Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-02-26
CHAPTER II

The two young men whom we have introduced
were both clerks in large mercantile house
The character and principle of each are suffi-
clently indicated in their conversation
Frank White is a very common specimen of
the genus Micawber,' young man who had
nothing to do with the present, everything with
the future; who confidently expects to meet
fairy some day in his path, who will give him
the purse of Fortunatus. Luck is everything,
energy and perseverance nothing.
To Frank White, five hundred dollars was
pitifll sum good only so far as it would paw
his board, buy tickets for the theatre and enable
him to drive a 2:40 horse. He had never drawn
a line between comfort and luxury, between
what he needed and what could be dispensed
with. The money went for board, stews," the
atre and concerts, till it was all gone, and then
he rallied at Brown because he would not give
him more salary He set high value upon HIM
self, much higher than Brown did, and conse-
quently there was quite difference of opinion
between them concerning the ridiculous matter
OF salary Brown was ''old fogy" enough to
demand the best energies of those in his en-
ploy, to require the observation of his rules and
regulations, and to expect them to feel a reason
able interest In the business In these matters
Frank was deficient, because, as he declared, he
was not paid for more than he gave. The sphere
In which he moved was too and con-
tracted for his ambition; he wanted to be mer-
chant HIMSELF to have his private counting
room; splendid house up town. and, in short,
the state and dignity of man of wealth and
influence. Bat it was part of his purpose to
70, Il,
his present position, and spent large part of
his time in sghing for something better.
Something better" never comes to such, and
if never came to Frank White After his con-
versation with Joseph, he grew worse, rather
than better. Quarter hours late became half
hours, and then hours the store was a hated
place, and customer perfect bore.
The first of January came round, and Frank
renewed his application for an advance of salary.
How much more do you expect 2" asked Mr..
Brown, rather coldly, as he peered over his
spectacles at the applicant.
Three hundred more" replied Frank boldly.
/ have been with you two years now"
"Do you think you are worth eight hundred?"
:. If l did not think SO, sir, / should not have
the presumption to ask it,"
MS morning we nau TO walt tnfee quarters
of an hour for you to call off bill of goods you
sold last night" suggested Mr.. Brown, with an
equivoeal smile.
4 was detained by friend"
Not by Joseph certainly"
q have other friends" replied Frank sulkily.
Il cannot raise your salary, young man."
Then l shall be obliged to leave" continued
Frank, drawing up his shoulders.
VERY well, young man; l will try to get
along without you"
1t was very cool answer and Frank began
to think the concern might not l." bust up" after
all, if he left
May 1 trouble you for recommendation,
sir ?" asked he, biting his lips with chagrin.
Certainly, with great pleasure, Mr.. White,
replied the merchant, turning round to his desk
and taking pen in his hand What do you
wish me TO say p
Anything you please, sir; merely state that
l am honest and"
Honest? ?"
"Can you not say that ?" asked Frank, with
flushed cheek.
Hardly
VIII you explain, sir =
Il do not call it honest for you to cheat
cut of half hour day when / want you.
When you are not wanted, l do not object to
Your absence"
What can you expect for five hundred dol
lars year, Mr.. Brown said Frank, indignantly.
What could | expect. Your entire time dur
il g business hours, and an entire devotion to my
Interests, young man-and all for five hundred
dollars year" replied the merchant. sternly.
That's what / expect"
"You WON'T get it." added Frank, rudely.
"a bargain is bargain, Mr.. White, and you
have been long enough in business to find it out
What I agree to pay, pay; and you have just
as much right to keep back ten yards OF silk
have bought of you, as you have TO cheat me out
of ten hours time for which | have paid you