TRUE AND FALSE INDEPENDENCE.

Aotearoa, or the Maori Recorder, Volume 1, Issue 2, 1 January 1862, Page 14

TRUE AND FALSE INDEPENDENCE.

“ There, John, did’nt I tell you that Uncle -Robert’s visit would well repay us for the trifling sum I spent in making our home fit to receive him.?” said a portly farmer’s wife, as she hastily closed the door of her best parlour, with an eager desire to make a private communication to her husband. " ■ “ I am not at present aware that Mr. Atherton’s stay here has benefited us, beyond the pleasure which we have derived from his society,” her spouse somewhat drily remarked. . , r; r “ But I called you in here to make you aware of it,” the lady returned ; “ and now I hope you will at last give me credit for good management.” r - - “ Pray what may this vast advantage be, my dear?” John Dudley inquired. . w Why nothing less than that Uncle Robert has generously offered to adopt our Harry, and make him his heir.” ... No exclamation of rapture followed this speech ; on the contrary, her spouse only gave a significant shrug of the shoulders. • “ Why, John, you don’t seem at all pleased,” she observed, a little crest-fallen. “ Surely you are not so foolish as to overlook the benefit it will be to our dear boy because you would not like to part with him.” • . f “ You quite mistake my motives, Betsy ; : I should be sorry to throw a barrier in the way of our son’s happiness, but . w t . , rt „ >|l( •• ( •• -„.J “ Oh, then you are of my way of thinking, after all}. I thought you could not be so blind to the interests of— ” i. /' ' ; . ,V' “ Nay, now don’t be so hasty in your conclusions, my dear,” Dudley interrupted iv.

his turn by saying ; “ for to own the truth, though I am most grateful for your uncle’s generous offer, I am doubting whether the acceptance of it would really advance the boy’s happiness.”, , , , 1 1 ~ ~ ' / “ Why surely you cannot be in earnest. Not for Harry’s happiness to be brought up a gentleman!” ' : “Will you listen to my reasons for this, as you deem it, strange assertion ?.” “ You can never say anything that will convince me you are right,” said the lady tartly. , . / _ , ,' : , “ Perhaps not, my dear, but I will try-. Harry’s character is not one likely to be improved by affluent circumstances ; he is inclined to be indolent and extravagant; and the luxuries his uncle’s wealth would afford would tend to increase his imprudence.” “But don’t you see, John, that while Tom will make his own way in the world, Harry appears only cut out for a gentleman ?” “ You are pleased with the prospect of your son’s inclinations being gratified,” said he, seriously ; “ but wealth is only desirable when the possessor has the wisdom to use it aright • otherwise, it becomes a positive evil.” _ Mr. Atherton was rich, and being a bachelor various speculations had been made by his relatives as to which among them would inherit his property. . .To do Mrs. Dudley justice, ambitious plans for her children was her chief failing, for she was a tender wife and mother, a clever manager, a kind mistress and good neighbour. ' ' John Dudley though generally firm, had his weak points, and his good lady had the tact to discover and work on them. Finally, the united pleadings of mother and son overruled his objections, and Mrs. Dudley gratefully accepted the offer. • We will now pass over a period of five-aud-twenty years. Henry Dudley had inherited his uncle’s, property ; but having married a lady, like himself, of expensive tastes, he was constantly embarrassed. Thomas Dudley had also married; but the woman of his choice was as unlike the wife of his brother as it was possible for two individuals to be. He had also fulfilled his father’s prophecy by making his own way in the world. The quiet family at the “ Elms” were one morning thrown into excitement by Henry Dudley’s carriage stopping at the garden gate.' Thomas gave his brother a hearty welcome. When the brothers were alone Henry remarked, “ I wish to consult you Thomas on a little matter which causes me some uneasiness.” “ You are not in difficulties, I hope ?” “ Just a little embarrassed 5 you know my income is not large considering the appearance I am obliged to support, and——” “ Obliged to support beyond-your means!” ’ “ You know nothing of the world, Thomas. In order to support my station—— “ You must sacrifice peace of mind, truth, and justice. Is it not so, Henry ? I know a little more, perhaps, of such things than you imagine.” . ' “ I thought you would act a ,brother’s part, and assist me a little, instead of taking me to task as though I were a prodigal.” Henry Dudley required of his brother a loan of one hundred and fifty pounds, which sum was placed at his disposal; but on the eve of his departure the post brought a letter stating that his affairs were hopelessly involved. Mrs. Dudley and her daughters were in a truly pitiable state of mind when the truth could no longer be concealed from them; but we regret to say that their altered circumstances produced ho change in the habits of this unhappy family.