The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-10-10
Faithfulness in Little Things.
BY ELIZA A. CLARK.

is Mr.. Harris inf inquired plainly.
but neatly dressed boy of twelve or thir-
teen, to a clerk, as he stood by the coun-
ter Of a large book store.
The well.paid clerk regarded the boy
with a supercilious, look, and answered,
'Mr. Harris is in, but he is engaged
The 10y looked at the clerk hesitatino-
ly, and then said, If he'is not particular
ly engaged, l should like much to see
him.
IF you have any business to transact. /
can attend TO it, replied the clerk; Mr..
Harris cannot lie troubled with children
like you.'
What is this Morelyp said pleasant
looking, elderly man, stepping up to the
clerk, what does the boy wantr
lie insisted on seeing you, though I
told him you were engaged returned the
clerk, lutte aLashed by the manner Of
his employer.
And what would You have with me,
my ladi enquired Mr.. Hairs, kindly.
The boy raised his eyes. and meeting
the half scornful glance of the clerk, said
timidly, Il wish to look at the Till of some
books which | bought here about three
months 'ince. There is mistake in it
which | wish to correct
Ah, my boy, I see,' replied Mr.. Ii arris,
You have overpaid US, suppose
No, SIR, answered the boy. oh the
contrary, purchased some books which
are not charged in the bill, and | have
called to pay you for them
Mr.. Harris folded his arms across his
breast, regarded the hoy earnestly for a
moment, aud then asked, when did YOU
discover this mistaken
Not until reached home replied the
lad. When paid for the books was in
great hurry, fearing the boat would
leave before I could reach it, and did not
examine the BILL ....,
why did you not return and rectify
the mista&ep asked the gentleman in a
tone slightly altered.
Because, sir live at some distance
from the city and have not Leen able to
return now
My dear boy said Mr.. Harris, you
have given mo great pleasure. In long
life OF mercantile business, have never
met with an instance of this kind before.
You have acted nobly and deserve re-
compense.'
i ask no recompense,' returned the
boy, proudly, Il have done nothing hut
my duty, simple act OF justice, and that
deserves no reward but ITSELF .--..
May | ask who taught you such no.
bic principlesF inquired Mr. Harris.
My mother answered the boy, burst
ing into tears. ,a q
Blessed Is the child WHO has such a
mother, said Mr.. ii iris with macl, emo
ton, 'and blessed is the mother Of such a
child. BE faithful to her teachings, my
dear boy, and you will be the staff OF hel
declining years "
'Alas, sir sobhel the Roy, she is dead
Il was her sickness aud death which pre-
vented me from coming here before
What is your namel inquired Mr. Har.
ris.
Edward Delong.' 4s
/ Have you fatherr
No, sir, my father died when was az
infant
Where do you resider
In the town Of Linwood, about fit,
miles from this city,
/ We'll, my boy, what were the book
which were forgottenT
sTacitus, and latin dictionary
Il Let me see the bill. Hal signed by A
i g. Morley, | will see 10 that. Here NJ,
Morley called Mr.. Harris, but that f,In,
tionary was busily engaged IN waiting o
customer nj the opposite side Of the stor
eowing and smiling in the most obsequ
Gus mannef.
Edward, continued the kind besrie
MF. Harfis..I am not going 10 reward 20
: for wl;st yoa have done. hut I wish 1
manifest my appreciation Of your condu'
: in such a manner. as 70 make you remeu
0 Der The wjee and excellent pfeecpts