Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-03-15
a Select Gtorp.
FAITHFULNESS in LITTLE THINGS.
DY ELIZA A. CLARK.

DY ELIZA A. CLARK.
SIS Mr.. Harris in 2 inquired plainly, but
neatly dressed boy Of twelve or thirteen, to
clerk, as be stood by the counter ola large
book store.
The well paid clerk regarded the boy with
a supercilious look, and answered, sMr. Har-
ris is in but he is engaged at present.
The boy looked at the clerk hesitatingly,
and then said, IF he is not particularly en-
gagged, should like to see him.
If you have any business to transact, /
can attend to it, replied the clerk; Mr..
Harris cannot be troubled with children like
you,'
what is this, Mr.. Morley said pleas
ant looking elderly man, stepping up to tho
clerk what does the boy want .
tIc insisted on seeing you, though I told
him you were engaged returned the clerk,
. little abashed by the manner of his employ
er.
sAnd what would you have with me, my
lad?' inquired Mr.. Harris, kindly.
The boy raised his eyes, and meeting the
half scornful glance of the clerk, said timid-
y:
Il wish to look of the bill of some books
which l bought here about three months
since. There is a mistake in it which / wish
to correct
'Ah, my boy, scc,' replied Mr.. Harris,
you have overpaid us, l suppose
NO, SIR answered the boy. 'On 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, regarded the boy earnestly for mo-
ment, and then asked, 'when did you discov-
err this mistake 2
'Not until | reached homo,' replied the
lad. when 1 paid for the books 1 was in
great hurry, fearing the boat would leave be-
fore I could reach it, and did not examine
the BILL
Why did you not return and reetify the
mistake q asked the gentleman in tone
slightly altered.
because, sir, 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 a long life of
mercantile business, have never met with
an instance of this kind before. You have
acted nobly and deserve recompense.'
Il ask no recompensc,' returned the boy,
proudly, Il have done nothing but my duty,
simple act of justice, and that deserves no
reward but ITSELF
sMay / ask who taught you such noble
principles @ inquired Mr.. Harris.
my nother,' answered the boy, bursting
into tears.
| BLESSED is the child who has such moth
err said Mr.. Harris, with much emotion,
'and blessed is the mother of such child
BE faithful to her teachings, my dear boy,
and you viii DO the staff of her declining
years.
Alas, SIR sobbed the boy, 'sho is dead.
1t was her sickness and death which prevent
ed me from coming here before
'What is your name 2 inquired MIR. II.
Edward Delong.'
Have you a father .
| mo, sir, my father died when / was an in
FAINT
where do you reside 2
In the town of Linwood, about fifty miles
from this city,
well, my boy, what were the books which
were forgotten
'Tacitus, and Latin Dictionary
LET mo sec the bill. Ha signed by A.
G. Morley, l will SEQ to that. Here, Mr.
Morley called Mr.. Harris, but that func-
tionary was busily engaged in waiting on a
customer at the opposite end of the store,
bowling and smiling in the most obscquious
manner.
Edward continued the kind-hearted Mr.
Harris. d am going to reward you for what
you have done, hut wish to manifest my
appreciation of your conduct in such man
ner as to make you remember the wise and
excellent precopts Of your departed mother
Select from my store any ten books y9Y