Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-04-18
THE MERCHANTS CLERK.
Or, The Effects Of Kindness and FOrbearanec.

III Il HE Il U HAN T'S g LERK.
Or, The Effects Of Kindness and FOrbearance.
Amid the tironging crowd that business OF
pleasure called into the city streets there wan
dercd along slowly, now and then running
against the. passengers, and pausing at every
few steps to look up ut the numerous signs, a
young lad, evidently a strangerin in the metropo.
lis. Doubt, bewidermelit and curiosity strug.
gied together on his fair, open countenanre,
brown with healthy exposure to sun and air,
in his country home. His chesnut hair fell in
| waves on his shoulders, from under his broad
straw hat, and his dark, hazel eyes wore frank
and generous expression, notwithstanding the
bewildered air which attracted the transient
gaze of the passers by. Just as he was about
to step into an open cellar, he was arrested by
m elderly, good humored gentleman, who
turned him lightly on to the sidewalk, exclam.
ing, well, my boy, are you asleep or dream
ing?"
Neither, sir. thank you," replied the lad
with spirit, but can't tell among so many
stores and signs to find the one want"
"And whose may that be!"
"a. Richie IL 70" answered the la,: =. - =,
"Well, then. my lad sitisst .hiro.se9.o - =.
rtianK you, SIR answered the boy, CRATE
FULLY. II shall fud it easily now" :,
The gentleman nodded his head with good
humored smile, and passed on, while the lad
soon entered the store he had sought.
With free step, yet a modest air, he passed
directly into the counting room. gentleman
of middle age, or somewhat less, was seated III
large armchair, turned away iro"I a table OH
wilicn were pens and papers, and journals
4 little girl had just climbed up into his arms,
and was kissing his eyes and laughing merrly'
This child of eight summers. with her Laughing
blue eyes, and dinpled, rosy cheeks and chm,
was the merchants only darling, aud the pride
of his heart. The boy paused and gazed on
that happy child, and seemed tor a moment TO
forget where he was. He saw not the high
desk, nor the old clerk 'busily plying his pen
nor the fresh young smiling servant, little III
the corner, but he only saw the irolicsome love-
" child. Tears swan in his eyes and shone
ON their long brown lashes. He dashed them
hastily away, just as the merchant giving his
daughter light spriug to the floor, looked up;
saying in busiucss-like, hut pleasant voice
NV ell, my lad."
There was a tremulous tone i'll the boy s
voice, though he answered promptly, for the
memory ofhis departed sister was busy at his
heart. He replied simply removing his hat anu
bowing, 81 am Philip Warrendss, sir"
"Iou are punctual to the hour, my boy that
like. Showing yourself as faithful in all other
matters, and am sure YOU will do well"
"rhat | shall endeavor to do" answered
Pbilip, readily and respectfully.
Mr.. Ritchic then pat Philip under the care OF
one of his clerks who was to show him what
was expected of him, and from that time seem.
! ed to feel that he had but little to do with him.
/ personally, beyond occasional order, aud the
4 payment of his moderate salary. Philip found
4 himself thrown upon his own resources lie
engaged board for himself at the cheapest place
he could find, which was also respectable. -
His duties fully occupied him through the
day. but his evenings were ut his di: posal.-
This to him, unguided, unaided, was perhaps ;
questionable privilege. His employer never o.
course invited him to his house. and thougf
evidently pleased with the lads docility an'
usefulness, seldom took any particular notc'
| ofhim. But the little blue eyed Minnie neve
came to the store without having some pleasan
| words to say to the s;nlllhS Doy VINO s"o"''
so much interest in her. But her visits b"cam
less and less frequent and finally she was sen
away to celebrated school to remain seve
raj Years, and thus Philip rarely saw her. lie
bright and beautiful image remained impressed
upon his mind; for the affections OF chdhoo
are not transient They are sometimes mor
deep and permanent than any other.
Several years rolled around, and Philip Wal
render had become young man. Handsom
preposscssng in manner, and of excellent bu
siuess talents. which Mr., Ritchie, himself, a ma
: thoroughly verscd in business matters, apprec
atcd highly, and felt to be to bis advantag
, Still his young clerk received but little motto
> from him except in his affairs, and his salar
still continued very moderate, MIR. Ritchie thinl
ing with many others, that thorough know