The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1864-12-01
Edwards Temptation.

LIT was SIX clock IN the afternoon. At
this time the great wholesale warehouse of
Messrs. Hubbard & Son was wont to close,
unless the pressure Of business compelled
the partners to keep open until later.
The duty of closing usually devolved on
Edward Jones, u bay Of fourteen, who had
lately been engaged to perform a few light
duties, for which he received the sum of
fifty dollars Annually He was the boy,
but if he behaved himself so as to win the
appreciation of his employers, his chance Of
promotion was good.
rthere were some things that rendered
| this small salary trial to him-circum-
stances with which his employers were
unacquainted. His mother was widow
The sudden death of Mr.. Jones had thrown
| the entire family upon their own resources,
and these were, indeed, but slender.
| There was an elder sister who assisted
| her mother to sew, and this, with Edwards
salary, constituted the entire income of the
family. Yet by means of untir;ng indus
| try, they had continued thus far to live,
using strict economy, OF course. Ye: they
wanted none Of the absolute neccssaries Of
| life
But Mary Jones-EdwarG's sister
grew sick. She had taken a severe cold
which terminated in fever. This not
only cut of the income arising from her
own labor, but also prevented her mother
from accomplishing As much as she would
otherwise have been able to do
On the morning of the day on which our
story commences, Mary had expressed
longing for an orange. la her fever it
would have been most grateful to her.
1t is hard indeed, when we are obliged
to deny those we love that which would be
refreshment and benefit to them.
Mrs. Jones felt this, and so also did
Edward.
81 only wish [ could buy you one, Ma
ry,' said Edward, just as he set out for
the store. ''Next year L shall receive 4
larger salary, and then we sha'n't have to
pinch so much"
"Neyer mind Edward, . said she, smiling
family, 81 ought not to have asked for it,
knowing how hard you and mother find it
to get along without me-"
''Don't trouble yourself about that,
Mary, said Mrs. j ones, soothingly, though
her heart sank within her, at the thought
of her empty Harder. '.Only get we'll, and
then we shall get along we'll enough, alter
wards
1t was with the memory of this scene
that Edward went to the store in the
morning. All around him were boxes of
rich goods, representing thousands OF dol
lars IN money.
"Oh," thought he, ''if 1 only had the
value Of one of these boxes, how much
good it would DO poor Mary"
The long day wore away at last, and
Edward was abou; to e.ose the warehouse.
But as he passed the desk Of his employer,
his attention was drawn to bit OF paper
lying on the floor
He picked it up, and to his great joy
found it to be ten dollar bill.
Tie first thought that flashed upon him
was, chow much good this will do Mary.
L can buy her the oranges she wants, and
she shall have some every day. Perhaps
she wouid like chicken"
But in moment later his countenance
fell.
:. at isn't mine," he sighed. at must
be Mr. Hubbard's. This is his desk, and |
he must have dropped it."
''Sti.l," urged the tempter, "he will |
never know il. And after all, what are /
ten dollars to him. He is worth hundred /
Still Edward was not satisfied Whether I
Mr. Hubbard could spare it or not, was
not the question. It was rightsully his,
and must be given back to him.
"Ill 90 to his house and give it to him
this very night" said Edward, "otherwise
[ might be tempted to keep it..
He determined to 90 to SIR Hubbard's
before he went home. The sight Of his
sick sister might weaken his resolution,
and that must never be allowed. He must
preserve his integrity a, all hazards
He knew where Mr.. Hubbard lived. 1t
was large, fine looking house, on fash
onable street. He had passed it several
times, and wondered whether a man mus,
Lot feel happy who was able to live in such
style
Without any unnecessary delay, there
ore, he went to the house, and ascending
he steps, rang the bell.
y man servant came to the door.
"Well 2" said he.
"Is Mr. Hubbard AZ home ?"
eyes, but he has only just come in, and
don't think he can see you," was the
'eply.
"I am in his employ" said Edward
quietly, "and have just come from the
tore. / think he viii see me if you will
mention this TO him" j,