 iT IS ONLY A PIN.
vivacity and cheerfulness, and become quite
sentimental.â€
“T feel dull and sad,†replied Henry, “at
the thought that I must so soon take leave
of you. I should prefer to stay longer, but
the demands of business areimperative. But
before 1 go, I must acquaint you, Miss
Julia, with the state of my feelings. I am
vain enough to flatter myself that I am not
indifferent to you. I aspire to the honour
and happiness of making you my wife. I
have secured a position in life, and have an
income sufficient for both of us: you may
confidently trust your fate in my hands. I
have already named the matter to my mo-
ther, and she has nothing to object to. You
have only yourself to consult. If you com-
prehend all I feel towards you, it is not
necessary for me to say more.â€
“Mr. Arden,†said Julia, “you must ex-
cuse my saying that your feelings have got
the better of your judgment. We are but
very slightly acquainted; you have had little
opportunity of studying my disposition.
You cannot yet tell whether I am calculated
tO make an agreeable companion. And
THE DECLARATION, 131
there is my dear sister, separation would be
painful. But I must not chide you, the
fault was mine. I have been too free, and
led you to take a rash, and perhaps a false
step. I ought to have foreseen the con-
sequences ; indeed, I had some presentiment
of them. Remember that Conduct is Fate.â€
“Stop, dear Julia,†exclaimed Henry,
impatiently, “I should be a man, but you
make me look like a child in my own eyes.â€
“Tt would be childish,†said Julia, “to
allow influences to drown the voice of reason.
You will be much better able to judge of the
state of your feelings when you are away
from these delusive influences than you can
possibly be while here. Take time to re-
flect. We are not yet secure against mis-
fortune, which too often overtakes us. Work
and study make us forget them, sometimes ;
but our family affairs demand seclusion.
We have never named this subject to any
one, not even to good Mrs. Temple; and
until an affair, which deeply concerns the
memory of our dear mother, is concluded, it
will be better to leave us to our troubles.
We will think of you as a brother, and that
will help us to forget them sometimes.â€
132 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
“Dear Julia, replied Henry, “your
troubles make you dearer to me. _ I feel a
desire to share them. These family difficul-
ties might be smoothed by a friend who ©
undertook them; and as to your sister, she
will doubtless, before long, find a partner in
life; and, till then, what greater pleasure
than to have her near us?†|
“Tf I were to listen to you,†said Julia,
“you would contend against all my objec-
tions. But if you really love me, you will
obey my injunctions; it will be the best
proof you can give. I understand and
appreciate the devotion of which you are
capable. But for this devotion to remain
durable, it must be purified by the hand of
time.â€
“Tt is for you to command, and for me
to obey, dear Julia. I shall cheerfully sub-
mit to all you impose upon me, if you will
promise, as a recompense, what I ask for â€
“You must go away, and remain away, a
long time, without seeing us; but you will
_ive for us, and we will live for you. This
will not. be so difficult as you think for.
When you are gone, and have lost sight of
JULIA’S DECISION. 138
our little cottage, reflect seriously upon what
J say, and you will see that what I propose
will be for the best. You must not come
_ here again for one whole year.â€
“A year?†gasped Henry.
“A whole year! and then, upon some fine
day, like this, when the chill of absence is
dispelled by the warmth of meeting,—upon
some calm autumnal evening, like this, you
will return here, and find Julia patiently
awaiting your arrival.â€
“Can you endure so long a separation ?â€
“I can, Henry; 1 must: I will, both for
your sake, as well as my own.â€
“Give me, then,†said Henry, “some
token of remembrance, some souvenir, that
may recal your image; not that I shall need
it, but it will give me pleasure to possess
- something that is yours.†|
Julia rose from her seat, and going to her
escroitoire, took out a little antique casket,
and opening it, produced a small diamond
cross.
“TI cannot give you anything I value more
than this,†said Julia. ‘“ We have suffered
many privations ; and I may confess to you,
N
134 IT TS ONLY A PIN.
without shame, that the value of this little
ornament would often have been very useful
to us, even to obtain subsistence for the day, —
but we have kept it as a talisman. It was
our dear mother’s; she often wore it; it had
been her mother’s. We could never make
up our minds to part with it. Take it, asa
pledge of our esteem-for you.â€
Henry shook hands, bidding them both
“ Farewell!†and then called upon Mrs.
‘Temple, who did not perceive his. emotion.
He begged this good lady to take the great-
est care of her dear neighbours, and to
write to him if anything serious occurred,
and he then set out on his way home.
JULIA’S NEW YEAR’S GIFT TO HENRY,
Henry soon became greatly altered: he
resumed his daily occupations with his ac-
customed assiduity, but took no pleasure in
the various amusements in which he was
invited to share by the constant kindness of
Mr. and Mrs. Bullion.
The winter passed in silence and reflec-
HENRY’S ANXIETY, 185 -
tion. The length of absence was, in some
measure, shortened by occasional messages
and presents. But Henry did not seem
like himself, He did not take the initiative
as formerly, but waited for instructions and
orders, executed them with the greatest care
and punctuality, but his thoughts were evi-
dently elsewhere.
Julia allowed no regret or sorrow to
appear in her letters: she encouraged Henry
in his good resolutions, and displayed an
amount of cheerfulness that he could not
help thinking assumed.
The paintings for Canada were duly |
finished, and approved by Monsieur Redouté,
besides being greatly admired by Mr. Bul-
lion. An order was sent for another dozen,
and activity continued to prevail in the little
studio of the white cottage.
On New Year’s day, Henry received a
picture not ordered. The letter accompany-
ing it stated that it was a complimentary
drawing, in consideration of the trouble he
had taken. The picture represented a charm-
ing group of mysotis. eglantines, roses,
coreopsis, and iris, lying in a basket of moss ;
136 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
one branch of white eglantine, a little faded
and crushed, hung, as if dying, over the
outside of the basket, near the edge of the
paper, and appeared to represent the signa-
ture of the artist.
Never was work of art more true to
nature than this. The mysotis appeared in
various parts of the group, peeping up
through the moss, and out at the openings
of the basket. On the iris dew drops shone
hike diamonds of the purest water.
Something suggested to Henry that there
was an enigma concealed beneath the selec-
tion and arrangement of these flowers; and
after puzzling himself a long while, he found
that, by taking the first letter of each flower,
it spelt m er c i,—thanks !
Every day he spent some time in silent
communion with this interesting picture,
going over the minutest portion of it, and
tracing in every touch the hand of Julia.
Mr. Bullion had observed the great change
in Henry’s demeanour, and became very
anxious about him. As Henry discharged
his duties faithfully and promptly, he had
nothing to complain of; but still there
IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 137
seemed some cause for anxiety. Delicacy
forbade his questioning Henry as to the
cause of his dulness, so he applied to Mrs.
Bullion to discover it. She laughingly sug-
gested, “that he was in love,†at which Mr.
Bullion shook his head,
TIDINGS OF TROUBLE IN THE COTTAGE.
