Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-12-04
FaithlulneSS in little Things.
BY ELIZA A CLARK.

F- -1t---1 --.-1-s ..-a..- .
SIS Mr.. Harris n?" inquired plainly but neat
ly dressed boy, of twelve or thirteen to clerk, as
he stood by the counter of large bookstore.
/ The welLpaid clerk regarded the boy with su-
4 percous look, and answered, @Mr. Harris is in.
but he is engaged" ....
/ The boy looked at the clerk hesitatiugly, and
then said, IF he is not particularly engaged, 1
/ should like very much to see him.
"If you have any business to transact can at
tend to it, replied the clerk; Mr. Harris cannot
be troubled with children like you" a
! What is this, Morley" said a pleasant looking,
elderly man. stepping up to IKE clerk; "what does
the boy want?" sr... .-I -
ale insisted on seeing you, though told him
you were engaged" returned the clerk. little u
dashed by the manner of his employer.
"And what would you have with me, my lad?''
Inquired Mr.. Harris, kindly, "a
The boy raised his eyes, and meeting the half
scorufu glance of the clerk, said timidly- TO-.
81 wish to look at the bill of some books which
bought here about three months since. There is
a mistake in it, which wished to correct"
"Ah, my boy, l see" replied Mr.. Harris, you
have overpaid US, suppose" .r
"No, sir" answered the boy. "0n the contrary,
purchased some books which are not charged
on the bill, and have called to pay you for them.
Mr.. Harris folded his arms across his breast,
garded the boy earnestly for moment, and then
asked, when did you discover this mistaken"
mot until had reached home replied the lad.
"When l paid for the books was in great hur-
ry, fearing the boat would leave before could
reach it, and did not examine the bill. I'D.
"Why did you not return and rectify the mis-
take?" asked the gentleman in tone slightly al
tered. ...f .....-... ..... .. .. --.-..
Because sir, l live at some distance from the
city, and have not been able TO return until now"
my dear boy" said Mr.. Harris, "you have Civ
en- me great pleasure In long hfesOf mercantile
business, have never met with an instance Of this
kind before. You have acted nObly, and deserve q
recompense" .....s .-. r.-...
Il ask no recompeuse,' returned the boy proud
ly; ~ have done nothing but my duty, asimple act
of justice and that deserves no reward, but ITSELF
"NTay ask who taught you such noble Princi-
ples?" inquired Mr.. Harris. -. ..-
"Ny mother" answered the boy, bursting into
tears.
Blessed is the child who has such mother"
said Mr.. Harris, with much emotion "and blessed
is the mother of sneh child. BE faithful to her
teachings my dear boy, and you will be the staff Of
her declining years"
'Alas, SIR sobbed the boy rshe is dead. 1t was
her sickness and death, which prevented me from
coming here before a.y. aI 4-.f
what is your name?" inquired Mr.. Harris.
Edward Delong.' -a.7r. -.1o -.l e.t
Have You father7' &
mo, sir, my father died when was an infant"
"Where do you reside!" ..-...... ...
ain the town of HnwoOd, about City miles from
the city" t ~
"Wel, my boy, what were the books which were
forgotten -.
"Tacitus, and Latin dictionary" T..-# ..
Let me see the bill IIah. signed by A. G.
Morton, will see to that Here, Mr. Morley"
called Mr.. Harris, but that functonary was busily
engaged in waiting on a customer, at the opposite
side Of the store, bowling and smiling in the most
Obsequous manner
Edward" continued the kind hearted Mr.. Har-
ris, Il am not going to reward you for what you
have done, but | wish to manifest my appreciation
VI yOut COhuuCb III ouOh q 10 " JOu
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 hence
forth, as now, my boy, remember and not 'despise
the day of little things If ever you need friend
cali on me- and for my mothers sake will assist
you"
When the grateful boy left the store, through
his own tears he saw the moistened eyes Of his kind
| benefactor. ... ... .-..ls l..-.
Edward belong wished for knowledge, and tho
the scanty means of his mother could hardly salts
fy his desire, he had advanced far beyond most boys
of his age. By working nights and mornings for
a neghbor, he had amassed what seemed to him a
large sum Of money, and this was expended in
| books.
| Scarcely was he in possession of his treasures,
when his mother sckened and died His home was
now with man who regarded money as the chieI
end and aim of his life and severe and constant
physical labor the only means of obtaining that
end. rF E..
For two years Edward struggled with his hope
less condition. Toll, early & late his doom, &
to his oftexpressed wish of obtaining education
his employer answered
"Learnin' never made corn grow, or titled field