Forgotten Stories.

which , should any of the creditors discover its peril , would be inevitably ruined by their demands upon it . The person , however , who was giving this information , expressed a hope which Mr . Fitzgerald ( as he styled the ] 3 rineipal director ) , had

induced him to cherish , that if their embarrassments could be concealed for a few months , they might regain their former prosperity . He concluded by desiring his auditor to preserve the secret with the greatest caution ; and declared his

satisfaction in having been able to entrust it to him with such security . Edward Overton departed , and in the course of the day published at a large party , with his usual folly and carelessness , the tidings which he had so

dishonourably gained possession of in the morning . Several persons , on hearing the name of Fitzgerald , and the danger of his firm , immediately took the alarm , and spread the news on all sides . The consequencesas miht be expectedwas dreadful .

, g , The unhappy merchants , unable to release themselves from their embarrassments , or to answer the demands of their creditors , were immediately pronounced bankrupts : and a house , which had long surpassed all others in wealthin reputationand the

, , number and respectability of its directors , was reduced to disgrace—to a mere nothing by the babblings of one pernicious and heedless man .

It were enough to think of this with the most heartfelt sorrow . But as yet the reader is uninformed of the whole effects of Edward ' s indiscretion . AA hat shall we say , —what must be our feelings , on discovering that the father of Emma Williamsalthough the circumstance was

, unknown to Edward Overton , was deeply concerned in the affairs of that ruined firm , which once bore Fitzgerald ' s name 1 He , consequently , was also plunged in the general misery and calamity . On hearing , therefore , the fatal discovery of that secret ,

which but one clay before had been entrusted to him with such circumspection ; tun perceiving the adversity and wretchedness to which he and his daughter must necessarily be reduced ; and , above all , on discovering that he was betrayed by Edward Overton—the friend of his bosom , the affianced husband of his child , —a shock was inflicted , which nearly proved

fatal . But for Emma s sake he struggled against this painful trial ; and through the aid of a mind whose natural strength was increased by true Christian fortitude , anel the consolations of religion , gradually overcame the pressure of his woes . Having collected the wrecks of a once

splendid fortune , he retired from a world of tumults and vicissitudes , to the tranquility of a country life . Happiness at length began again to smile upon him and the innocent Emma , who was united to a lover far more worthy of her affections than the imprudent Edward . The father and his children lived beneath the same

roof , and enjoyed in their retirement the sweets of affection and peace , undisturbed by the misrepresentations of falsehooduntainted by the breath of calumny . But the clays of Edward ' s happiness were at an end . Neglected by his friends , deserted by his acquaintances , and detested even by those to whom he had given his despicable and officious information , he also buried himself in seclusion . Alas !

how different was his from that delightful retirement , which those which he had so cruelly injured now enjoyed ! His was an attempt to fly from the scoffs of the world , and the odium which he had incurred as a

talebearer . He could not , however , avert the pangs of conscience , or dispel the gloom of melancholy , which hung over him from clay to day . So truly miserable was Ms life , —with such horror and shame did he look back upon the past , that death itself would have been a relief . But the Divine

retribution had ordained it otherwise , condemning him to expiate his sins , and to feel the miseries which he had inflicted upon others , by a tedious life of anguish and remorse . No years diminished the care which preyed upon his heart ; and this dreadful punishment of calumny was extended to his latest hour .

Further comment upon this tale is unnecessary . May those under whose observation it chances to fall , should they at any time perceive the impulse of slander rising in their breasts , for once recall to memory the sad example of Edward Overton ; and be warned b y it from those pursuits which allure us into the tracts of unhappiness , aud betray us to the shackles of perpetual woe .