The Delaware herald., 1854-05-31

ways, that perhaps you know my object as well
as ! can tell YOU"
"No, don't" was the reply; "but I'll tell
you all do know. l know that you are an
idle Young man, cursed with small inheritance;
that YOU are in love with the pretty face of the
daughter of a leather merchant; that the leather
merchant, like sensible man, refused to let his
daughter marry you, and kicked you out of his
house here | made a gesture of Indignation
--"hold your t6nssAe; speak plainly and prac-
tcally; that you were then dishonest enough
to keep up clandestine correspondence with
the lady, and to have clandestne meetings with
her; deceiving her father, and making her do
the same, besides causing both of you to be the
Jest and bye-word of cooks, maids and bakers
men; that you have been found out in your
meetings, your correspondence suspected, the
young lady more closely watched, and yourself
at your wits end. Am correct in my informa-
tion -
REALLY, sir" said l, in surprise, mingled
tn Indignation, 81 don't know which TO be
most amazed at-the impertinence of your lam
guage, or"
"It's truth, eh 7" interrupted the Man, with
quiet smile.
gulped my rage, and before l could speak,
he went on
L
knOU this, you have come to ask advice of me,
a perfect stranger! Pray, sir, is this the course
of a sensible ma4 ~
alt appears that could not have come to 4
better man." replied |, {" for you certainly seem
to have studied the case"
He smiled, and I saw that had gained an
advantage on the last point.
"Then we will say no more about It" cried
he. " You want my advice. You shall have
it. Give up all thoughts of the lady instantly" "
! "Never!' cried |.
"Exactly," replied the Man" precisely the
answer expected
"Have you no other advice - l asked, for
felt hepessly driven TO depend on this odd be-
ing, who knew all my secrets by some mysterl
ous means that | could not divine, but whose
very mystery increased my awe for their pos
sessor.
YES" he replied, Z" l have"
"What is it," asked eagerly.
"WoRK !" replied he, with wonderful EN-
phasis; and he spoke not another word, but
ringing the bell, he showed me to the door, ant
bowed me out.
1t was a long time before recovered iron
my surprIse ut the mysterious interview wit
.The Man over the Way" That he shoul
=
extraordinary than that | should have alway
1 felt so strange a curiosity regarding him.
There nrc m re things in heaven and earth, Iorato
Than are dfeamt oil in your philosophy,
said l, quoting Hamlet; but l got no satisfaC
tory explanation of the matter by such quoti
l tons The most reasonable supposition seen
u ed to be, that he must have been lncessantl
u watching me, and this (though scarcely kne
/ Al L ,A 4oolo frun tod
: him in return. But the great point, now, Wa
u should follow his advice and if so, VIII;
0 did the advice mean!
Work what did know about work, and no
was my working to get Julia for wife! Ce
: tainly, had dim suspicion that the old ge
tleman might mean, that if worked | mig
e improve my income, and thus be entitled to al
It for her hand with better chance Of succe
7, than as an idle man with f220 year. Rath
S II slow process, feared, but what sort OF wo
was to performl | had no profession; w
le unacquainted with any art; | could Meth
practice law nor medicine; nor could paint
y teach music | could write poetry, certainl,
ut at least, Julia and think so; but / doubt VIII
I'd ther the Man over the Way would call tn
es loOrk.
I'd After three days of reflection, / determin
ct to pay the man another visit.
"What DO you want?' he began, in just {
H. same tone as before.
" "To work." replied |, briefly.
al "Good," said he; ago and do i"
"But don't know what to work at ha
no profession"
n "Go and break stones," he replied; at
ny warehouses are empty just now-the railroa
want laborers."
in turned away in disgust.
ha cd
- YOU can, though love-letters. 1t is net the b.
ct hand in the world, but it may be improve !
You had better get situation as junior Gle
| in a merchants office-no salary the first ye
sixty pounds the second, eighty the third, q
ne 80 on" .. D..
he "Thank you,'' said I, very angry. Ever
IN | were disposed to do so, know no mercant
his houses in Londpn."
"fll get you the situation," was the rel
Sit s If YOU reject it, don't come near me again.
of Who shall describe my feelings at this
= ment! TO fancy myself common clerk
IN the best dressed man of my means in town,
most refined in taste, the greatest hater
the everything business-like or common--to b
die clerk, a snob, quill-driver! On the OF
ing hand, to lose the strange friend ut could
rti- call him) before me, or to be unable to az
for his advice, to lose the chance also Of &,
ing Julia--lor olo thlnh that ths "Ou'1 , ~ ~
) to INV rejection Of the ofer-what should do
my aIf I accept" said I, after pause, "will
guarantee me-"
our " Nothing - was the reply that cut me sll
uedI al tell you to work, and offer you the me
low Of doing so--that's all" s,ye
our s"I accept" cried in desperation.
If The Man took a pen and wrote a short !
ath7 which he handed me to read. 1t was simp
kish note of recommendation Of me, the bearer
4 employment in the house of the firm to W
om- it was addressed. ,rS q
let handed ii back with thanks. He wrote
vad- direction. and rave me the note. Il was
dressed, !" Messrs. Sniggles g. Co." n
let "Why - exclaimed |, ait is the father O
"A aExactIy--so much the better; he will
inds YOU no questions, but give you the situatios
are He showed me out of his room and VIII
rel reached the street Istood still for few mlr
a. T,.si1 "a