The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-02-24
THE FIREsIDE.
A Fortune made by a Pin.

Many people have inherited great name
from their parents and friends; why cannot
I make great reputation by my own in
dustry and perseverance
These words were spoken by young man
of respectable appearance yet really IN want,
as he walked, enc autumn morning In the
year 1889, up Antin street, in Paris, and ap-
preached the stately house of banker. On
{ ringing the door bell, his heart beat with
fear and anxiety when he was met by
servant in livery, who asked him rather
bluntly what he wanted.
'Iwish to speak to Mr.. Perregaux, replied
the young man. Is he at home2
The answer was affirmative, and the porter
led him up to the broad, marble stairway to
the upper story, where the Young man was
admitted into splendid ante-room, orna-
mented with paintings and statues. He
quietly took seat in the corner, and had
hardly the courage to face the great men
who went in and cut of the great bankers
room. He thought of his home in the
country, of his departure from his beloved
parents, and their prayers and their bless
ings. He recalled his mothers last words:
What will you do in Paris, my SOM Stay
"a here you have your home, though it is
poor one. And then he thought of his own
answer. Let me try my fortune, dear
Q mother, in order that may share it with
you and my dear friends. But answered
she, fortune 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, go
and if you do not succeed, do not be asham-
ed to return to US. Your fathers house
( and the arms of your mother will always
be open to receive you
q. Mr.. Perregaux was reading letter when
the young man was admitted to his presence,
and hardly noticed the unassuming stranger
"Do you wish TO speak with me, young
man2 Ifso tell me in what respect I can
serve you'll"
Mr.. Perregaux,n said the young man,
looking plainly and calmly in his face, u
have neither name. nor rank, nor fortune,
but industry, strength, and a strong will to
work. Can you give me place in your
great business house even the most insig-
nifcant one would suit me-"
"What is your name 2" asked Mr.. Perre-
gaux, who would not keep his eyes from the
attractive features of the young applicant,
and read in his clear eye discretion and
fidelity. s... i,..s
iiss Jacques Laftte," was the answer.
- "Your age? ?" s-
- " Eighteen years" replied the young man.
a" was born on the 29th of October, 1771."
jsa0...' Are you Partisan p" inquired the bank
= er further.
- sNo, sir am from Bayonne. My father
is a carpenter, and has ten children to care
! for. My object is to find place where 1
shall be able to help support my fathers
family"
&, 81 g A noble undertaking, young man." re-
piled the banker :" but I regret to say I
: have no place vacant for you. am sorry
7 fnr this. Perhaps later application would
Ind me able to receive you"
pc Everything seemed to swim before La
difitte'seyes He scarcely knew how to reach
z theidoor. His knees trembed rs he de-
scended the marble staircase, and with a
slow step he went down into the street.
: The refusal was almost more than he could
y bear. Yet he summoned courage and start
ed of. ~ i Is-Tsl
% Just as he reached the street, he saw some
thing shining in the sand that had collect
, ed near the steps. 1t was only pin. vet he
q took it up and stuck it ia his coat.
:! This little act, apparently unseen BY any
body else in the world, decided his whole
fortune Mr.. Perregaux stood at the win
dow designing it happened to see the re-
fused applicant pick something mp and won
dered what it was. When the young man
i. stuck 1t IN the left breast of his coat the
banker thought it was pin. Men who
nave great knowledge of human nature like
Mr. Perregaux, understand the meaning of
seemingly insignificant things. and how far
small actions go toward the Interpretation
= OF character. So he said to himself: The
man who will not refuse to pick up pin
must certainly have some habits that will
i'e OF great use if he ever. had an opportu-
nifty to employ them. eael .-5a
- he quickly opened the window and called
young Jacques.
9 The young man quickly returned, hasten
- ed up stairs, and was soon in the presence
of the banker.
Do you have the goodness" said Jac-
A-ques, ITO comply with my request %
Hel What makes you so decided 2" replied
the banker. -. ''SN'
~ From the fact that you have recalled
ID sne, /" was the answer. II believe you would
d not have done it if you had not wished to
accept my application" 4
Quick powers of observation, love Of or
der and economy, replied Mr. Perreganx, in
= q friendly way. will make good business
man. Go into my counting house; will
descend as soon IS possible and give YOU
q hEtle business to attend to. -
- From this hour young Lafitte was in Per.
regaux's counting-house His industry and
s9ddriity helned him an auaru ree,,aot II;,