North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1866-11-14

due to him, as he was engaged to go to an
other house on the morrow.
81 have known of your engagement
since Wednesday, said Mr.. Beale; Mr.
Curtis informed me of it. May ask the
motive ofthis secret, and unusual proceed
ing on your part? / believe gave you
no cause for so suddtn determination to
quit my cmpllyment-dId !" .. .-.. -
No cause !" Richard repeated, bitterly.
"Oh, no s'r, no cause. OF course, the clerk
is only the ,iupe, the slave of thenerchant,
and has no right to complain of any con-
duct, however ubiquitous, of which he is
the victim ..... ....
"Your sarcasm is rather out of place,
young man. replied Mr.. Beale. coolly. j
asked if had gwen you any cause OF of
fence. | know have not; you falsely
imagine that have, and thus imagining,
ynu have done yourself great injury.
Nav. no questions--I will tell you all. On
tie dav that Mr.. Oglethorp was here, |
noticed a great alteration in your words,
your whole conduct. ! suspected at one.
that Philip had overhead our conver-
sarion and,repeated 1t to you.in consequence
of which YOU were disturbed in minl. This
was natural, and / was tar from blaming
YOU; but it afforded me an opportunity for
a test which had peculiar reasons for de-
string to apply | penned brief note to
Mr. OgIethorp-gave it t" yon to seal, and
watched your proceedings from that win
dow | thought the tenptstion would
superior to it / need never have any fears
concerning you. / was right, the tempta
ton was strnng--too strong for your honor
or integrity to with stand. / saw you open
the letter--'twas enough. did not at all
wonder when heard of your applying for
a new situation; you thought was acting
treacheronsly to you, and that you would
outwit me-"
Mr. Beale ceased. and looking fixedly at
Richard whose whole countcnance was suf
fused with bushes as the true nature of
his conduct was brought thus calmly 10 his
view. IT. his indignant feelings he had
no, till this moment thought of his direlic
tion of principle in opening letter not in
tended for his inspection; now he wss
ovcrwheImrd with shame and rcmorse, for
he was naturally apright and ingenious.
Mr.. Beae saw his confusion. and turned
to pay what there was due of Richards
salary, but first taking some papers from a
secret drawer, and threw them on the table
before the Young man.
"AlI this is at an end, now" he said,
but YOU can see how unjust your suppos-
ton was TO me, how injurious TO yourself,
AS said awhile ago"
Richards eyes were intently bent npon
the papers One was in the merchants
handwriting, notice of Richard Wilkins
having been admitted as junior partner in
to his old and established business firm; 'he
Others were necessary legal papers relating
thereto: r chard continued gazing on them
as # fascinated. till the merchants voic.
br"kp the spell.
"Wrll. young man, do you understand
the matter now? ?"
ooh SIR" said Richards. turning his
eyes implnringly on him, and then nnabI"
TO rpprcss his tortured feeling-, he bent his
head on th" table to, conceal the fast-gush-
ing tears.
R"gret is nnavaiing now said Mr..
Beale, in his clear cold tones. had ev-
arv reason to pace confidence in yon.--
During these four wears have observed
vonr conduct closely. IL was snch AS to
satisfy me, and resolving TO reward vour
strict integrity and faithtulness, had de-
cided 70 take you into partnership as you
see bv these papers, prepared nearly two
months ago. and only wanting the sigma
lures and date. Ny friend, Mr.. Oglethorp.
had frequently mentioned hts nephew,
whom he much desired me TO employ. At
his last visit had agreed to do so. 1t was
my lntcntioa to give yon an agreeable sur
prise tomorrow, and. therefore, I desired
to keep all nv arrangements secret, FORTH
natcly as now see, for my whim enabled
me to test the strength of your principles" '"
"Oh, If you could only forgive me. Mr.
Beale," exclaimed Richard, imploringlv.-
1T was my first error in this regard am
surpit will be my last
For all answer. Mr.. Bcale quietly push
ed the money he had counted over to Rich
ard, and picking up the papers tore them
into small fragments. The young man
looked sadly at them but knowing that re-
monstrance or entreaty was alike unavail-
ing in the stern man. he by a strong Effort
conquered his emotion, and, taking up his
money. bowed his thanks and farewell to
his late employer, and turned to leave tn"
room. As he laid his hand on the. do"r-
knob, he paused and asked, in faltering
voice, if Mr.. Curtis was informed Of all
this.
"No. did not think it necessary TO speak
Of it." said Mr.. Bpal", for I bad reason to
think it was your first drpa ture from the
straight road; and though all business
connections between ns has ceased, vet 1
would not injnre your reputation by reveal
ing an act which thought you would re-
gret. You will find Mr.. Curtis more in
dnlgent employer than you are leaving -
your salary will be larger than it has been