Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-01-02

0SNA -
do3' Then, as momentary recollection of the
hideous gulf which his ruinous indulgences had
opened Between himself and former friends! flash
ed upon his mind, he languidly dropped, into the
nearest chair and was silent for some moments
sI think that it is about six years. Mr. Sim
mons, since left Manchester and removed to
London. You were foreman in Mr.. Maddison's 3
factory then
A suppressed sigh from the corner Of the room,
where Toms wife was sitting, was the only re-
spouse to this remark.
"Wen, to make the story short, things have
progressed so wonderfully with me since then that
I have large factory Of my own in operation now.
All want is gooatoreman- a reliable man, who
has practical knowledge of the business, upon
whom I can depend. Strange to say, never
thought of you, Until my-wife mentioned: your
name some days ago. Immediately wrote to M1.
Madison for information concerning you, and re-
ceived reply, which saddened me beyond meas
ure one moment, and gratiGed me the next."
"May I ask the exact nature Of that replyT'
said Tom, suddenly starting to his feet, then con-
fusedly resuming his seat
"Let me see p said Glover, taking small men,
orandum- book from his pocket. 'lf my memory
serves me aright I have the letter here Ali
here it is! Shall read it for you?"
"No, sir |" replied Tom, in tone Of voice that
seemed to bewilder Glover exceedingly.
"Why, there is no harm in it, !" said Glover
'sMr. Madison writes in the kindest strain con
cerningy you. Letme read it." Without awaiting
reply, be read, to the utter surprise of the fam
lily, the following characteristic and chrstian-ike
letter of that excellent gentleman:
Mr.. JOEL GLovER.-Dear Sir Your letter,
asking information concerning our mutual friend,
Thomas Simmons, has just been handed to me. l
deeply deplore the existence Of circumstances
which have disposed him to give up his situation
in my factory, which for so many years was filled
with such credit to himself and satisfaction and
profit to me. He is, at present, in destitute cir
cumstauces, entirely out Of employment, and living
in hired garret in Lombard street. If you can
assist him in any way, T shall be much pleased to
act as the medium, through which a change Of
fortunes may come to him and hisunfortunate fam
lily. Respectfully yours
HENRY L. MADISON"
How kind that was! Not word about his own
patience and orbearance towards the poor besotted
man not a word of abuse for the man who had
again and again endangered the interests of his
employer! No wonder Toms cheek crimsoned
and his eyes sought the floor No wonder that
his wife's lips quivered, as these kind words fell
upon her ear, coming as they did from man capa-
BILE of damning the reputation of her husband at
bis option!
Gas said BEFORE" continued Glover, folding
the letter and replacing it in his memorandum
book, II was both saddened and grati6ed at this in
telligence Saddened, to think that your condition
in life had undergone such a change; gratided to
feel myself in position to assist you.
"Have you seen Mr.. Madison since your arTi-
val?" asked Tom. .. --.....
'T called at his Office on my way here, but every
body had gone to dinner, except young Hazleton,
the assistant book-keeper. He directed me where
you could be SEEM
"And what had he to say about me?" inquired
Tom, suspiciously.
"Nothing whatever" replied Glover, rather sur
prised at the question. Then, after afewmoments'
silence, during which he leisurey surveyed the sad
countenances Of the group, the expression Of which
sorely grieved and puzzled him, he asked, rather
abruptly, "How about the situation?'
"What situation do you refer to 2' asked Tom,
with look which any Psychologist would have in
terpreted into II feel utterly abashed in this man
presence. He is evidently ignorant Of my shame
full condition"
'sWhy, the situation which I came all the way
from London to offer you.
"What to be foreman in your factory?"
Exactly r'
"Wel said Tom, moving restlessly aboutin his
chair, II really do not know what to say"
"Not know what to sayl Why, what tshoatldyou
say but yes?'' And Glover looked more puzzled
than ever.
Zone thing can say" said poor Tom, almost
overcome with the intensity of his emotions, land
that is that am under lasting obligations to you
for your kind offer.
"Wel think over the matter until 1 see you
again." said Glover. "I will walk over to the fac
tory and have little chat with my old friend, Mr..
Madison. may drop in again in the morning,
when hope you will have made up your mind to
oblige me by accepting the situation. BY the way,
Mr.. Simmons, of course I shall pay all expenses
for the removal of yourself and family, and provide
you with comfortable home near my factory; So,
if your hesitation arises from considerations of this
character assure you that you need feel no unea-
mess on this score In fact-so far expenses are
concerned-I am perfectly willing to advance you
a portion of your salary" Then, turning in the
doorway, headed: '"Think of it, Mr.. Simmons !
two hundred pounds year and comfortably fur
nished housep' Slipping little package into
Minnie's hands, Joel Glover mounted his horse
and rode slowly and meditativey away.
"Now, Tom l' said his wife, in an exultant tone
of voice, "here is splendid opportunity for you.
Tom arose from his seat and walked rapidly to
and fro about the room; then, suddenly stopping
short before his wife, he said impatiently, pshaw
you talk foolishly, Julia. Do you not see that
Glover is utterly ignorant of my real condition
He is under the impression that some misfortune
has overtaken me, by means of which I have been
reduced to poverty. He does not dream that l
am a poor, miserable, drunken sot, and that have
brought all this ruin and distress upon my own
head"
'But dear Tom," said his wife, kindly taking
his hand and drawing him down upon chair be-
side her, "Mr. Madison is too much Of chris
tan to expose your weaknesses to Mr.. Glover,
and when it is known that you have positively
made up your mind to do better in the future, I
feel perfectly satisfied that both of these gentlemen
will gladly assist you to retrieve your ruined for
tunes"
81 don't believe word of it" said Tom, i'm
patiently 81 tell you again, Julia, that you talk