Maryland free press., 1866-12-27
NUMBER 35

i
his old employment. He lid not mention
his intention to Mr.. Beale, 50 the week
passed without Mr.. Curtis visiting the
store. He hoped he had not met his en-
ployer, for Richard had wish TINT the
latter should not hear how his trea cherous
scheme had been defeated till the last
moment. "afr
On Monday evening Richard Knocked at
tue door of Mr. Beale's rosm and in as few
words as possible requested the VIA ges due
to him, as he was engaged to go t, another
house on the morrow N -s.
have known of your engagement
since Wednesday, said Mr.. Beala; Curtis
informe d me of it. May ask the motive
of this secret and unusual proceeding on
your part? I believe gave you NO cause
for so sudden determination to quit my
employment--did II .. .Hr1'- ~.
No cause! Richard repeated, bitterly.
Oh no sir, no cause, of sourse-thc clerk
is only the dupe, the slave Of the merchant,
and has no rightto complain of any con-
duct, however iniquitous. Of which heiis the
victim. ..'. ..i. .r..
Your sarcasm is rather out Of place,
young man." replied Mr.. Besl, coolly.
II asked if had given you any cause Of
offence, I know l have not; you falsely
imagine that l have, ..and thus imagining
you have done yourself a great injury
Nay. no questions-I will tell you all On
the day that Mr.. Oglethorp was hero l
noticed great alteration in your looks,
your words,y your whole conduct. 1 suspect
ed at once that Philip had overheard our
conver sation and repeated it to you, in
consequence of which you were disturbed,
in mind. This was natural. and was far
from blaming yon; but it afforded me op-
portunity for test which had peculiar
reasons for desiring to apply. I penned !
brief note to Mr.. Oglethrop, gave it to you
to seal, and watched your proceedings from
that window. I thought the temptation
would prove severe one, and that if you
arose superior to it | need never have any
fears concerning you. 1 was right. the
temptation was strong-too strong for your
honor or integrity to withstand. I saw you
opon the letter twas enough did not
ut all wonder when heard of your apply
ing for new siuation: you thought I wa,
acting treacherously to you would outwit
me. . '..'. .."t '..-'i
Mr.. Beale ceased, and looked Axedly
at Richard, whose whole countena nee was
sufused with bushes as the true nature Of
his conduct was brought thus calmly to
his view. In his indignant feeling he had
not till this moment thought of his dere-
liction of principle in opening letter not
intended for his inspection; now he was
overwhelmed with shame and rcmorsc, for
he was naturally upright and ingenious.
Mr.. Bcalc saw his confusion, and turn
ed to his desk to pay what was due of
Richards salary, but first taking some pa
pcrs from drawer, thrtwlthem on the
table before the young man. .'-...
All this is at an end now, he said, but
you may see how unjust your supposi
tion was to me, how injurious to yourself.
as said while ago.
Richards eyes were intcntly bent upon
the papers. One was 10 the merchant S
hand writing, notice of Richard Wilkins
having been admitted as junior partner
into his old and established business firm:
the others were necessary legal papers re-
lating thereto; Richard continued gazing
on them as if Fascinated, till the mcrch ant 8
voice broke The spell. -.r.
WI, young mas; do you understand,
the matter now?" 80.
Oh, sir! said Richard, turning his eyes
ienploringly on him. and tlo1 unable to
rerress his tortured feelings. ho bent his
head on the table to conceal the fast gus
hlng tears. "a
Regret is unavailing now, said Mr..
Bealc, in his olca', Q I'D tones. I had every
reason to place confidence in you. During
these four years I have observed your
conduct closely. 1t was such as to satisfy
me: and resolving to reward your integrity
and faithfulness, lad decided to take
you into partnership as you see by these
papers. prepared nearly two months ago,
and only waiting the signatures and date.
My friend Mr.. Oglcthrop, had frequently
mentioned his nephew whom he much
desired me to cmyloy, At his last visit
agreed to do So 1t was my intention to
give you an agreeable surprise tomorrow,
and therefore ] desired ro keep all my
arrangements secret, fortunately as now
see; for my whim enabled me to test the
strength of your principles. ..al tal Il