The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-05-26
I'll Mtstellaneons
FAITHFULNESS IN LITTLE THINGS.
Br ELIZA A. CLARK.

BI ELIZA A. CLARK.
is Mr.. Harris in 2 enquired plainly
but neatly dressed boy of twelve or thir.
teen, Of clerk, as he stood by the coun.
ter of large bookstore.
The well paid clerk regarded the boy
with a supercilious look, and answered,
MIR. Harris is in, but he is engaged
The boy looked at the clerk hesila.
iingy. and then said, If he is not parlic.
ularly engaged, should like much to see
him. r.... .. -.. .... -..
'lf you have any business to transact,
can attend TO it, replied the clerk
'Mr. Harris cannot be troubled with chill.
dren like you.'
what is this Morley 2 said pleasant
looking, elderly man, stepping up to the
clerk; what does the boy want?'
He insisted on seeing you. though |
told him that you were engaged returned
ihe clerk, little abashed by the manner
of his employer. .
'And what would you have with me,
my lad? enquired Mr.. Harris, kindly.
The boy raised his eyes, and meeting
the half scorniu glance of the clerk, 4ald
timidly, i wish to look at the bill of some
books which | bought here about three
months since. There is a mistake in it,
which wish TO correct
'Ah, my boy, see,' replied Mr.. Har
ris you have oIerpaid US, suppose
No sir answered the boy. On the
contrary, | purchased some books which
are not charged in the bill, and have
called to pay you for them
MIR. Harris folded his arms across his
breast, regarded the boy earnestly for a
moment, and then asked, 'when did you
discover this mistake 2
Not until reached home,' replied tie
lad. when | paid for the books ] was
in great hurry, fearing the boat would
leave before could reach It and did not
examine the bill.
'Why did you not return end rectify
the mistaken asked the gentlemen in a
tone slightly altered.
Because, sir, live ut some distance
from the city, and haze not been able TO
return until now
my dear boy said Mr.. Harris. you
have given me great pleasure. In long
life OF mercantile business, | have never
met with an instance Of the kind before.
You have acted nobly and deserve rec.
ompense.'
Il ask no recompense, returned the boy
proudly Il have done nothing but my du-
ty, simple act of justice, and that de.
serves no reward, but ITSELF
Yo"May ! ask who taught you such noble
principles 2 enquired MIR. Harris.
My mother,' answered the boy burst.
ing into tears.
BLESSED is the child who has such
mother said Mr. Harris with much emo.
ton. 'and blessed is the mothor of such
child. Be faithful to her teachings. my
dear boy, and you will be tine staff Of her
declining years.
ALIAS, sir sobbed the boy, 'she is dead.
II was her sickness and death which pre-.
vented me from coming here before
what is your name 2 enquired Mr..
Harris.
Edward Delong.'
'IIave you father?'
mo, sir, my father died when was an
infant
Where do you reside 2
in the town of Linwood, about fifty
miles from this city,
well, my boy, what were the books
which we're forgotten
'Tacitus, and Latin dictionary
Let me see the bill, Ha! signed by
A.C. Morley, will see TO that. Here,
Mr.. Morley called Mr.. Harris. but that
functionary was busily engaged in wait.
ing on a customer, at the opposite side Of
lhe store, bowing and smiling in the most
obsequous manner.
Edward, continued the kind hearted
Mr.. Harris, Il am not going TO reward
you for what you have done. but | wish
TO manifest my appreciation of your con-
duct in such a manner as to make you re
member the wise and excellent precepts
of your departed mother. Select from
my store any ten books you may choose,
which, in addition TO the ten you had be-
fore, shall be a present to you and hence
forth, as now, my boy, remember and not
.despise the day Of little things' II ever
YOU need friend, call on me, and ior
Thy mothers sake Twill assist you.'
When the grateful boy left the store,
through his own tears he saw the mois.
tened eyes of his benefactor.
Edward Delong wished for knowledge
and though the scant? means OF his moth.
er, could hardly satisfy his desire, he had
advanced far beyond most boys OF his
age. By working nights and mornings
for neighbor, he had amassed' what
seemed TO him, large sum OF money,
and this was expended in books.