One day, a letter was placed in Henry’s
hands, which, at the first glance, he dis-
covered to be from Mrs. Temple. He opened
it in trepidation, and read as follows:
‘Dear Mr. HENRY,
You know I promised to inform you
if anything serious occurred to my young friends,
as I was quite sure they have too much pride and
self-reliance to acquaint you with their troubles
themselves. I cannot think of allowing you to
remain ignorant of the serious difficulty they are in,
and that Julia’s health is giving way under it. I
cannot tell you the particulars, for 1 do not know
them myself; but some one has been heen here
very frequently of late, that looks to me hke a
nN 3
1358 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
lawyer, and I look upon these gentlemen as birds of
ill omen.
“Now you must not think of coming, Julia
would never overlook that breach of faith. I write,
that you may find means, through some discreet
friend, to watch what is going on here. You do not.
require to be told how to do this. I leave it to
your good sense and judgment to suggest the
means. :
‘“‘T remain, dear Mr. Henry,
Yours faithfully,
A. TEMPLE.
The contents of this letter greatly alarmed
Henry. To know that his friends were in
so critical a position, contending perhaps :
with powerful adversaries, was really distress-
ing to his mind. Hecould not endure his
thoughts. He rose from his seat with the
intention of asking Mr. Bullion for permis-
sion to take a few days’ absence; but upon
entering the house, who should he meet but
his kind friend Madame Ossoli.
“Ah,†said Henry, “you are surely my
guardian angel. You have come at a mo-
ment when you can render me a great
service, if I may presume to ask it. I am
HENRY 'S SCHEME. 139
very unhappy, and have no one but yourself
to whom I can confide my troubles,â€
‘“It is very easy to see what is the matter,â€
said Madame Ossoli, “by your eccentric
behaviour. Pray calm yourself a little, and
do not exhibit to everybody the fact that
you are in love. Do not be so cast down.
Oh! a letter! You tremble so, why I |
scarcely recognize you as our calm and
manly Henry.â€
“That letter,†stammered Henry, “ will |
explain all.â€
“ Well, well! But you have been so dull
and moping of late,—no music, no conversa-
tion. Even Mr. Bullion has grown quite
alarmed about you. I wanted to see you,
to learn what is the matter with you, and to
cheer you up, if possible.â€
“Thank you, my dear madam, a thousand
thanks. I am always ready to listen to your
kind advice. You have already given me
the strongest proofs of your friendship. If
I make my request, it will necessitate your
taking a journey to Paris for me, which
perhaps may not be convenient to you.â€
“T shall be delighted to go. I want to
{40 IS IS ONLY A PIN.
see the fashions, and Mrs. Bullion shall go
with me. What is it for? what do you wish
me to do?â€
“Here,†said Henry, ‘“‘is the address of
one who requires my aid, but who I am pro-
hibited from going to see. I want you to
ascertain the cause of her troubles, and to
point out to me the means of remedying
them.†‘Taking out the letter Julia had sent
with her drawing, he wrote upon the 7 of
it, as follows:
“ DEAR JULIA,
‘* Place every confidence in the de-
voted friend who will present this letter to you;
she has come to aid you, if possible.
‘¢ Yours,
| HENRY ——"
He gave this passport to Madame Ossoli,
who promised to set out the next day, and
to return as quickly as possible. .
Next day, Madame Ossoli, accompanied
by her maid, set out for Paris. As it was
dark and late upon ker arrival there, she
deferred her visit to Saint Germain until the
mext morning. The situation of the little
THE FRIENDLY VISIT, 14:1
cottage had been fully described to her, so
that she found it without difficulty. She
was soon in the presence of Julia, who,
intently occupied with her drawing, had not
perceived her enter.
Madame Ossoli introduced herself by pre-
senting the letter upon which Henry had
written his brief introduction.
Julia thanked her warmly, saying she
much regretted the trouble she had taken on
her account, but that she stood in no need
of help at that moment. Madame Ossoli
could easily see that Julia’s pride would not
let her display her troubles to a stranger, bué
she resolved to break the ice.
“ Now, Miss Julia, you can tell all yout
troubles to others, but not to a friend like
me. I am too much interested in your
welfare to be satisfied with the reply you
have given me. Iam an old friend of Mr.
Bullion’s, who, as well as myseli, 1s very
much concerned at seeing the change that
has come over Henry. Now we find that
his trouble is all on your account, and as he
feels that he can reckon upon my discretion
and devotion, he has requested me to repre-
142 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
sent him here, and it is easy to discover that
you merit all the interest he takes in you.
So, if you care for our Henry, who, it
appears, is prohibited from appearing here
himself, you must make me acquainted with
your troubles. If you keep Henry in exile,
perhaps it is to prove his constancy; but
give him, at least, the satisfaction of being
useful to you.â€
“Madame,†said Jane, “we cannot but
feel grateful for the warm interest you take
in our welfare, but how can we relate our
affairs to an entire stranger ?â€
“Very true; but then I ask your confi-
dence, to enable me to assist our unhappy |
friend Henry, whom you doubtless esteem,
and who I am greatly interested in.â€
“You are too kind,†exclaimed both the
sisters.
“TIT beg of you, Miss Julia, that you will
not, through a very justifiable pride, keep
silent; else your troubles may, instead of
being known only to those who esteem you,
become known to everybody. Think of
that. If my face expresses my feelings, you
ay read in it my desire to serve you and
THE SCHEME SUCCEEDS. 143
Henry, who cannot endure his present
anxiety.†|
“Ah, madame,†said Julia, overcome by
the frank and sincere manner of Madame
Ossoli, “I do not wish anyone to suffer on
my account; if the story of our misfortunes
is necessary to enable you to fulfil your
mission, I must submit.†And she covered
her face with her handkerchief, to conceal
her feelings.
“We have lost our dear mother, and in
losing her we lost everything. She was in-
debted to a relation in a sum of five hun-
dred pounds: she afterwards deposited in his
hands, for security and investment, fifteen
hundred pounds, collected from the estate of
our father, This sum not only cancelled
the old debt of five hundred pounds, but
left in the hands of this relation, a balance
of a thousand pounds, our entire fortune.
Our mother took a receipt for this money,
and put it away very carefully ; and although
we have searched everywhere likely to meet
with it, yet cannot succeed in finding it,
Our relation died recently, and his heirs,
when applied to for our thousand pounds,
144, IT 18 ONLY A PIN.
oretended to know nothing about it, but
temand of us the five hundred pounds our
mother borrowed and repaid. As wecannot
produce the receipt, we have only our assur-
ance that it has been repaid, to offer, which
goes for nothing, and they insist upon the
five hundred they say we owe tothem. As
we wish to preserve the honour of our
mother, we have undertaken to pay the
money; but with every economy, we have
not yet saved even a fourth part of the
amount.â€
“ But this is all very unjust. In the first
place, my dears, your undertaking to pay is
of no account, for when you lost your
mother you were under age. There is some
vile plot at the bottom of all this. You
must give me the name and address of your
relations, who treat you in this shameful
manner, they must be brought to reason.
