The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1845-08-27
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pigs, and stock of tulips that made his garden
the wonder and admiration Of the whole village.
The next morning proving, to his great satisfac-
ton, wet Simon in order to put in execution the
plan he had formed, proposed taking his dinner
with him to the MILL instead of returning home
at noon. Having happily accomplished his pur-
pose with little trouble, (tor, as 1t was washing
day, Martha was perfectly willing to nave him
out of the way) he set off, walking with the con-
scous dignity of a man worth something. In
quiries as to his health, state of mind, and future
plans were showered upon him. One wished TO
know when he intended to set up his carriage,
and another hoped he would not forget old friends
now that he was so great man. Nor was his be
widerment lessened on arriving at the mill, for
all his fellow workmen were ready with joke
and a laugh at his expense. But Simon like Soc
rates, was practical philosopher and he bore all
their raery philosopher should-with I'M
rufled camness. AS as the bell for the din
ner hour rang, he left his work, and having des-
patched his meal with all possible speed, he not
without some trepidaton, made his way to
neighboring town, where he knew there was a
savings bank which would be open that day. On
reaching his destination he first looked cautiously
round, to make sure he unobserved, and see
ing no one he knew, he boldly entered. Mr. vi
Wan, Smon's master, was one of the trustees and
managers of this bank, and happened to be in at
tendance that day. Simon, and Simon's domestic
grievances were well known to him, therefore
his appearance in such place occasioned some
little surprise. "Well, Simon, said he, what is
your business nothing the matter at the mill,
hope 20
s'No, sir" replied Simon; 81 came about
little matter OF my own, regarding bit of mon
ey | was thinking of putting in the bank
''That's right, Simon /; | am glad TO hear it,
said Mr.. Vivian ''You are getting good wages,
and are now strong and hearty it is very proper
you should lay by against old age and sickness
But how is it" added he smiling, ''that you have
come without Martha -
''The truth is" said Simon, twisting his hat
round and round as he spoke, ssthe truth is, sir
Martha don't know nothing at all about it ; and
that's one reason brought it here, thinking it
would be safe, you know, SIR
FEOh indeed that is it, is it 20 said Mr. vi
Wan.
''Why, you see, sir, it is this way" continued
Simon, lowering his tone to a confidential one,
''its trhe | made unbeknow to any body; so
says to myself if keep it by me, Martha will
be sure to get it, and if spendit, why she'll get
to know, and shall never hear the last of it; so
I'll put it in the bank and then | shall have it
SAFE and it will be making more and,' conclu-
ded Simon, who, during this speech had been
tumbling in his pocket, from the bottom of which
he at length brought forth his shilling, "here it
is, and you'll be so good not to mention it, SIR
sob, certainly not, if you wish it, replied Mr.
Vivian, unable to suppress his amusement at ST.
mons simplicity, 'but you mistakened in sup
posing your shilling will, as you say, be making
more. If you leave it here five or six years, it
will still be but shilling; the contrary if
every week Or fortnight you added little more
to it, it would at the end of that time amount to
sum that would really be useful to you.
1t was no small disappointment to Simon to hear
that his shilling would not accumulate of its own
accord but the great object was still attainabla :;
so he said with a sigh, and in somewhat despair
ing tone, 'Pd like to leave it, ifyou've no obiec-
ton, sir at any rate, it'll be safe and if should
get another shilling, why, I'd be sure to bring it
too
eff" said Mr.. Vivian who, though greatly
amused, pitied Simon's evident disappointment,
"It you are really anxious to be laying something
by and do not mind little extra work, | think
can enable you to do SO. / have occasion to send
twice or three times week to town on business
and am just now in want of a messenger | can
trust. | know you to be honest and trustworthy
and if you like to undertake the job, | will put
whatever you earn in that way in the savings
bank, and it will not interfere with your regular
wages"
Simon's countenance frightened at this propo-
sal. 1t was just the very thing for him. HI ca
gerly accepted the offer, and after expressing his
thanks and begging his masters secresy, with
lightened heart, as well pocket, he returned to
Westleigh He was now doubly armed against
the raillery of his companions. Various were the
devices to which they resorted TO induce Simon
to part with, even to display his treasure but,
to their great surprise, against remonstrances en-
treaties, and ridicule, he was proof 1t was all in
vain, even when Tom Jones hid himself behind
the old hedge. Whether Simon suspected the
treachery Of which he had been guilty certain it
Is that ne never again chose that part of the gar
den for his self communngs
so weeks, months, and years passed away, and
the mystery OF the shilling remained unsolved
What had become oft nobody could tell and az
it usually happens in such cases, there were NOT
wanting peasons faithess enough to doubt whetb.
er it had ever existed. In the meantime it must
not be supposed that Mrs. Sawley silently acoui
esced in her husbands spending any Of his time
in the service Of another, in return for which
nothing was forthcoming, On the contrary, few
days passed on which she had not some observa
tons to make on the comparative merits of pru-
dence and good nature, always placing the for
mer virtue (Which, according to her definition
consisted in getting everything and giving moth
ing,) far above the latter, which indeed she con-
sidered as only another word for sheer foy and
concluding with general remark upon the con-
temptbe weakness Of those who were guilty Of
it. All this, however, Simon bore without
fincbing, for there is something in the knowl-
edge Of being treated with injustice, that inspires
even the meekest spirit with fordude. Nay
sometimes Martha could almost have imagined
that Simon turned away his face to conceal q
A H. -. I..4 "a