Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1852-09-04
Mr.. Burgess heard the surprising announce


best he could, and learning the particulars
OF his friends last illness, the merchant de-
sired to know the condition in which he
had left his family.
"My father was too generous 10 get rich
in a town where everybody was his friend"
said Henry. "1e left no property, except
the house and lot where my mother still
| lives"
"And you inherit nothingw
"Nothing. My father had nothing 10
give his children, except the advantages of
education, which have duly priced"
"And what do you propose to do 2" ask
ed Mr.. Burgess in friendly manner.
81 propose to use the talents and educa-
ton possess-and these hands," said Hem
ry smiling, "to attain livelihood, in any
honest occupation. have no taste for the
profession, in which my father wore out
his life. To be plain l have neglected to
choose any pursuit. and now not to bur-
den my mother, I have come into the
world TO labor for myself, at whatever my
hands may find to do"
chow would you like the mercantile
profession 2"
"Well, think. l had thought I would
teach this season | have been offered a
situation in which can livs, but the sala-
ry being so small, | would be glad TO ac-
cept anything better"
"You are right" said Mr.. Burgess. 81
think l may give you some encourage
ment, although ! could not offer you a
place in my own establishment. But l
viii! speak to some OF my friends about you,
and there is no doubt but / shall be able
10 find situation, which will afford you
an opportunity Of rising high in the mer-
camille profession. Call again in day or
two, and we will talk over the matter
again"
1t seemed that the young man could not
find terms to express his deep gratitude for
the merchants unexpected kindness. Al
ter thanking him as well as he could, how
ever, he took his leave; and MIR. Burgess
was soon lost in the business of the day,
which so aborbed his mind that the death
OF his old friend and the wants OF his old
friends son We're forgotten.
On the following morning, with an elas-
tic step and a hopeful countenance, the
youth once more entered the counting
room Of Mr.. Burgess.
"Sit down." said the merchant. 81 have
been so busy, that ! have not had time to
look around me yet but | shall speak to
some of my friends in day or two"
"Oh, don't hurry yourself, or give your
sell the least trouble on my account" Hem
ry fastened to say. | can wait a week as
we'll as not"
Perceiving that the merchant appeared
absorbed by business, the young man only
stopped 10 pay him his respects, and left
him, saying he would drop in again, on the
morrow.
Accordingly the next morning, Henry
made his appearance again, and getting the
same excuse as before, departed without
much satisfaction.
1t was two days before Henry came
again.
"Really," said Mr.. Burgess, 81 have moi
had time 10 do anything for you; but next
week | will make it point to find you a
situation the first thing. Come in on Tues
day or Wednesday.
Mr.. Burgess certainly intended to bestir
himself, in the affair Of his young friend
as he promised, but business took his entire
attention, and although he could remember
to transact number of small matters, by
which few dollars were TO be gained, he
quite forgot that Henry, poor and needy,
was anxious to commence working for a
livelihood.
Henry came in on Wednesday. He did
not wish TO appear urgent in obtaining a
gratutous favor, and had put off calling un.
til the last day Mr.. Burgess had named.
81 DECLARE" exclaimed the merchant, 81
have been to blame. should have atten.
ded 10 your afair-but then | don't know
how could-business was never so press
ing before"
Henry bowed respectfully. He was pale
and his lip quivered.
81 told you at first" he said, 81 did mol
wish to give you any trouble"
"Ah, it's no trouble. Only BE- patient.'
81 am patient; but necessity is strong,'
rejoned Henry, with sad smile. 81 ough
10 be earning a livelihood. l have nc
heart to call on my l. iher for assistance
Still | do not desire TO annoy you. You
promises have been generous; and o
course it is not for me to be impatient. 81
|. if you will be so kind as TO speak a gooc
word for me any time when convenient,
, shall be very much obliged and if yol
find anything please drop ne line-her,
, is my address"
The young man spoke incoherently hi
voice trembed and had not Mr.. Burgess
; been wholly absorbed by his own world,
| pursuits, be must have observed that Henr,
was suffering.
One-two-three weeks passed ava,
J with the merchant. One-two-thre
weeks dragged heavily with Henry Vim
, cent
Mr.. Burgess had nearly forgotten tn
young man, when, meeting him one da,
in the street, he was forcibly reminded Q
his neglected promises, by seeing a hag
= gard face, and sunken eyes, so diferen
from the features they had worn at thei
a first interview.
The young man had small bundle un
Y der his arm, and seemed purposely to avo,
!. a recognition. Mr.. Burgess felt pang c
q self-reproach. He hurried to his store, re