One thing beware of, sign no pepers, now |â€
Madame Ossoli’s manner was so sincere,
and she spoke so convincingly, that she
gained the confidence of the sisters. Jane
sought counsel in the eyes of Julia, and then
wrote down the addresses of their relations,
THE PORTRAIT, 4A
and gave them to Madame Ossoli, together
with some stamped papers and other docu-
ments. .
“We have yielded to your entreaties,†|
said Jane, “and we rely upon your discre-
tion, for at present, no one else is acquainted
with our secret.â€
“That I understand perfectly,†said Ma-_
dame Ossoli. “But now let us talk about
Henry. Have you not some consolation to
send him, something you can give me to
take to him from your own hands,—he is so
very unhappy ?â€
Julia looked. round the room, and hesi-
tated.
“Tf I might take the liberty,†she said,
*‘T would ask you to take charge of this
little picture: it is a portrait of our mother,
which Henry has long desired to make a
copy of for himself. I think the task
would be pleasant to him now, and servs to-
divert his mind.â€
She took down the portrait, and dusted it.
© T will take it,†said Madame Ossoli; “it
is a good idea. I will pack it carefully, and
‘be answerable for its safety. Good bye,
oO
146 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
dears, and thank you for enabling me to
fulfil my mission. Keep up your spirits,
perhaps you will have some good news soon,
but above all things, remember to sign no>
papers.â€
HENRY VISITS THE SISTERS’ CREDITOR.
HEnry impatiently awaited Madame Ossoli’s
return, and the portrait she placed in his
hands gave him the greatest delight: he had
now something to divert his mind with and
mitigate the pains of absence. Thanking
his excellent friend for the great service she
had rendered him, he proceeded at once to
examine the papers she had brought from
the sisters. |
The exalted position Henry had now
attained in the house of Messrs. Bullion &
Co. left him master of his own time in all
cases of emergency. When he had ascer-
tained the contents of the various docu- —
ments, he joyfully exclaimed, “Thank Hea-
ven, it is not yet too late!†He at once —
determined to set out immediately for. ‘
HENRY AND THE CREDITOR. 147
Nantes, where the heirs of Julia’s deceased
relative resided. Henry introduced himself
to Mr. Duval, as the agent of the two sisters,
appointed to negotiate in the affair under
dispute. He found Mr. Duval an affable,
jovial, fat man, of about fifty years years of
age, whose house exhibited every sign ‘of
comfort and luxury.
“Sir,†said Henry, “I indulge the hope,
from your gracious reception of me, that
you will assist me in relieving my clients
from a very painful position.â€
“You may, most assuredly,†replied the
fat gentleman. ‘Iam quite sure we shall
soon understand each other. Let us proceed
at once. Ahem. As heir of my worthy
uncle Duval, to whose estate I have admi-
nistered, I find it incumbent upon me to
demand payment from the Misses Melville
of the sum of five hundred pounds, which
their mother, at her death, was indebted to
my worthy uncle: and I also claim interest
on that sum from the day she borrowed it.
But let me assure you, I do not wish to be
harsh or severe in the discharge of my
duty.â€
148 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
“But, sir, are you not aware that these
children possess nothing in the world, and
have very great difficulty in obtaining a
living by the exercise of their talents.â€
“No doubt,†said Mr. Duval; “but they
must have friends, very good friends, for
nobody can help being interested in such
very amiable persons.â€
_ “But why do you hold them responsible
for their mother’s debts, who left them no
property? for they were not of age when she
died ; and you very well know they can owe
you nothing.â€
‘Ah, my dear sir,†said Mr. Duval, with
a peculiar look, “ you little know the sort of
persons of whom you speak! You must un-
derstand, sir, they possess a very remarkable
trait, and that is filial piety. They have
admitted and accepted the responsibility of
paying their mother’s debts, when they come
of age. We had to use some threats; and
we may have to seize their furniture, some
pictures, and such things, mere tri fles,—the
whole, perhaps not worth a hundred pounds.
And they have acknowledged to five hun-
dred.â€
ASSUMED LENIENCY. 149
* Am I to understand, sir,†said Henry,
indignantly, “that you can venture upon so
illegal a proceeding, when these ladies are
not even indebted to you?â€
“Oh, it is all right,†said Mr. Duval,
blandly. ‘But excuse me, they had every
opportunity afforded them of arranging the
matter, but they would not doit, sir! Weare
disposed to be considerate, when we are
ourselves treated with consideration, and
perhaps it would have been to their interest ;
but they are very proud, very proud indeed.
I say again, this is all very fine, but I know
my rights; I can seize to-morrow, but I am
not a harsh man. Oh, no! not at all!â€
‘Your proceedings must be stopped, sir,â€
said Henry.
“What, my dear sir! I have a right, sir,
or I have not, that is as clear as day; and in
taking the tone you do, you forget,
perhaps, the true interests of your amiable
young friends. But so much the better;
you think me harsh and inflexible? Sir,
have I not proposed a way of settling this
affair without their opening their purse
strings? We were very near a settlement
0 3
150 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
the other day, but the little one was very
obstinate.†|
“And pray, sir,’ said Henry, quite
irritated, “what are the conciliating propo-
sals ¢7
“Ah, you know: this strange proceeding
of holding in a receipt for a thousand
pounds, which Mrs. Melville, as they say,
gave to my uncle, but of which we cannot
find the least mention in his account books.
Pray, sir, where is this receipt for the thou-
sand pounds? What has become of it? But
this is not business, you must know, sir. I
am fond of the arts; literature, poetry, and
things of that sort have a strange effect upon
my imagination. We say to Miss Julia, who
is a flower amid flowers, ‘Do not say any-
thing more about it; you have received the
fitteen hundred pounds which you demand
without right or reason, and cannot show the
least claim to: we generously renounce our
claim to the five hundred ponnds, for which
we have a receipt duly stamped and signed,
with both your signatures, and we will tear
up this receipt, and give you the bits.?, Now
sir, I call that liberality. If you area man
THE DISCOVERY. 15)
of business, you can settle this affair: it is
simply a misunderstanding.â€
“T am entrusted with it, sir,†said Henry,
gravely, “TI know all I wish to know about
it; and you will find me in your way, when
you attempt to commit this iniquitous
offence. Good day, sir!†|
“Just as you please, sir,†replied Duval,
following Henry to the door. “I wish you
avery good morning, sir.â€
A FORTUNATE DISCOVERY.
Henry hastened home, and immediately
consulted an emiment lawyer, who at once
comprehended the whole affair. He was,
moreover, greatly encouraged by what Ma-
dame Ossoli had told him, in recommending
the young ladies to sign nothing, and to—
promise nothing.
One day, he was seated in his chamber, in
sad humour, before the precious keepsake
Madame Ossoli had brought him from Julia.
