, 1864-05-23

so'"'e nius III "nose company nc spent tnat
time which should have been devoted to his
educational improvement, or in assisting his
father; that his evil prOpensities grew upon
him with his years, until he at length de-
serted his fathers house altogether, and
gave himself up to life Of idlencss and
wickedness, coming only home occasionally,
to seek the means of carrying on his inta-
nous career; that, in the meantime, his
father died, and that the state Of total
destitution in which this event left him.
gradually opened his eyes to the folly and
wickedness Of his conduct; that, on attain
ing full sense Of this, he determined to
reform, and to lead, for the future, such u
life us would in some measure atone for his
past misdemeanors that he found the first
step towards this was to betake himself to
some honest calling-but having none to
recommend him, aud being but too well
known in his native city, as u lad Of wild
and loose habits, he could find no employ
ment; that, in this desperate situation, hav-
ing neither friend nor relation in Edin-
burgh, he determined on quitting the city,
and seeking to better himself somewhere
else; that, happening, while in this mood,
to stroll down to Leth, he saw ticket on
the vessel by which he had come out, an
nOuncing that she was bound for CadiZ
aud that he on the instant determined to
90 with her, and trust to chance for the
rest, seeing that he could not possibly be
worse off abroad than he was at home.
Such, in substance, was the story which
Blackburn told his employer; and, SO far
as it went, it was perfectly true in every
particular. 1t was the truth-nothing but
the truth; but it was the whole truth.
When Blackburn said he would tell all, he
either said SO with 4 mental reservation, OIL
his courage forsook him in the course Of his
narration; for he did not tell all. There
was one passage in his life, one damning
incident, which he did not relate. What
that was, will appear in the sequel
1t was some time after the young man
had concluded, before Mr.. Telford made
any reply to or any remark on what had
just been related to him. At length, how
ever, he said with smile:
"You have been, James, il would appear,
from your own account, sad boy in your
younger years. hope, however--indeed
1 have no doubt of it, from the e&re-
ricnce l have had Of yoI-that you will
make it all up yet, and exhibit, in your fu-
turc conduct, more than enough to COM
pensate for the past. In the meantime,
let me assure you that what you have told
me has not in the least lessened you in my
opinion, or shaken my conidence in you.
On the contrary, your caudor, in stating
the worst Of yourself, has increased it. Go
and assume your new duties, and believe
that your story is perfectly safe in my keep
ing. None shall know anything Of it."
Here this interview, so interesting to the
parties concerned, terminated. Blackburn
repaired to his station in the counting
house. and Mr.. Telford shortly afterwards
went off to his country house.
The position Of Blackburn seemed now
to be a very enviable one, and, SO far as cir
cumstances went, Il truly was so; but, as
sociatcd with these, there was misery, a
torture Of mind which forbade all happiness,
which poisoned all the sources Of enjoyment
may, even the springs of life themselves.
In his new capacity, it was Blackburns Pc
culiar duty to superintend the shipment for
Britain of all wines exported thither by the
house towhich he belonged; aduty to (Which
| he always evinced the utmost repugnance.
although he took great care that no express
sion Of this feeling should betray it. But
il was when vessel arrived, especially one
from Scotland, that his mental sufierings
were greatest. This he dreaded most For
long after his settlement in Cadiz, he grew
pale on the announcement Of any ships ar
rival, and never seemed to breathe freely
until il had again put to sea.
But all this, us in former instance, was
the result merely Of disturbed mind for
no vessel brought any evil tidings to him,
nor did the slightest circumstance occur,
externally, to disturb his tranquility. In
the meantime, years rolled on, aud each, as
it passed, added to Blackbufn's Reputation
as a steady, honorable, and expert man of
business. Each year, too, added to his con-
sequence and importance in the firm with
which he was connected. His control over
its affairs was unlimited-almo,t undivided; /;
for Mr.. Telford, the only partner on the
spot, seldom interfered, so great was his
confidence in the ability and integrity Of
his chief clerk, and so highly satisfied was
he with everything he did. His salary, too,
was proportioned to his merits. 1t was
handsome-much beyond that Of any other
person in q similar situation in Cadiz. These
years, too, that had passed on, had restored,
10 great part, that peace Of mind which had
been so much waiiting 70 His happiness in