North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-12-21

life.
J But Mary Jones Edwards sister-grew
| sick. She had taken severe cold which
terminated IN fever. This not only cut off
| the income arising ftom her own labor, but
also prevented her mother from accomplish
ing as much as she would otherwise have
been able to do.
On the morning of the day on which our
story comme noes, Mary had expressed a
longing for an orange, In her fever it wod
| have been most grateful to her.
1t is hard, indeed, when we are obliged to
deny to those we love that which would be
refrcshnent and benefit to them.
Mrs. Jones felt this, and so did Edward
81 only wish could buy you one, Mary,
said Edward, just as he set out for the eo-
tabIshment. Next year shall receive
larger salary, and then we shan't have to
pinch so much"
'NeVer mind, Edward said Mary, sm-
ing family. II ought not to have asked for
it knowing how hard you and mother find
it to get along without me.n
Don't trouble yourself about that, Mary"
said Mrs Jones, soothngly, though her
heart sank within her at the thou ht of her
empty larder. "Only get well, and We shall
get on well enough afterwardsn
1t was with the memory ofthis scene that
Edward went to the store in the mornino.
All around him were boxes of rich goods
representing thousands of dollars in moc,rye
"Oh," tboGGnt he" if | had only the
value Of one Of these boxes, how much good
it would do poor Mary" and be sighed.
As he passed the desk his employer his
attention was drawn to bit fpaper lying
on the foor beneath.
lie picked it up, and to his great surpris
found it to be ten dollar bill
The first thought that flashed upon him
was:
"liow much good this will do Mary.
can buy her the oranges she wants. and she
shall have some every day. And perhaps
she would like chicken
But moment later his countenance fell
at isn't mine" he sighed "It must be
Mr.. Hubbard's. This is his desk. and he
must have dropped it,"
''Still,' urged the tempter, ''he will never
know it. And, after all, what are ten dol
lars to him. He is worth hundred thous-
and"
Still Edward was not satisfied. Whether
Mr.. Hubbard could spare it or not was not
IIa II u-oc ;rLt (,lI,
be given back to him.
"l'li 60 to his house and give it to him this
very night" said E dward "Otherwise
might be tempted to keep it,"
lie determined, to go TO Mr.. Hubbard's
before he went home. The sight of his sick
sister might perhaps weaken his resolution,
and this must never be. He must preserve.
his integrity at all hazards.
He knew where Mr.. Hubbard lived. It
was large, fue looking house on a fashiona-
BILE street. He had passed it several times
and wondered if a man must not be very
happy who was able to live in such style.
Without any necessary delay. therefore, he
wen: to the house. and, ascending the stems
rang the bell
y man servant came to the door.
"Wel 2" he said
"Is Mr., at home ?;''
'Ycs, but he has only just come in. and
don't think he can see you," was the reply.
II am in his employ said Edward quietly
ian have just come from the store. ]
think he will see me if you mention this TO
him"
Edward was left standiag in the hall while
Mr.. Hubbard was sought by the servant as
he came up to Edward he said
"Well, has anything happened ~
"No, sir" said Edward, 'but l picked UP
this bill near your desk, and supposed you
must have dropped it. Thought / had bet,
ter bring it here direc tly."
''You have done WE'LL said Mr.. Hubbard
'and will remember it. Honesty is a very
valuable quality in boy just commencing a
business career. Hereafter shall have per-
feet confidence in your honestly
Edward was gratiied by his assurance. vet
as the door closed behind him, and he walked
out into the street, the thought of his Sis
ter sick at home again intrudad upon him,
and he thought regretfuly, how much good
could have been done with ten dollars Not
that he regretted that he had been honest
There was a satisfaction in doing right, but
III ink my readers will understand his feelings
without ay expiaal ton.
Mrs. Jones brought some toast to her
daughters bedside, but Mary motioned it
away.
as there anything you could relish, my
daughter 2"
ono" said she hesitatingly, "nothing that
we can get"
Mrs. Jones sghed-a sigh which Edward