As he was admiring the angelic sweetness
in the charming portrait before him, he
152 Iv IS ONLY A PIN,
remarked a singular line, somewhat uneven,
which passed across the eyes, and gave a
different tone to this part of the picture.
Examining it more carefully it seemed to
him that a paper had slipped behind it, and
he thought he would undertake to remedy
it: this was easily done, he had but to
remove some few nails, and the back-board
fell out, and with it a folded paper!
Henry picked it up carelessly, but turning
it over, he saw written upon it, with a
trembling hand, “WILL,†a word that
created the greatest surprise and astonish-
~ ment in his mind.
With a trembling hand, he proceeded to
open the unsealed envelope, but his courage
failed him: he thought of his amiable friend,
Madame Ossoli, and hastening to her, he
placed the packet in her hands,
*‘ Read this!†he exclaimed.
“What is it?†she inquired. “ Why, you
look so pale and excited, you will make
yourself ill.â€
_ Opening the envelope, she took out a
parchment document, which made her start
with surprise; and then a smile of satisfac-
tion illumined her face, ;
- THE IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. 153
“Henry,†said she, “sit you down there,
and prepare yourself. There is something
here either very good or very bad for your
friends. Pay attention, and listen while I
read this little piece of paper, which has so
providentially come to light. But let me
ask, how has this precious document fallen
into your hands ?â€
“T found it behind the portrait.â€
“Ah, I understand it all. Poor lady! she
put it in what she supposed to be a safe
place. And perhaps, during her illness, she
forgot to show them the place where she had
concealed her treasure.â€
“Her treasure?†said Henry, “what do
you mean ?â€
“Listen, and you will soon learn.†She
then read as follows ;
‘J, the undersigned, Henry Duval, of No. 18,
Brook-street, Nantes, have this day received from.
Mrs. Melville, widow, the sum of fifteen hundred
pounds, in gold, to be appropriated as follows:
first, to the payment of five hundred pounds
advanced by me to her; and, secondly, the thou-
sand pounds she left on deposit, which I undertake
to repay her after written notice three months
, 154 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
. before she requires it. In case of the decease of
the said Mrs. Melville, the sum of one thousand
- pounds before mentioned is to be paid to her heirs
upon their demand, with interest at the rate of
five per cent. per annum, from this date. Nantes,
15 December, 18—
(Signed) Hunry DuVAL.â€
‘“ WILLIAM TOLLET. ;
\ Witnesses.â€
GEORGE Moog.
“Well, Henry, what do you say to that ?
Do you not think Mr. Duval, the heir, will
pay very dear for his insolence ?â€
Henry could not restrain his expressions
of delight and pleasure. He saw security
and peace restored at once to the little white
cottage.
“Let us go immediately, my dear ma-
dame,†he said, “and be the messengers of
these good tidings.†|
“ Before we talk of Saint Germain,†said
Madame Ossoli, “let us pay a visit to your
attorney, and consult him as to how we
ought to proceed. ‘To-morrow, I will go to
Saint Germain by myself, for it is not yet
permitted for you to appear there: you
A PLOT PROPOSED. 155 |
must keep your promise. Have patience,
for affairs are taking a good turn.â€
THE FRIENDLY PLOT.
Mr. BuLition was much troubled at the
alteration he had observed taking place in
Henry’s deportment. Mr. Bullion had even
written to Henry’s mother, and although her
reply was extremely reserved, he concluded
that the alteration in Henry’s manners was
due to some little affair of the heart. Fond
of experimenting, Mr. Bullion had enlisted
the ladies in his cause, and he set them to
see if they could discover Henry’s secret.
Madame Ossoli was already in the secret,
so all that was necessary to be done, was to
form a little plot to bring matters to a
pleasant conclusion. Mr. Bullion was given
to understand that Henry’s chosen one was
worthy of every esteem, and that she greatly
resembled the interesting picture by Correg-
gio, which he now reckoned the gem of his
gallery. ,
Mrs. Bullion warmly seconded her hus-
156 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
band in his plans for surprising Henry, who
had become, as it were, the child of the
house: and they kept — secret wonder-
fully well.
“Ts not this Miss Julia very ae †said
Mr. Bullion one day, “to keep her betrothed
in exile for a whole year?â€
“She does it to prove his constancy,â€
replied Madame Ossoli; “‘ she has no faith in
engagements of a day’s standing, and will
only place her confidence in well-tried and
lasting friendship.â€
“No doubt she is very setiiens: †said
Mr. Bullion; “but I think it is time this
trial of senisl was put anendto. I propose
to make Miss Julia come here to release him
from his promise. What do you say, ladies,
will you help me to carry out this scheme ?â€
His proposal was accepted with great eager-
ness.
“1 will tell you my plan,†said Mr. Bul-
lion. “ Henry has served us long and faith-
fully enough to make us think of something
as to his future. Madame Ossoli, you were
very much delighted with the little white
cottage, which you described artistically to
THE PLOT UNVEILED. 157
us. I suspect he thinks more of this place
than of any other: we must bring it, and
everything in it, here. You have seen it,
and described it to us; and from your de-
scription, it must be very like our garden
villa. But next time you visit Saint Ger-
main, you must make an exact drawing of
the white cottage, and take notice of the
furniture and ornaments: we will manage
the rest,â€
The weather was fine, and the project
quickly and cleverly executed. No one was
permitted to enter the garden but the work-
men. The imitation was perfect: its green
trellisses were covered with climbing roses,
as if by enchantment. The interior was a
perfect fac-simile of the home of Julia and
her sister. Mrs. Bullion attended to the
thousand little details necessary to make the
rooms convenient and comfortable, acting.
under the superintendence and instructions
of Madame Ossoli, who was architect in
chief. Mr. Bullion supplied the means, and,
in a few weeks, the pretty little white
cottage was ready for its or
tenants.
P
158 | IT I8 ONLY A PIN.
Every cupboard was filled: some with
linen, others with china and glass: a little
chest full of plate was deposited in a strong
safe in the wail of a dark closet. A neat
walnut wood book-case was filled with the
choicest books. In Julia’s room, crayons, —
pigments, and drawing paper, were placed
upon the table: nothing was forgotten: only
fresh living flowers were wanting, and these
were to be brought the moment they were
required. The conspirators were well satisfied,
and proud of their task when it was finished,
and waited patiently for the hour in which
their ingenuity would be displayed.
THE PERSECUTING CREDITOR.
On a dull rainy day, the two sisters, ex-
hausted by their constant anxieties and
troubles, were seated in their work-room in
the white cottage. A cold north wind came
in gusts, shaking the casement and howling
in the chimney, predisposing the mind to
sinister forebodings.
