The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-06-26
BIDDEFORD, MAINE, FRIDAY, JUNE &C. 1857.

the contents Of that letter? Doubtless !
related to the nephew who was to supplan
him. Richard hesitated, turning the letse
over and over.
Why could he not glance into it? 1t wa
not sealed-he would bctray no confidence
by SO doing-most OF the business letter
were given him to answer, and certainly e
no one living would no reveal the contents
whatever they might bc. These reflections
oycrcame his strong repugnance to the act
With q trembling hand ho opened the lette
and read
"DEAR SIR: Iwish your nephew to ar
rive, IL possible, by Tuesday, the thirteenth
as on that day young wilkins year vii
have expired, and it is desirable that his sue
sessor should be on tho spot to enter imms
diately on his duties.
Truly yours, J. BrALr."
tse blood mounted to Richards brow n'
he ioaa. For an instant he forgot the CON
sequences to himself of the threatened blow
in Indignation at his employers duplicity
"Four years ago." he murmured bitterly
-"aye, four years ncxt Tuesday entered
this store. Not once since that day has he
had occasion to ieprove me for the slightest
neglect or oversight; stern and e1acting a,
he is, have givn him no cause for COM
this is the ond-this is my reward. am tc
be discharged tc make room for one Of his
friends connections. I am thankful that
opened the let.er-now I can prepare for
his treachery."
With salmness that surprised himself,
the clerk sealed the letter, and dropped it
in the post-ofFice as no had been directed
On his way back to his employment he call.
ed at the counting.room of u merchant,
VIII om rs one Of Beale's acquaintances he
knew well. Richard wished to mako in.
quirics in an indirect way for situation,
but while he was striving to form some ques.
ton to this end, the gentleman camc to his
relief, by asking If he knew Of any young
man in need of situation whom he could
recommend to him, as he had vacancy for
a. clerk. Richard eagerly offered himself.
Mr.. Curtis was surprised that he should
wish to leave his old place, but gladly ac-
cepted him, having long admired the intcg-
rity and strict application of the young man,
whose praise he had frequently heard from
Mr.. Beale. The Yearly salary was named {;
it was one hundred dollars more than Rich.
ard was now receiving and having engag-
ed to enter on the duties Of his new place
on the following Tuesday, he went with a
light heart to his ola employment. He did
not mention hisintcu.ion to Mr.. Bealc, and
so the week passed Without Mr.. Curtis WIS.,
iting the store. He hoped that he should not
meet his employer, 6r Richard had wish
that the latter should not hear how his
trcacbereus scheme had been defeated, till
the lass moment.
On Monday evening Richard knocked at
tho door of Mr.. Beale's room, and in few
words as possible, requested the wages due
to him, us he was engaged to 60 to another
house on the morrow.
81 have known Of your engagement since
W Wednesday, replied Mr.. Bealc. "Mr. Cur
tis informed me Off it. May ask the motive
Of this secret and unusual proceeding on
your part7 lbelicve I gave you no cause
for SO sudden determination to quit nay
employmcnt-did I?'
"No causc!" Richard repeated, bitterly.
''Oh, no, sir, no cause, of fcourse-the clerk
is only the dupe, the slave of the merchant,
md has no right to complain Of any con-
duct, however iniquitous, Of which ho is the
victim"
"Your sarcasm is rather out of place,
young man." replied Mr.. Bcalc, coolly.-
''fasked II had given you any cause OF
offence. knoW l have not-you falsely
imagine that have, and thus imagining,
you have done yourselfa great injury. Nay,
no questions-I will tell you all. On the
the day that Mr.. Oslethrop was here no.
.iced u great alteration in your looks, your
words, your whole conduct. l suspected at
,nce that Philip had overheard our conver-
sation and repeated it to you, in consequence
Of which you were disturbed in mind
This was natural, and was far from blam-
inc YOU but it afforded me an opportunity
for q test which had peculiar reasons Tor
desiring to apply. Ipenned a brief note to
,Ir. Oglethrop, gave it to you to SEAL and
watched you from that window. l Thought
the temptation would bea severe one' and
if you rose superior to it | need never have
any fears concerning you. l was right, the
temptation was strong-ioo strong Tor your
honor or integrity to withstand l saw you
Dpen the letter; twas enough. l did not
At all wonder when heard Of your apply
ing for new situation; you thought was
acting treacherously towards you, and that
you would outwit me-"
Mr.. Bcalc ceased, and looked iixedly at
Richard, whose whole countcnanco was SUI
fused with bushes rs the true nature OF his
conduct was brought calmly to his view
In his indignant feelings he had not till this
moment thought of his dircliction Of prin-
ciplc in openinga letter not intended for
his inspection now he was overwhelmed
with shame and remorse, for he was natur.
ally upright tand ingenious. Mr.. Bealc saw
his confusion, and turned to his desk to pay
... Ina D., R;,bo rd's SALARY but first