The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1856-05-24

what was due Of Richards salary, but drs
taking some papers from a secret drawer
threw them on the table before the young
man. {.
'All this is at an end now," he said, "but
you may see how unjust your suppositior
was TO me, how injurious to yourself, as
said while ago." =
Richards eyes were intently bent upor
the papers. One was in the merchants
handwriting, notice Of Richard Wilkins
having been admitted as junior partner into
his old and established business firm the
other were the necessary legal papers relat
ing thereto. Richard continued gazing or
them as if fascinated, till the merchants
voice broke the spell.
"Well, young man, do you understand
the matter now:"
"Oh, sr," said Richard, turning his eyes
imploringly on him, and then unable to re-
press his tortured feelings, he bent his head
on the table to conceal the fast gushing
tears.
"Regret is unavaiing now," said Mr.
Beale, in his clear, cold tones. 81 had eve.
ry reason to place confidence in you. Du
ring these four years | have observed your
conduct closely. 1t was such as to satisfy
me: and resolving to reward your strict in.
B
take you into partnership as you see by
these papers, prepared neaaly two months
ago, and only wanting signature and date
My friend, Mr. Oglethorpe, had frequently
mentioned his nephew, whom he much de-
agreed to do SO. IL was my intention to
give you an agreeable surprise to morrow,
and, therefore, desired to keep all my ar
rangements secret, fortunately as now see;
for my whm enabled me to test the strength
Of your principles"
'Oh, if you could only forgive me, Mr.
Beale,' exclaimed Richard, imploringly.-
at was my first error in this regard am
sure It will prove my last
For all answer Nr. Beae quietly pushed
the money he had counted over to Richard,
and picking up the papers tore them into
small fragments. The young man looked
sadly az them, but knowing that reInOnstrance
or cntreaty WAS alike uEavailing with a stern
man, he by strong effort conquered his
emotion, and taking up the money bowed
his thanks and farewell 10 his late employer,
and turned to leave the room. As he laid
his hlnd on the doorkuob, he paused and
asked, in 4 still falterins voice, if Mr. Curtis
was informed Of this.
No, do not think ii necessary 10 speak
Of it" said Mr Beale, for had reason to
think il was your first departure from the
straight road, and though all business con-
ncct!on between Us has ceased, yet would
not wish TO injure your reputation by re-
vealug act which ! thought you would
regret. You will find Mr.. Curtis a more in
dulgcnt employer than you are leaving, your
salary will be larger than il has been here,
50 that on the whole, perhaps, you are no
loser, and hope for your sake that your first
error Will also prove your last"
Richard sadly left the store. On the NOR
row be entered on the duties of his new
situation. 1t proved agreeable, and the ad
dt:on 10 his previous salary was of great
use t. him; but what could silence rcmorse
for the act by which be bad not only lost 50
much in pccuniary point Of view, but also
sank immeasurab!y in his own estimation?
lie profted BY the lesson, however. Years
o.,- ard enviaSIS S--th as that Which l. IaS s
fe;ted in carly Il anhood, but to his dying
day lie never tried TO banish the humlliailng
but salutary recollection OF his first and last
deviation from the Straightforward path Of
honor and integrity