“What miserable weather it is tonday 4
Sa oe io,
a a A ae
SSS
ET NG PE r=
in
ion.
t
p. 159.
ir posi
The two sisters perplexed by the difficulties of the
THE CRISIS, 159
said Jane; “how frequently disagreeable
things happen on such days as these !â€
‘You mean,†replied Julia, “ that you are
unwell, and attribute it to the weather. Put
do not forget that fine weather will return,
and perhaps better times for us may come
with it.†|
‘JT wish I could think so,†said Jane;
“but have we not incurred a great respon-
sibility, and our creditor is most exacting ?â€
“We have passed through very difficult
times,†said Julia; ‘ we despaired of finding
work, but now we have more than we can
do; we must never lose confidence, but hope
for the best.â€
At this moment, they heard a carriage
stop at the door. This was a very unusual
occurrence, and made the sisters feel very
uneasy.
“ Ah, well,†said Julia, “why disturb our-—
selves? We must meet what comes.â€
Looking out of the window, they saw a
coach, from which issued forth four men of
suspicious appearance.
With heavy tread they ascended the stair-
case, every step sounding like the blow of a
160 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
hammer, against the palpitating hearts of
the poor girls.
The first one who presented himself was a
coarse fat man, who vainly attempted to
assume an air of dignity with which to im-
pose on the victims. But his aspect quite
contradicted any assumption of gravity.
This personage was Mr. Duval.
He was followed by another intruder, as
tall and thin as the other was short and
thick. The third of the party, carrying a
bundle of papers tied with red tape, was
evidently the ‘man of law.’ He was a pom-
pous little fellow, who endeavoured to look
grand, but could not succeed. Altogether,
he was a very repulsive looking person.
His name was Tupling, |
The fourth was a coarse, rough, vulgar-
looking fellow, who carried a portfolio and
writing materials.
“Well, gentlemen?†said Julia, “I do
not understand this intrusion. I should
like to know why you have dared to force
your way into this our private room ???
“Tadies,†said Mr. Duval, smiling, «]
have brought no more than is necessary to
A LEGAL SCENE. 161
the transaction of the business in hand:
this affair must be settled to-day !â€
He made a sign for his three companions
to be seated: the man with his portfolio
placed himself at the table with his writing
materials, without any regard to the draw-
ings lying upon it. Jane quickly pushed
his portfolio away in disgust.
“IT suppose, sir,†said she, addressing Mr.
Duval, “if you have come here to take an
inventory of our things, we may be per-
mitted to have some one to look after our
interests, for we do not understand the
extent of your authority, nor what are our
rights in the matter.â€
‘“You are at liberty to have whoever you
please, miss, to represent you,†said Mr.
Tupling, “but we cannot stay our proceed-
ing for an instant.†And he threw himself
down upon the couch. “ Boggs,†said he to.
the man with the portfolio, “ write !â€
He commenced doing so, when Jane in-
terposed, “ How is this, sir? shall we not be
allowed to dispose of what belongs to us?â€
“My answer, miss,†said the man, “is
very brief: sign this paper, if you please ;â€â€™
Pd
162 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
and he tapped the stamped yan with his.
steel pen.
“Stop!†cried Mr. Duval, “when I was
here, the other day, I saw a portrait of a lady,
I think by Gainsborough. Now, I do not
see this portrait anywhere: where is it,
ladies? I hope you have not made away
with it? It must be found. This is a very
serious affair, a very serious affair !â€
Julia felt a secret pleasure in knowing
that this portrait was safe beyond their
grasp.
Mr. Duval then handed the stamped
paper to the sisters.
“And if we sign,†said Jane, after glanc-
ing over its contents, you give up the claim
you hold against us, and go away from this
place immediately, never to come again ?â€
“Oh, certainly,†said Mr. Duval, “that is
quite understood. We will eapctae with
all the forms possible to oblige you.â€
“Give me the pen, then,†said Jane, “we
cannot pay too o dear to get rid of this hidesus
affair.â€
“Stop,†said Julia, “we were forbidden
to sign any paper.â€
THE SURPRISE. 163
‘But, my poor dear sister,†said Jane,
‘exposed as we are to to these indignities,
what matters the future. God will protect
us.â€
Jane took up her pen and was about to
sign, when her attention was arrested by a
sound as of horses prancing before the door
of the cottage, and while they were discuss-
ing who it could be, Julia gently withdrew
the pen from her sister’s hand.
Two ladies, elegantly dressed in riding
habits, entered the room, where the business
we have related was going on.
The tallest of the two ladies, whom we
recognise to be Madame Ossoli, was accom-
panied by Mrs. Bullion: she took a rapid
survey of the persons in the room, and dart-
ing to the side of Jane, seized her hand.
“Sign nothing,’ she exclaimed; “the
business is all settled !†|
All the spectators were overwhelmed with
astonishment. Jane and Julia seized the
hands of Madame OQOssoli, who presented
Mrs. Bullion to them, as a friend of Henry’s.
“ And pray,†said Madame Ossoli, turning
to the strangers, “what is going on here?
TGA IT 1S ONLY A PIN.
what have you to do, my dears, with such
persons as these.†“Pray, sir,’ said she,
addressing the man with the _ portfolio,
“what is your name and occupation ?â€
“TI, ma’am? my name is Boggs! Tama
a broker, ma’am, and am here in discharge
of my duty by the instructions of Mr. Tup-
ling, that gentleman there.â€
“T can understand, sir, that you were
in the discharge of your duty, if you had any
to perform here, but you are not wanted.â€
Mr. Boggs looked astonished, and turned
to his companions; but they were as asto-
nished and dumb-foundered as himself. He
‘ook up his hat, and made good his retreat,
“And you, sir, Mr. Tupling, I think
they call you. Pray, what business have
you here ?â€
“Tam a lawyer, sadam; and C am here
to carry out Mr. Duval’s wishes, and assert
his claims,†replied Mr. Tupling.
“Your proceedings appear to me some-
what irregular. You are proceeding to exe-
cution before you have obtained judgment,
Certainly, sir, your presence is not needed,
nor that of any other person, except Mr,
A CHANGE IN AFFAIRS. 165
Duval, who will be wanted to count his
money.†She looked towards the door.
Mr. Tupling took the hint, and withdrew,
Saying, as he went out, “I protest against
this proceeding.â€
“Now, Mr. Duval,†said Madame Ossoli,
“Jet us arrange this little affair between us,
without broker or lawyer. What is it you
want? Come, let us proceed to business.â€
‘““ Madame,†said Mr. Duval, endeavouring
to reassure himself, and taking a receipt from
his pocket-book, “1 require, I demand the
immediate payment of this debt, without any
deduction; and in case of non-payment, I
intend to avail myself of the facilities the
law affords me of enforcing payment.â€
“There are no obstacles to the settlement
of just claims, ’ said Madame Ossoli. “ You
say your claim is five hundred pounds,â€â€”and
she opened her reticule as if seeking a ker-
chief, “Are you ready to pay me?†said
SMe. |
“Pay you? what!†said Mr. Duval, as-
tonished.
-©QOne thousand pounds,†said Madame
Ossoli, tapping the table with the handle of
166 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
her riding whip, and showing cautiously to
Mr. Duval a paper which she held open in
her hand for him to read. 1t was his uncle’s
receipt. |
Mr. Duval felt his legs give way from
under him, and he sank in a chair.
