Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1859-07-23


This forbids seeking any other say for ones
self II says 'seeketh not her own
"It IS not necessary for as to settle the
bearing Of this on the question Of prizes in
school But one question comes nearer to
the case IN hand. Do you think that in
strict honesty Che star would be your own,
if you gained il, not by superior scholar
ship, but by your own prosperous oircum-
stances, and Henry's hindrance through his
mothers necessities The only value ol
the sign is the thing sgnihed. To me this
badge would mean, not that my boy was a
better scholar than Henry, but only that
his father was richer than Henry's mother.
"Mother, don't want the star at all, "
said Charley with resoute effort, that
Is, Il Henry can getit. am going around
now, IL you are willing to show him about
tho arithmetic, and to ask his mother TO
arrange if possible, so that he can attend
school constantly for the next six weeks
Mrs. Colton's consent to the latter ar
rangenent was easily gained, especially
when Charley had begged permission to as
sist in doing the errands after schools hours
The obstacles in arithmetic we're cleared a
way, SO that the two rivals started on their
friendly race with fair field and no favor
10 either. Henry had been at the end oi
the class Just the same length Of time thai
Charley had been before him, when three
weeks before the examination, he was TAX
en- sick. 1t would be difficult to say which
of the two classmates was most disappOint
ed at this arrangement of their plan. Char
lev watched the progress of the fever al
most as anxiously as Mrs. Cotton and daily
bcset the doctor, to learn the prospect OF a
speedy recovery.
The third week arrived before Henry was
able to be dressed, and breathe the outer
air. for few minutes of the day. Exam
ination day came, and by Charley's earnest
entreaties, the invalid was permitted to be
present on the important occasion. He
sat next to his friend and leaned upon him
when too weary with the effort and excite
ment. After many less interesting eXerci
ses, the President arose and with some
words of explanation proceeded to confer,
as he said, the highest mark Of honor evel
received in the institution. The star was
awarded "to Charles Morris, for punctuali
ty Of attendance, propriety of department
and success in scholarship"
There was moment of almost breath
less attention through the crowded audi
ence, as Charley walked to the foot of tn
platform, and was seen to address feV
words to the President Those who wer
present could hear him say
ks ''The star, sir, does not rightfully belon!
10 me. Henry Cotton has work harde
than / to obtain it, He is a better scholar
aud but for sickness, would have been a
the head Of all his classes"
After moments consultation with thr
gentlemen on the platform, the Presiden
replied
"The faculty, Morris, prefer that yol
should retain the star, as you have literal!
fulfilled the conditions prescribed"
at would not be right, sir" said Char
ley, firmly, though with trembling voice
81 beg you will give it to Henry"
ain that case you must yourself besto'
it,n said the President. "Henry Colto
will come forward"
Henry, unsuspecting what was going o
advanced, bis pale face flushed with wonde
and excitement Charley, STOPPING down
fastened the star upon bis breast, and the
supported him back to their seat Th
noisy applause of the audience Jared a
most painfully on his heart, full as it wa
of deeper Joy than earthly fame can Civ
the Joy Of obedience to the precept. 81
honor preferring one to another" In hi
mothers loving smile he found full rewar
for the sacrifice of his selfish ambition
Covetiug earnestly the best gifts, he ha
found in brotherly kindness, "a more exec
Iori NAV