, 1864-05-23

4 ellord, in surprise. Have you any testi-
mon,als us to character, then-any docu-
ment whatever, to warrant confidence in
your"
Blackburn said he had nonc-nonc what
ever.
"That is most extraordinary" replied Mr.
Tclford. "HOw, in all the world, young
man, could you think Of coming to foreign
country, in quest Of employment, without a
scra, OF testimonial or recommendation with
you? You have really drawn largely on
chance. What is the meaning Of it?'
The young man mOde,tly lepied that he
had never been in any employment before,
and that therefore he could obtain no re.
commendation from any person standing in
that relation to him; aud that his friends
were too obscure, and in too humble walk
in life, to render their testimonials Of any
avail.
but your clergyman, said Mr.. Telford,
"could you not have got testimonial as to
character from h mr.
On the mention Of this person, his " cler-
gyman," the young man became as pale us
death general tremOr came over him. and
he felt so confused and giddy that it was
some time before he could make any reply.
At length he stammered out the simple de-
claration that he had never thought Of ap-
plying to him.
MIR. Telford remarked the young man s
sudden agitation, but he attributed it to a
degree OF nervousness caused by the pccu-
liarity Of his situation, which he felt must
be one Of intense anxiety, and, putting this
construction on it, it rather forwarded than
retarded Blackburn's views, by exciting the
sympathy Of Mr.. 1elfOrd.
"Well, young man" said that gentleman,
after he had silently thought Tor few mo-
ments, 81 certainly do think it very strange,
very odd, that you should have come out
here, in quest Of employment, without any
letters Of recommendation or testimonials
as to character; yet, as You are II country
man, and, dare say, not overly well pro-
vided against disappointment, especially in
foreign land, will see what eau do Tor
you. Meet me at my counting-house to-
morrow, at ten O'Clock. Now, james" (he
had previously. learnt his name) continued
Mr.. 1eliord, "lct me add, and do so with
the view Of melting you to diligence and
attention, that, IN finding some employment
for you, without any recommendation or
character, do 80 partly out OF sympathy
for your situation, and partly because / have
had 50 many scamps with recommendations,
and those Of the very strongest, that am
willing 70 make an experiment on the ser
vices Of one who has none. tell you this
candldiy, james, and hope it will have that
influence on your conduct which has been
my motive Tor mentioning il TO you"
Mr.. IelfJrd next asked Blackbur To
show him specimen Of his handwriting.
lie did SO. His employer was highly
pleased with it-as in truth, he well might,
for it was remarkable fine one.
On the next day Blackburn met Mr..
Teltord, at his cOunting-house, agreeably
to appointment, and was immedlateiy placed
ut desk, and set 10 work. The first speci-
mems Of his qualifications for the counting
house were found perfectly satisfactory, aud
promised pcrmanency to his situation.
This followed, and was subsequently Sc
cured bya regular agietment, which put
Blackburn in possession Of a competent
salary.
Al the end Of about twelve months, dur
ing which time the young man had dis
tingulshed himself by unremltnng atten-
tion to his duty, by uncommon business
talents, and by the most exemplary con-
duct, the head clerk Of the establishment
died Of vrulent fever that was then de-
vcstating Cadis; similar visitation having
carried oil two other clerks about the time
Blackburn entered Mr.. 1elford's employ
ment At the death Of the head clerk, us
mentioned, the former, who had already
secured the highest opinion Of his employ
er, was appointed to his situation. On this
occasion Mr.. 1elford called him into his
private room, and, having shut the door,
told him Of his intention to promote him
to tho vacant situation. Having made
this communication, he desired him to sit
down.
snow, James," said Mr.. Telford, "yOu
see the confidence / put in you, by placing
the entire superintendent Of my estab-
lishment in your hands, and you will not
think it unreasonable il expect similar
confidence on your part. You have never
told ne any, hing Of your history, neither
have asked you. l have hitherto for
borne, from motives of delicacy towards
you; but, now that you are about to be
placed in so responsible situation as that
Of head clerk Of our firm, do think l
have some right to know little more Of
your history than am yet acquainted with
trust you will see, James, that this is not
an idle or irhpertinent, but perfectly rea-
sonable curiosity
1t would not be easy to describe the feel
ings Of Blackburn on this address being
made to him. That they were narrowing
IN the last degr,e, was evident from the
ashy 10 eness which overspread his cohnte-
nance, aud the violent tremor with which
his frame was agitated. Mr.. Telford
marked those signs Of internal suffering,
together with the hesitation that accompa-
MED them, and said, though rather pee
vishly, and in tone that indicated some
thing like chagrin-it might be displeas-
ure,
II would not pain you, James--I do
not ask you to give me your history under
any threat-you need not tell il unless you
Ike; but I think you might have more con-
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