“If you have not got the money about
you,†said Madame Ossoli, “ you must fetch
it, or rather we shall receive the difference ;
five hundred less than this receipt.â€
Madame Ossoli politely showed Mr. Duval
the door, saying to him, “In business
matters, we must never take offence.â€
Returning, she found Mrs. Bullion seated
between the two sisters, who scarcely knew
how to express themselves at the result.
“Tell me, Julia,†said Madame Ossoli,
“am I not a second Joan of Arc? I have
crushed all your enemies into the dust.??
“ And who,†enquired Julia, “has sent us
this unlooked-for help ?â€
“Your own dear mother,†replied Madame
Ossoli, ‘‘and when you are less excited, dear
girls, you shall read the last will and testa-
ment of her, who still watches over you.
Henry found this will concealed behind the
WELCOME RESULT. 167
portrait you sent to him by me. Now dry
your tears, and let us think of something
else. Will you enter into a little plot with
us against Henry ?â€
“You can make us do anything you
please,†said Julia,†quite exhausted with
the trials of the day.
‘Well, then,†said Madame Ossoli, “ Hen-
ry cannot, will not, break his promise, so you
must break it for him. He cannot come to
- you, but you can go to him. Your time of
trial is over. His mother wishes you to be
married as soon as possible, Your apart-
ments are quite ready for you, and you will
find yourselves very near neighbours to us.
We have come from Paris on horseback, but
you must have a carriage. Now go and
pack up the things that you are likely to
want most, and do not forget your drawings
and pictures. And beg Mrs. Temple to
come with you; her company will give you
confidence, and she will be such a good
neighbour, and help you to prepare for your
wedding. But you must understand, Henry
knows nothing whatever of this, and Mr.
Bullion is delighted with the idea of taking
him by surprise.â€
168 Pf IS ONLY A PIN.
“Jane,†said Julia, embracing her sister,
“do you not believe now in the presenti-
ments of stormy days?â€
“We are ready,†said Julia, gaily, to her
friends. “Come Jane, take my studies and
the box of colours, I am going to speak to
Mrs. Temple.â€
An hour afterwards, the young ladies were
seated in a carriage, their two friends riding
beside them on horseback.
‘Louisa,’ said Madame Ossoli to Mrs,
Bullion, “do you not think that we are
never so happy as when seeking to make
others so?â€
“I have never passed a happier day,†re-
plied Mrs. Bullion, “and as for you, you
are quite a heroine.†As they rode along,
they amused themselves with thinking over.
the amusement their little innocent plot
would produce.
Mrs. Temple thought herself in a dream.
It had never entered her head that she
should ride in a carriage, and her tongue
rattled away louder than the wheels. The
sisters sat holding each other by the hand,
thinking of their mother and of Henry, of
the past and the future,
169
HENRY’S SURPRISE.
. Ir was nearly evening, when, three days
subsequent to the day of trial, the happy
party arrived at the residence of Mrs. Bul-—
lion. Dinner was served in the house in the
garden, in Julia’s room, which, with the ex-
ception of some indispensible additions, was
an exact copy of her room in the white
cottage. Mrs. Bullion and Madame Ossoli
stayed to dinner, and installed the young >
ladies in their new abode.
“Can we not see the poor exile this eyen-
ing?†said Julia; ‘‘it seems a pity that we
should be so near to him, and he be so un-
happy.â€
“It is too late,†said Madame Ossoli,
“you are fatigued with your journey, and
have much need of repose: I shall carry the
good news to Henry, be assured, and tell
him that all your troubles are over.†©
The hearts of the poor girls were too full
_ to permit them to make reply: a look, a
Q
|
170 Is IS ONLY A PIN,
smile, a pressure of the hand, expressed al] ©
their thoughts.
As soon as they were alone, they fell on
their knees, and returned thanks to God for
the happy -issue out of all their troubles.
They-found on a table their little diamond
cross attached to their mother’s will. It
was written in a weak and trembling hand ;
it contained no allusion to property, as most
wills do; but it was none the less valued by
the sisters on that account.
The night passed without sleep to them.
It appeared as if morning would never
come. ‘They passed in review the singular
events which had so suddenly changed their
destiny.
As soon as it was daylight, ‘they arose,
and looked into the various rvoms in their
little house, and could not suppress their
gratification at seeing everything so ingeni- -
_ ously copied from their own cottage. |
They had scarcely finished breakfast, when
Madame Ossoli knocked at the door, and
_ asked permission to introduce Mr. Bullion.
When the calm dignified figure of Julia
met Mr. Bullion’s eyes, he was confounded,
THE ‘ CORREGGIO†REALISED, lvl
- The reseriblance to his picture by Correggio
was so striking, that you might have thought
she had sat to that painter for her portrait.
Mr. Bullion warmly expressed’ his thanks
to the- young ladies, for their ready acqui-
escence in his little surprise plot. He also
spoke of his respect and love for Henry, and
of his desire’ to’ be permanently connected
with him in business and friendship.
It was desirable that the sisters should
remain at home in their new abode, until
after their first interview with Henry, and
Mr. Bullion amused himseif greatly at the
surprise his young friend would soon expe-
rience. He then withdrew to prepare for
the denotiment, which it was not difficult to
foresee. A:bout two hours afterwards, Henry
was walking in the garden with Mr. Bul-
hon.
“My dear Henry,†said Mr. Bullion “we |
have now worked together many years. I
wish you to know how much I appreciate
your attachment, intelligence, and zeal,
You have studied my interest in everything,
and I think it is time I should think of you,
as you appear to have forgotten yourself. IL
. 172 --«¥P IS ONLY A PIN.
* am aware that you have saved up a little
money; I mean to add something to it, so
that you may be in a position to take a
share in my business, and become one of the
firm of Bullion & Co. How would that
suit you?â€
“My dear sir,†said Henry, “I have only
done my duty, and am more than satisfied
with what you have done for me already.â€
“Sot sol†said Mr. Bullion, “we must
talk seriously. Sit you down here, awhile.
Iam going to fetch a paper I have drawn
up, and we can look it over here without
being disturbed.â€
_ Henry seated himself under a thick acacia
tree, unknowingly with his back to the
duplicate of his favourite white cottage at
Saint Germain. | |
He soon sank into a reverie. His thoughts.
turned to his young friends; he felt grateful
that they were out of trouble, and looked to
their future with hope and confidence,
These thoughts made his heart beat with
joy, when suddenly the sound of an harmo.
nium, coming through the foliage, struck
his ears. Listening with more attention, he
HENRY’S ASTONISHMENT, 173
soon recognized the same plaintive melody
that was Jane’s favourite, and which had
made so strong an impression upon him one
autumnal evening, the last he spent at the
white cottage.
He rose up and followed in the direction
the music seemed to proceed from, when
a sudden turn in the path brought him in
utter astonishment before what seemed to
him this very white cottage.
The parlour window was open.
