Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-06-13

1t, and did not examine the Dill.
''Why did you not return and rectify
the mistake!' asked the gentleman in
tone slightly altered. laa1
Because, sir. I live at some distance
from the city, and have not been able to
return until now.''
My dear boy" said Mr.. Harris, '"you
have given me great pleasure. In along
life of mercantile business, / have never
met with an instance of this kind before.
You have acted nobly, and deserve re-
compense." ia's
Il ask no recompense," returned the boy
proudly. 81 have done nothing but my
duty, simple act of justice, and that de-
serves no reward but itself"
'.May 1 ask who fought your noble
principles z" inquired Mr.. Harris. 30
''My mother, answered the boy, burst
ing mo tears. --
"Blesscd is the child who has such
mother" said Mr.. Harris. with much.
emotion 'sand blessed is the mother of
such child. Be faithful to her teach
ngS. my dear boy. and you will be the
s.aff of her declining years"
ALAS, sir" sobbed the boy, "she is
dead. 1t was her sickness and death
which prevented me from coming here
before"
"What is your name2" inquired Mr..
Harris.
Edward Delong."
Have you father?"
sNo, sir, father died when [ was an
infant"
Where do you reside?" %.
"In the town of Linwood, about fifty
miles from this city,
well, my boy. what were the books
which were forgotten?' g.
sTacitus. and Latin Dictionary"
LET me see the bill. IIa' Signed by
A. G. Morley will see 10 that. HIRE,
Mr. Morley called Mr. Harris, but that
functionary was busily engaged il wait
ing on customer, at the oplosi { SIDE OF
the store, bowing and smiling IL the rcS.
obso Quious manner.
Edward" continued the kind hear,ed
Mr.. Earris, Il am not going 10 r>ward
you for what vou have done. but wish
o manifest my agrroba'ion cf vcrr con-
duct in such manner as to make you
remember the wise and excellent precepts
of your departed mother. Select from
my store any ten books you choose,
which, in addition to the ten you had
before, shall be present to you: and
henceforth, as now, my boy, remember
and not 'despise the day of small things
If ever you need a friend, call on me, and
for your mothers sake will assist you"
When the grateful boy left the store,
through his own tears he saw the mois-
tened eyes of his own benefactor. s
Edward Delong wished for knowledge,
and though the scanty means of his mo- i,
ther could hardly satisfy his desire, he,
had advanced far beyond most boys of
his age. By working nights and mornings
for neighbors, he had amassed, what
Seen:ed to him, large sum of money,
and lis was expended in books.
S.,a rcely was he in possession of his
treasures when his mother sickened and
died. His home was now with a man who
regarded money as the chief end and aim
of his life, and severe and constant labor
as the only means Of obtaining that end.
For two years, Edward struggled with
his hopeless condition. Toll, early and
late, was his doom, and to his oftexprcssed
wish of obtaining an education, his em-
ployer answered, Learnin' never made
corn grow, or titled field, and what was
the use on it can only read and write,
and there amt richer man in the place,
nor excepting Squire Morrison, which all
his larnt notions"
"Is Mr.. Harris in :" inquired Edward,
as he again entered the store of that gen.
tleman.
.'Will you wait moment, and he will
be at liberty g.
g. Did you wish to see him e. asked
Mr.. Harris of the boy, whose thoughts
were so intense that he had not noticed
the approach of his friend.
Mr.. Harris :" exclaimed Edward, and
it was all he could say.
"My noble Edward ~ said the old man.
/" And YOU have n. eded friend Well,
YOU shall have one. q"
Five wears from that time Edward De-
long was the confidential clerk of Mr.
Harris, and in three years more partner
in the firm. The integrity of purpose
which first won the regard of his benefac-