The Washingtonian., 1845-08-16
From the New York Organ.
IT FL E RO BL E M !.
CHAPTER /.


myself to have kept you out Of it so long after
the time had fixed for the payment; but some
how or other my savings would slip through
my fingers
Il could have wished for your own sake you
could have been more punctual; but no apolo-
gy is necessary, as the delay has not OCCASION
ed me any inconvenience"
:" You are very good natured." ....
81 am afraid not, for if had wanted the
money, should not have scrupled to ask for it
at the promised time"
This conversation passed between two clerks
in mercantile house; they were both the
same age, neither was there much difference
in their capacity; but Edward having been in
the counting house several years, was now in
the receipt of a salary of one thousand year.
George, as his junior in point of time, received
only six hundred.
After the last remark of George, Edward re-
NAMED silent for few moments, apparently in
deep thought. Itwas some minutes past the
usual hour of closing the counting house, and
George was preparing 10 CO.
"Ah, you are going home. Well, some
times fell as if I could wish had home to 60
to, for bachelors lodgings don't quite come
up to my idea of the world"
"Why don't you marry, then -
"And how am to support family? when
can hardly pay my own way without borrow
ing And vet - Here he relapsed into
thoughtful silence.
"You seem to be in trouble. If So and if l
can be useful to you -
"No-I am only solving problem"
81 did not know you had turn for mathe-
matics."
II believe you will prove the aber arthme-
tician. But give it up for the present. Wen,
wish knew where to CO." "
"Suppose you 60 home with me for once.''
"Well, don't care if do. had partly
made up my mind to 60 to parry; but am
pretty well used up with last nights jollifica-
ton, and my head aches consumedly."
awe will give you cup of tea to set it to
rights
Edward did not anticipate much qualification
in passing an evening with his friend "He is
married, poor fellow" thought he, "and ! have
heard has three or four little ones. How can
they all live on six hundred year, while
hardly can on a thousand! dare say ! shall
find the whole family crowded in a Little back
room on second or third floor in some dirty
street, furnished with rag carpet, pine table
covered with oicloth, four or FIVE wooden chairs,
and as many ragamufin children and, perhaps,
to complete this picture Of comfort, the mother
of the Cracchi at the wash-tub. Oh, faugh !!
but | am in for it for once"
They passed several streets, and also several
of what an unsophisticated stranger might have
supposed to be streets, had they not been label
led at the corners with the unpretending and
unaristocratic appellations of "Squares," or
"Places." We are democratic people, and
especially the aristocracy Of wealth is unknown
among us--or ought to be.
At last George paused before decent two
story brick front house, in respectable look
ing street.
"Here we are at last. This is pretty long
walk from the counting house; but you know
rents are SO high down town, that man in
moderate circumstances can hardly get a room
that way, except in some street of doubtful re-
putation." e.a.". ..".. Il.
Edwards apprellensions were realized in
one respect, for they ascended TO the second
floor. He was somewhat relieved, however,
to find that his friend led to the front room
and when the door was thrown open, he was
taken by surprise for the apartment was fur
nished with neatness and even elegance. A
lady very neatly attired was engaged in needle
work, at the time George opened the door, and
handsome little boy, seated near her, was
reading to her. "This looks like comfort
thought Edward. He was introduced and re-
ceived with courtesy.
"Where are your other little ones :" he n-
quired Of George. ". t@"
"Don't you hear them laughing and rompng
in the back room! will call them in"
"No, if you please, we wont disturb them.
l would rather step there with you, to look on
at their diversions"
"With all my heart" said the pleased father,
giving Edward rather undue credit for an in
terest in children. In fact, finding they also
tt