“So, Mr. Henry, you are getting very
proud,†said a well-known voice; “ will you
not take luncheon with us?â€
“Ts that you, Mrs. Temple? or am I
dreaming? Speak again, for I fear I shall
awake.â€
“Tf you dream while you are awake, it is
not my fault,†said Mrs. Temple, opening
the door; ‘‘ we have only moved, that is all.â€â€™.
Henry entered the house, staring with
both his eyes. “ Be careful,†said he, “this
is very dangerous: what have you done? too
much joy might kill me.â€
And he looked into the little parlour, so
like the one in which he had passed so many
Qe
174 iT IS ONLY A PIN,
happy hours; and he looked at Mrs. Temple,
who begged that she might be permitted to
take care of his canary bird.
* You could not come to see us,†she said,
‘“‘so we have come to see you, and we have
taken up our lodgings here.â€
“We?†said Henry, “has she then come
with you?†|
“Ah!†said Mrs. Temple, “would you
like to see her? There’s her sister playing
the piano.â€
“Js it possible? show me up, there’s a
good lady. I can scarcely believe my
senses,â€
“Come, child,†said Mrs. Temple, “and
learn to meet happiness with the same
strength of mind as you would a disappoint-
ment.â€
They ascended the little staircase, and
knocked at the door.
“Come in!†said a cheerful voice. Juiia
was seated at her work table, surrounded
with studies: a splendid group of living
flowers stood before her. |
“At last!†she said, rising, and giving
her hand to Henry.
-_ 7 7 ee -“
IMPORTANT INTERVIEW. 175
Who could venture to describe the feelings
of those two pure and noble hearts sharing
the same feelings, or relate the outpouring
of their joy at meeting! all their sufferings
vanished in smiles.
Mrs. Temple retired, leaving them in the
enjoyment of each other’s company.
“You have suffered much,†said Henry.
“Not more than you,†replied Julia;
“we have had each our share; but we have
only done our duty, and Heaven has had
pity on us.â€
While engaged in conversation, Jane,
Madame Ossoli, and Mr. and Mrs. Bullion,
came in to offer their congratulations.
So, so!†said Mr. Bullion, “this is the
way you attend to business: I made an
appointment with you to go into matters of
importance, and here I find you gossiping
with my new neighbours. Well, I suppose
I must forgive you; but to-morrow we must
attend to business.â€
Then he handed to Henry a letter from
his mother, in which she informed him that
she would come in a few days, to assist at his
matriage. -
176 I, {8 ONLY A PIN,
Henry could not find hands enough to
respond to all the offers of friendship made
to him on this occasion—the house-warming
of the white cottage.
UNION OF HENRY AND JULIA.
Jutta and Henry wished their wedding to
take place without ostentation in the little
church at Saint Germain. They sent out a
few invitations, but many unknown friends
had interested themselves in the conclusion
of their simple story.
On the day of the wedding, as they passed
through the porch, Henry said to Julia,
“Do you remember, it was in this place we
first met?’ She turned her eyes upon him
full of meaning.
They knelt at the altar where Henry had
knelt the first time he had visited this
place, to pray for success in his under.
taking. |
Julia had not that timid and embarrassed
air which so many brides wear as they pro-
ceed to the altar. Her charming and elegant
THE WEDDING PARTY, 177
figure wore that calm joy and serenity only
attainable by a conscientious discharge of
duty.
Her wedding costume was of the simplest,
and remarkable only for a beautiful wreath
of white roses. She wore the little diamond
cross suspended from her neck by a black
velvet ribbon; and more than all, the little
pin was not forgotten: it found its place
upon the bosom of the bride.
Julia was, of course, the centre of attrac-
tion, and she bore the gaze of the assembled
crowd with much fortitude, acknowledging
by a slight inclination the salutations of het
friends. |
The organ commenced playing a picce
from one of Handel’s oratorios. It was not
difficult for Henry to recognize the pure
taste and delicate touch of his friend
Madame Ossoli, accompanying the choir of
young girls whose voices raised a chorus of
pure harmony to bless the young couple at
the altar.
The bride was given away by Mr. Bullion,
who kindly presided at the wedding break-
fast. On. his right sat the bride, on his left
178 IT IS ONLY A PIN.
Henry’s mother, as happy as mother could
be with a beloved son on‘ his' wedding day.
Henry was placed between Mrs. Bullion and
Madame Ossoli, the two benevolent fairies
who had planned this festival. Good Mrs.
Temple was the picture of happiness.
The longest and happiest day must come
to an end; so the veil of night fell upon all
the actors in this busy scene, and wrapt
them in darkness and repose.
Very early, next morning, Mrs. Temple
was up preparing a breakfast for Henry
and Julia; and before the rest of their
friends had arisen, they had stolen quietly
away to the pretty fishing village of Cancale,
there to spend in peace and retirement a
dehghtful autumn month, —their honey-
moon.
Our story is ended. We have endeavoured
to show that, to a youth who has to make his
own way in life, industry and frugality are a
better patrimony than gold: that even the
cultivation of refined tastes have not only a
CONCLUSION, 179
purifying influence upon the conduct, but
also an indirect. pecuniary value, inasmuch
as they are a passport to good society.
Henry’s is not an ordinary character, but it
is one that may be successfully studied and
imitated by those who can appreciate its
value. so : :
— Gonrlston,
We enter a little chamber, the window of
which, covered with roses, looks out upon a
charming Jandscape.
In a shaded corner of this chamber there
stands a cot, and within it a beautiful infant
lies slumbering peacefully. Its parents look |
180 CONCLUSION.
upon it in silent admiration. Henry holds
Julia’s hand in his. Jane occupies herself
with the duties and cares of the household.
“She will be the image of her mother,â€
said Mrs. Temple, kissing the sleeping
infant. |
The mother of the infant saw a greater
resemblance to its father, ‘The little
angel.â€
We quit our friends at the summit of their
happiness.
What more remains to be said, but to
show that a pin may point a moral as well as
adorn a tale?
And to what did Henry owe all this hap- .
piness ?
TO A PIN,
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The Educator’s Guide and Handbook
FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, AND GUARDIANS,
Comprising much useful Information, and the results of
upwards of One Hundred legal trials connected with
scholastic affairs. By Robert H. Mair, F.A.S. Price ls,
in stiff paper covers; or, ls.-6d. cloth gilt.
‘* Treats well of business matters in connection with the scholastic
profession.â€â€™â€”Atheneum.
‘“*The book is full of useful and valuable information. Trenchant
remarks, smart exposures, and kindly advice, are agreeably blended.
Reference is made to nearly all the prominent trials on record.??—=
Wesleyan Times.
“I am quite charmed with your useful and amusing book.’—Rev.
J.D. D’ Orsey, B.D. English Lecturer at Corpus Christi College, Came
bridge, and at King’s College, London.
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Jseful Guide Books.
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The Cookmaid’s Complete Guide. By
the Author of “Cookery Made Easy.†New Edition,
revised throughout, with considerable improvements.
Price 6d. neatly sewed.
