The weekly union record., 1865-08-12

reception. Bsn bad some little property left
him by his father. just enough as be used
laughingly to quote, to keep him in gloves
and cologne water" and for the rest be seemed
vastly coutented with his old maxium. " the
world owes me living" forgetting that the
world can sometimes prove as poor paymas
ter as the most fashionable young gentleman
going.
But to return to Mark When be bad set
tied his accounts at night, be took from a
pigeon hole in his desk, the little book sfore
named. and entered as follows: :. To one real
wake up. sl0," which being done. he locked
his desk, and returned once more to Ms. Mer-
iden.
Days flew on and the shop of Mark became
increasingly popular, and still from time to
time he was assailed by the kind OF temptation
we have described Now it was, Mark, my
dear fellow, do join Us 10 trip to G-'s,"
and now. Gene. my old boy, let Us have 8
spree at Fs;" now it was the elub, now the
oyster supper, but Mark was invincibe, and
still as one and another galy recounfed the
history of the scene, be silently committed the
amount of The expese to his little book. Yet
Mark was not cynical or unsocial. His re-
fusals though so firm, we're invariably good
natured. aud though he could not be drawn
abroad, yet be was unquestonably open hand
ed and free in bis own home. No house had
so warm welcome-no dinner table could be
more bouDtilu or more freely open for the be.
hoof of all gentlemen of the dining out order
no tea-table presented more unexceptonsbe
toast, and no evening lounge was more easy.
homelike and cheerful, than on the warm sofas
in the snug parlors of Mark Merideu. They
also gave evening parties, where all was bril-
liant tasteful and well ordered; and, in fine,
notwithstanding bis shortcomings, Mark was
set down as fine, open handed fellow after all.
At the end OF the year, Mark cast up the
account in his little book and was nightly
astonshed at it ; for all his ideas Of the power
of numbers, be had no idea that the twos and
ives and ones and tens which. on greater or
smaller occasions. had found their way into his
columns, would amount up TO sum so consid-
erable. Mark looked about him-the world
was going well-his business machinery NOV
ing 10 exact touch and time-his house-where
was there prettier one? Where a place
more replele with every homedrawing com
fort Had be lost anything in pleasure the
past year? Mark thought not, and therefore
as he walked homeward. he stepped into the
booksellers and ordered some books of superb
engravings for Mrs. Meriden, and spoke to
gardener to send some elegant Towering ex
otics for which be had heard her express an
admiration some evenings before.
The same evening came in Ben Sanford, as
he expressed it, " in the very depths of ndi-
CO." for young gentlemen whose worldly mat
tiers invariably go wrong end foremost will
sometimes be found in that condition, how.
ever exuberant may be their stock of animal
spirits
Pray, Ben, what is the matter? ?" said Mark
kindly, as the latter stretched himself at length,
in arm chair. groaning audibly.
"Oh, a billions attack. Mark shoemakers'
bills, tailors'. boarding house bills, all sent in
for New Years presents hang 'em all"
Mark was silent for few minutes, and Ben
continued: " ConfouDd it Mark, what's the
nse of living, if fellow is TO be so cnrsedy
poor? Here you, Mark, born in the same
town with me, and younger than l am by
some two years, you have house as snug and
cozy and comfortable as man need ask-a
wife like an angel-peace and plenty by the
bushe. and all comes of having good run of
lnck in the money line." and Ben kicked his
slippers against the andiron most energetically.
What has become of Emily P ?"
asked Mark, after pause.
Poor soul y said Ben. there she is yet,
such luckless scapegrace as |, can give her a
her sake, l could afford TO be married, and
have house of my own; besides, to tell the
truth, am tired of this rambling, scrambliDg,
out at elbow slipshod fe."
Why don't YOU get married ?" said Mark
Why don't ? to be sure! use my taiors'
bills for fuel, and my board bill for house rent,
ebo hi .pAh hDt bav
Would you recommend poor girl to me,
Mark-alI things considered?" said Ben, bit.
terly.
Mark reflected awhile in silence, aud then
drew out his book-his littls book TO which
we have alluded.
Just look at this account, Ben" said be.
Il know you hate figures, but just for once"
Ben glanced at it mpatiently-laughe
when he read the two or three first items but
his face heightened as he proceeded, and Mark
detected sort of whistle of astonishment as
he read the sum total.
We'll Mark !" be exclaimed, what
very old gentlemanly consderate trick is this
of yours-to sit behind your curtain so coolly
noting down the cost and come to Of all
our little frolcs-really it is most edifying
How much you must have enjoyed your supe-
rior fore,hought and discretion p and Ben
laughed. but not with his usual glee.
Nay, you mistake" said Mark, :" / keep
this account merely to see what have been 10
the habit of spending myself, and as you and |
have been always band and glove in every
thing, it answers equally well for you. 1t was
only yesterday that summed up the account,
and assure you the result surprised myself
and now, Ben, the SUN here set down, and as
much more as you please, is freely at your DIS
pnsal. to clear off old scores for the year, pro
vided you will accept with it this little book
as New Years gift, and use it, one twelve
month, as have done; and if at the end of
that time, you are not ready to introduce me
to Mrs Sanford, | am much mistaken"
Ben grasped his friends hand, but just then
the entrance of Mrs. Meriden prevented bis
reply. Mark. however, saw with satisfaction
that be put the book carefully in bis vest
pocket and buttonej up bis coat with the air
of man who is buttoning up new resolu-
tion.
When they parted for the night. Marx said
with smile, In case of bilious attacks, you
know where to send for medicine"