Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1857-11-02
TIE MERCHANTS TES
(Conoluded.)

on HDHluy evening hIGbnfO KNOCKED
at the door Of Mr.. Bcalo's room, Ind in
"a few words 90 possible requested tho
wages due to him, AS he was engaged 10
90 to another house on the morrow.
havo known of your engagement
since Wednesday, replied Mr.. Besle.-
'Mr. Curtis informed me Of it. May
ask tho motive Of this secret and unusu.
al proceeding on your part ? believe
/ gave you 40 cause for 60 sudden a de-
termination 20 quit my omplyment-did
~
No cause > Richard repeated bitterly
'Oh, no, SIR, no cause Of course-the
clerk is only tho iupe, the slave Of the
merchant, and has no right to complain
Of any conduct, however iuiquitous, Of
which he is the victim
Your seroanm Is rather out Of place,
young man, replied Mr.. Bsalo coolIy.-
y asked If had given you any cause Of
offence. | know have not -you faise.
~ imagine that | have, and thus imug-
ming, you have done yourself & great III
jury. Nay, no questions--l will tell you
oil. On tho day that Mr.. Oglothrop was
here noticed great alteration in your
!ooks, your words, your whole conduct.
| suspected at once that Philip had over
hoard our conversation and repeated it
to you, in consequence Of which you
were disturbed in mind. This was nat.
ural, aud was far from blaming you
but i, afforded me opportunity for a test
which had peculiar reasons for desy-
ing to apply. penned brief note to
Mr. i(D1ptk-An . m 70 su.i
and watched you from that window.
thought the temptation would be q
severe one, and If you rose superior to
it need never have any fears concern.
ing you. was right, tho temptation was
stronc-'too strong for your honor or
integrity TO withstand. saw you open
the letter-'twas enough. did not at
oil wonder when heard of your apply
ing for new situation you thought
| was acting treacherously towards you,
and that you would ou,wit me-
Mr.. Beaie ceased, and looked fxedly
at Richard, whose whole countenance
was suifusod with bushes at the true ma.
turo of his conduct was brought calmly
TO his view. In his indignant feelings
he had not till this moment thought Of
his dire.iction of principle in opening
lotter not intended for his inspection !,
now he was overwhelmed with shame
and remorse, for he was naturally up
right and ingenious. MIR. Bealo saw his
confusion, aud turned to his desk to pay
what was due to Richards talary, but
first taking some papers from q secret
drawer, throw them on the tablo before
the young man.
. 'All this is at an end how Must your
supposltlon was to me, how injurious to
yourself, rs said awhile ago.
Richards eyes were intently bent up.
on the papers. One was in the mer-
chants hand writing, notice Of Rich
ard Wilkins having been admitted as
junior partner into his old and establish.
ed business firm tho others were the ne.
cossary legal papers relating thereto
Richard continued gazing on them as il
fascinated, TIL the merchants voice
broke the spell.
We'll, young man, do you understand
the matter now p
ooh, sir = said Richard, turning his
eyes imploringiy upon him, and then un.
able to repress his tortured feehngI, he
bent his head on the table to conceal the
first gushing tears.
Regret is unavailing now said Mr..
Besie IN his clear, cold tones. Il had
every reason to place confidence in you.
During these four years have observed
your conduct closely. 1t was such as to
satisfy me and resolving to reward
your strict integrity and faithfulness, |
had decided to take you into partner
ship, as you see by these papers, prepar.
ed nearly two months ago, and only
wanting signatures and date. MY friend,
Mr.. Oglethrop, had frequently mention.
ed his nephew, whom he much desired
me TO employ. At this last visi,
agreed to do so. 1t was my intention to
give you an agreeable surprise to-mor-
row. and therefore desired to keep nv
arrangement secret, fortunately, as I
now sec /; for my within enabled me TO
test the strength OF your principles
'Oh, it you could only forgive me Mr..
Beale,' exclaimed Richard, implor,nRly,
1T was my first error in this regard-I
am sure il will be my last
For answer, Mr.. Besle quietly pushed
bhC AuOuCJ w h6u SOouSC0 OVCk W NtGus
ard, and picking up the papers tore them
into small fragments, The young man
looked sadly at them, but knowing that
remonstrancs or entrcaty was unav ailing
with the stern man, be by q strong ef-
fort con quered his emotion, and, taking
up the money, bowed his thanks and
farewell to his late employer, and turn
ed to leave the room. As he laid bis
hand on the door-knob, be paused and
asked, in q still falteripg voice, if Mr..
Curtis was Informed Of all this.
No, l did net think it necessary to
speak Of it, said Mr.. Beale, for l had
reason to think it was your first depart.
ure from the straight road, and al.
though oil business connection between
Ne has closed, yet would not wish to
injure your reputation BY revealing On
act which | thought you would regret
You will Gnd Mr.. Curkia a mora ;ndulo.