Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-04-23
fur the Aun1e Girtle.
A STORY FOR THE LITTLE FOLKS.

A STORY FOR THE LITTLE FOLKS.
"Many people have inherited great
name from their parents and friends; why
cannot I make great reputation by my
own industry and perseverance.
These words were spoken by young
man of respectable appearance, yet really
in want, as he walked, one autumn morn.
ing, in the year 1887, up Antin street, in
Paris, and approached the stately house Of
a great banker. On ringing the door bell,
his heart beat with fear and anxiety when
he was met by servant in livery, who as.
ked him rather bluntly what he wanted.
81 wish to speak to MIR. Perregaux," re-
piled the young man. els he at home?"
The answer was affirmative, and the por-
ter led him up the broad, marble stairway
to the upper story, where the young man
was admitted into a splendid ante-room,
ornamented with paintings and statues
He quietly took seat in corner, and had
hardly the courage to face the great men
who went in and out of the bankers room.
He thought of his home in the country, Of
his departure from his beloved parents, Of
their prayers and their blessings. he re:
called his mother last words: "What will
you do in Paris, my SON? Stay here. You
have your home, though it is poor one" "
And then he thought of his own answer :
"Let me try my fortune, dear mother, in
order that I may share it with you and my
dear friends" ," "But," answered she 'for-
tune does not always visit those who seek
it," To this he replied: "But it never
seeks those who never seek it" "Well,
co." said the tender-hearted mother, ego,
and if you don't succeed, do not be ashamed
to return to US. Your fathers house and
the arms of your mother will always be open
to you"
Mr.. Perregaux was reading a letter when
the young man was admitted to his pres
ence, and hardly noticed the unassuming
stranger.
"Do you wish to speak to me, young
man ?" said the banker in friendly way.
eff so, tell me in what respect can serve
you?"
"Mr. Perregaux," said the young man,
looking plainly and calmly in his face, 81
have neither name, nor rank, nor fortune,
but industry, strength, and a strong will to
work. Can you not give me place in
your great ness-house?-even the most
insignificant one would suit me"
''What is your name?" asked Mr.. Per-
regaux, who could not keep his eyes from
the attractive features of his young appli-
cant, and read in his clear eye discretion
and fidelity.
"Jacques Lafite," was the answer.
"Your age?"
eighteen years, replied the young man.
"I was born on the 29th of October, It'll"
care you Perisian ?" inquired the bank
er further.
"No, sir, I am from Bayonne. My faith
er is a carpenter and has ten children to
care for. My object is to find place
where I shall be able to support my fathers
family
"a noble undertaking, young man." re-
piled the banker; "but 1 regret to say that
I have no place vacant for. you. I am sor-
ry for this. Perhaps later application
would find me able to receive you"
Everything seemed to swim before Laf-
CITES eyes. He scarcely knew how to
reach the door. His knees trembled as he
descended the marble staircase, and with a
slow step he went down into the street.
The refusal was almost more than he could
bear. Yet he summoned courage and star
ted off.
Just as he reached the street, he saw
something shining in the sand that had COL
lected near the steps. 1t was only pin,
yet he took it up and stuck it in his coat.
This little act, apparently unseen by any
one else in the world, decided his whole
future. Mr.. Perregaux stood at the win
dow, and, without designing it, happened to
see the refused applicant pick something
up, and wondered what it was. When the
young man stuck it in the left breast of his
coat, the banker thought it was pin. Men
who have great knowledge Of human ma
ture like Mr.. Perregaux, understand the
meaning of seemingly insignificant things,
and how far small actions 60 toward the in
terpretation of character. So he said to
himself: sThe man who will not refuse to
pick up pin must certainly have some
habits that will be of great use if he ever
has an opportunity to employ them"
He quickly opened the window and call
ed young Jacques.
The young man quickly returned, has
tened up stairs, and was soon again in the
presence of the banker.
"Do you have the goodness" said Jac-
ques, 'to comply with my request?'
"What makes you so decide?" replied
the banker.
"From the fact that you have recalled
me-" was the answer. 81 believe you
would not have done it if you had not wish
ed to accept my application"
"Quick powers of observation, love OF
order, and economy" replied Mr.. Perre:
gaux, in friendly way, "will make good
business man. Go into my counting-house
1 will descend as soon as possible, and give
you little business to attend to-"
From this hour young Lafitte was in
Perregaux's counting-house. His indus
try and fidelity helped in every respect
His punctuality won him the confidence Of
his employer. His zeal and progress in
creased from day to day, so that he soon
excited the attention and admiration of his
companions. In few years, he became
book-keeper, and afterwards cashier.
MI IT, L .ouo1ut;oo hroLo ont ond fbo