Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-03-27


fore its termination. into more Tranquil
state of mind: but as it was, he grow NOR
q inpatient with each passing moment, anC
when he arrived at his place of business
almost an hour behind the usual time, h
was in high state of excitement.
A little trial awaited Mr.. Harlow, whicl
did not improve his temper. AndreV
Chase, a lad of fifteen, approached hin
with timid downcast air
See there, Mr. Harlow,- said, point
ing with trembling hand to large mir
ror, which was one of row lining one sidt
of the store-a long crack disfgured it.
polished surface.
Who did that? exclaimed Mr. Harlow
Il did it, sir; was busting it-I meant
to be very careful, but the brush slipped
in my hand, and the handle struck the
glass
You are a profitable assistant, must
say; fifty dollars at one crash!'
Il am very sorry, sir, said Andrew, with
a quivering lip.
Well being sorry won't mend it said
8Ir Harlow, fretfully, as he passed on to
/ his counting room
Andrew was deeply grieved at the acci-
dent, and Mr.. Harlow'S manner wounded
4 him sorely. The merchant looked back
through the glass door of hiscounting- room,
and saw the boys troubled, fearful face
Poor fellow he thought, he feels worse
about it than 1 do; might have spoken
more kindly, for Andrew is good boy" :"
Everything seemed to go hard that day.
Mr.. Harlow worried himself and all about
him. The oil of good humor would have
had wonderful effect upon the machinery
of business, but he did not think of that
Yet Mr.. Harlow; was not, by any means
cross and surly man-usually, he was
most bland and cheerful, but too much
care unstrung his nerves, and weakened his
! Fself-control ----
Late in the afternoon he received mes
sage from a business firm in New York,
and he was more hurried and troubled than
before. 81 t-ze. a--a
Here, Andrew Chase he called, in a
peremptoTy tone.s this packet must 60 to
New York: the mail has closed, but it can
90 by express. Hurry, you have just FIVE
minutes to take it to the depot 1t is of
great Importance; don't fail to get it ex-
pressed as-a-s .-----s
= yes, sir, said Andrew; I'll run every
step of the wayl and eager to do his mas
ter any favor, that he might in some meas
ure, atone for his earelessness in the morn
ing, he darted down the street
30 Haitian hour elapsed, and Andrew re-
turned with slow and reluctant steps, the
packet still in his hand.
'What! how is this? exclaimed Mr..
Harlow, in angry Disappointment. Were
you toe late?'
Yes. sir, -
But you had full FIVE minutes time, and
you could have walked, and got there soon
enough. 1t is too bad! Here it is Satur-
day night. Too bad-tOo bad.'
i am sorry, sir, l started on full run,
but stopped, for there was child in the
street, and horse.
Never mind don't tell me all the why's
and wherefores. You knew that it was of
the greatest importance that you should
stop fog nothing at all. You had no bust
ness to stop, or to turn right or left If
L can't trust you in such matters, l can
trust you in nothing. Go to the head clerk
and get your wages, and henceforth will
dispense with your services
'Mr. Harlow, do hear what have to sayl
saw that the child was in great danger
~, oh, pshawr interrupted Mr. Harlow,
with an impatient wave of the hand, chill
dren are in the street all the time; it is
poor excuse for delay in such matter. Go,
And ew Chase; your carelessness has done
me enough damage for one day.
The boy stood for moment, hesitating,
flushed and angry; once his lips parted; as
if he would again attempt his self-de-
Tense; then with proud, half triumphant
light IN has eye, he turned away.
Mr.. Harlow was puzzled with the mean
ing of that last glance.
Another message from New York. Now,
Harlow was glad that the packet had not
gone-all was right 1t was lucky acci-
dent which had delayed Andrew Chase.
Has Andrew gomez he hastily inquired
of his clerk -sss-ss lees ss. -7asl-s
Yes l gave him his wages, and he babe
me goodbye. He seemed to feel very bad
sir.
Mr.. Harlow began to regret his impetu-
osity. Il ought to have listened to his ex-
cuse, he said to himself; and then he re-
.membered with added pain, that Andrews
mother was widow with several children,
and depended much on his earnings a
Atevening when Mr.. Harlow sat down
to the table with his family, he sat dis
satisfied and unhappy. His wife had been
to the city with her youngest child, and
she had many pleasant things to tell him,
and purchases to show, but it was with diff
Guilty hereplied to her remarks. He soon
retired to the parlor, threw himself into
his arm chair, and took up the. evening
pape. Ellen sat down to the piano, and
ran her fingers lightly over the keys; Nel-i
son was occupied with his book, and the
younger children sat upon the carpet play
ing with their toys.
Eddie, yeu naughty boy let my house
alone called out Harry. in cross voice.
and he caught up a little building block
and threw it at his brother.
The block did not hit Eddie, but, half 4
grieved and half-angry, he began to cry,
and say bad, naughty Harry
Mr.. Harlow started, and his first i'm
pulse was to punish Harry instantly and
severely, but Ellen, the peacemaker, was
before him, and he wisely resumed his scat
in silence.
Don't cry little Eddie said the sister
gentle voice.
s'Harry's cross boy, sobbed the child.
4 don't care;l he knocked my block
house ss.zz
Harry said Ellen, last night when you