Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-04-05

led rapidly through series OF successful
speculations, and he now ranks with oul
most eminent merchants; but, surely, he
has not forgotten his past life, and il
your services were brought more fully to
his mind, and your necessities made
known, he would willingly extend to you
a helping hand.'' 9 ,a...a.s3-,g..-
" # may NJ be 1so,' replied the young
man thoughtfully. "At any rate, must
try. and ifmy application to him is unsuc-
cessful, l must look elsewhere for a situa-
ton. There are many who receive. 6ve
or six hundred dollars for far lighter labor
than is required Of me. But now, for
my supper, mother, and then for few
hours sleep. Do not allow me to rise
too late"
At an early hour Henry Graham was
at his accustomed post. His recent CON
Versation with his mother was fresh in
his mind, and somewhat anxiously he
scanned the countenance of his employer
as he enteredthe Office.
There was nothing very encouraging to
be found there. Mark Perciyal, the
clerk of days gone by, and Mark Perci-
val, the wealthy merchant of present
times, were indeed two distinct persons.
One absorbing passion had gained pas
session of his soul, and had increased its
dominion until all better feelings yielded
to its sway. The eager thirst for wealth.
How many allow this to become their
ruling love, forgetful that the treasures of
earth are but tleeting shadows, and if
naught else be acquired in this probation
arv State of existence, the time will come
when these will avail us not.
{, He will do nothing for me-" thought
the young clerk, as with sigh he again
turned his attention to his work.
But the remembrance of his invalid SIS
ter and widowed and care-worn mother
rose before him, and strengthened his re-
solution to make the effort.
Throughout the morning, he watched
for favorable opportunity. at length
the moment arrived. The most urgent
business was transacted and the merchant
was somewhat at leisure.
&c Can 1 speak few words to you, Mr..
Percival %
&c Say on" was the laconic and rather
ungracious reply" ~ .'r. ...
II have now been two years in your
employ, sir, and as my knowledge of the
business has much increased, and my
services arc therefore more valuable, l
trust you will not consider me unreasona-
bic if ask for higher salary
There are many clerks who would be
glad to fill your place for the same com
pensation, Mr. Graham"
'' That may be, sir, but have mo-
ther and sister depending upon me- and
three hundred is but n small sum TO sup
ply them even with the necessary com
forts"
"I have nothing to do with your fami-
Iy concerns, Mr. Graham. [ consider
three hundred as an adequate return for
your services, and of course am not dis
posed to pay more"
=" Cold blooded and unfeeling man.
muttered the disappointed clerk, as in or
der to hide his excited feelings, he alb
ruptly left the office and walked rapidly
along the crowded street. I" L might
have known what would be the result ot
such an application. He cares for no one
but himself. Would that it we're in my
power to leave him at once; but for the
sake of my mother and Mary, I.must not
cut off our only means OF support. But
as soon as possible willProcure another
situation
Foolish boy" thought Mr.. Percival,
as he reviewed in his own mind Ora
hams application. He must learn to
be more moderate in his desires. The
Young men, now a-days are never satis6-
ed. My salary was but four hundred
when was much older than he
Months passed on, and there was nc
improvement in the prospects Of Henry
Graham. Business was dull, and it was
difficult to procure more lucrative sltua'
ton than the one which he now hlled.-
He still continued the clerk OF MIR. Perez
val.
A friendly and observing eye would
readily have detected the marks of care
and deep anxiety in his open, manly
countenance, but his employer needed II
not. His usual duties were faithfully
performed, and this was sufficient. The
merchant looked no farther. His own
interests we're secured, and what cared he
for the suffering little family, bravely
STRUGGLING with trials which a trifle from
his Well-filled purse would have relieved,
or at least have made far easier to be
borne.
The hour had come when the spirit OF
the gentle Mary was to be released from
its fT9aiI earthly tenement, and rejoice in a
new Heavenly life She knew that she
was dying, but death to her lost its sting
it was but the passage to glorious i'm
Lay my head upon your bosom. dear
mother" She said. g The lamp OF life
burns low. l shall not long be with you
| Where is my dear brother ?"
AS She spoke the young man kneeled
by her side and fondly clasPed her hand
in his.
! ..My own dear sister"
=" nv brother. my dear brother. May
the Lord bless you and comfort yOu.-
| ~ -. cora and kind