The best and most easy methods of correctly performing the work
to be done by the Cookmaid in families where a Housemaid is kept.
Also THE COOKMAID’S REMEMBRANCER, or Directions for Boiling,
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Sauces, and Gravies,—Pies, Tarts, &c.
Cheap, Nice, and Nourishing Cookery,
FOR THE WORKING CLASSES; or, how to live well
upon a small income. New Edition, enlarged and im-
proved, by the Author of “Cookery Made Easy.â€
Price 6d. neatly sewed.
Plain directions how to prepare and cook a variety of warm,
gavoury, and nourishing meals at little expense.
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~ Cookery Made Easy; A new and
Ns improved Edition, by A Lapy. Explanatory engravings
of the Art of Carving and Trussing. Price ls. sewed,
or, ls. 6d. cloth; or bound with the ‘* Duties of the
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Practical directions for cooking and serving up all sorts of Provisions,
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dishes of Poultry, Fish, and Game; making rich Gravies, Sauces,
Soups, Broths, &c. Also directions for making Pies, Puddings, Tarts,
Custards, and other Pastry.
Modern Domestic Cookery, and Useful
RECEIPT BOOK. Adapted for Families in the Middling
and Genteel Walks of Life. A new and much improved
Edition. By Elizabeth Hammond. Price 2s. 6d. bound
in cloth, lettered.
Contains directions for purchasing and cooking every kind of Meat,
Fish, Poultry, Game, &e. The Art of Trussing and Carving, with
explanatory engravings. To prepare Soups, Sauces, Gravies, and
Made Dishes. Pickling, Preserving, and other valuable Receipts,
Maid of All-Work’s Complete Guide.
New and Improved Edition. By Anna Maria Sar-
geant. Price 6d. neatly sewed.
Containing plain instructions for performing the duties of a Maid ot
All-Work in good families; with explicit and exact directions for
everything connected with plain cookery that her situation can require;
with a few important receipts, useful to families.
The Housemaid’s Complete Guide and
ADVISER. By Anna Maria Sargeant. New Edition,
carefully revised and corrected throughout. Price 6d.
neatly sewed.
Contains, amongst other useful information,
methods of arranging and performing all the work of the Housemaid
in respectable families ;
describing the duties of her Situation, the
work required to be done, and the best way, a8 well as the proper
time, for doing it.
the best and most easy
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Household Hints for Young House-
WIVES. Proper arrangements and receipts for Forty
Dinners, suitable for families and family parties. New
Edition, revised throughout. By Martha Careful. Price
ls. cloth, lettered.
This is indeed the ‘‘ Book of Booksâ€. on the subject,—it is arranged
in accordance with the recommendation of The Times, as to the mam
ner in which Dinners for large or small parties ought to be served up.
Domestic Hints for Young Mothers,
With Pradtical Receipts for House and Nursery. By
Martha Careful. Price 1s. embossed cloth. |
A very useful book, admirably adapted for a wedding present, and
heartily recommended to all the “‘young brides of the nation,’’=<
Leicester Journal,
The Cottage Housewife; for the Me-
chanic or Labourer. By Martha Careful. Price 1d.
A very cheap and valuable little manual, in which is given the most
economical manner of living, and the best and cheapest way of cook-
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The Young MHousekeeper’s Essential
AID TO UNDERSTANDING THE DUTIES OF HER
MAID SERVANTS. By Anna Maria Sargeant. Price 2s.
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Confectioner’s & Pastry-cook’s Guide.
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of the various duties in large or small Families; setting-out Tables,
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serving Plate, Glass, Furniture, Clothes, &c. and for delivering and
receiving cards and messages,—and other useful information.
The Duties of the Butler. With a
Guide to Brewing and the Management of Wines, and
other useful and valuable receipts. By a Practical Man.
Plain instructions for the management of the Wine Cellar, and for
Bottling Beer and Wine; to Brew Beer for Families; Hints for the
proper arrangements of the Table, and various Household Duties.
The Fruit and Flower Garden. By
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FORCING FRAME: being a monthly diary of all that
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Fruit, Flower, and Kitchen Garden.
By Wm. Davis Smith.
diary of what daily to do and how to do it. Coloured
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These little manuals on Gardening will be found very instructive
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Handbook of Fresh Water Aquaria,
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by J. Bishop, A. H. Lloyd, F.S. Leach, and T. Hall,
from information furnished by experienced dealers.
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Contains plain instructions for the management and construction of
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The Paper-Hanger’s and Upholsterer’s
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To which is added, a Tabular view, with Diagrams, showing the proper
proportions for cutting one hundred and thirty various sized Festoons. |
Plain Directions for the Purchase and
MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. By Jas. Mills, M.V.C.S.
Tenth Edition, to which is added the late J. 8. Rarey’s
Instructions for Taming Horses, and the Art of Horse-
manship; Price ls. sewed; or, ls. 6d. cloth.
Containing engravings explanatory of the Anatomical structure of
the Horse, the Formation of the Foot, Age by the Teeth, &c. With
general directions for stable management, so as to keep them in
health; and for the the treatment of Horses when diseased; and how
to ascertain the good qualities and detect the faults of Gig, Coach,
and Saddle Horses.
The Bird-keeper’s Guide and British
AVIARY. By Thomas Andrewes. Coloured frontispiece.
Price 1s. neatly sewed; or, bound in cloth, with twenty
plates, showing the male and female bird of the several
varieties, with their eggs, 2s.
Containing directions for keeping and breeding Canaries, as well as
Goldfinch and Linnet Mules, and other Song Birds. Practical Recipes
for the cure of those disorders to which both old and young birds are
liable, with the best methods of preventing them, &c.
sg Sap a as as Ng NR ie a le eRe
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The Parrot-Keeper’s Guide. Written
by Marriott. Price 1s. sewed, coloured frontispiece
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ow to keep in health and properly manage Parrots, Coc ;
ree parcreee, and Lories; the sorts of food upon which they
thrive best; the diseases to which they are subject, and methods of
cure; the cages best adapted to the several varieties, &c. >
The Rabbit-Keeper’s Guide. Plain
Directions for the Breeding and Rearing Prize and Fancy
Rabbits, by J. Rogers. With engravings of the several
varieties. 6d. neatly sewed, in stiff cover.
The Pigeon Keeper’s Guide. Con-
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of Common and Fancy Pigeons, with the best methods
of treating the disorders to which they are liable, &c.
By J. Rogers. Price 6d. neatly sewed, stiff paper cover.
The Dog-Keeper’s Guide. Engravings
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The Poultry-Keeper’s Guide. With
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These Guide Books will be found particularly useful and instructive
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The Game of Croquet: its Laws and
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Practical Guide to the County Courts,
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English Laws relating to Landlords,
TENANTS, AND LODGERS. Every information for
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Abstracted from the Acts now in force, and corrected
by reference to the most eminent legal authorities, by
J. Bishop, Author of “A Guide to County Courts.â€
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one, two, three, or ten Acres; also another for converting yards into
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er ‘
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