The Van Buren press., 1869-08-17
Lesson in Courtesy.

| Mr.. Ely used to tell little story OF a
brother clergyman, Rev. Mr. Gay, Of
Sunicld, which story was good illustra.
ton Of Yankee "cuteness" Several
similar anecdotes have appeared in print; !;
but this is genuine "Simon Pure" !
| believe.
Among Mr. Gays parishioners was a
well to do farmer, named, we will say,
Brown, who was especially generous in
his free will tithes to the good minister
The farmers errand and "chore' boy,
getting big enough to take his place at
the plow, a new boy was taken into ser.
vice-a rough, unframed little fellow, |
think from the poor house. To him the
promoted boy discoursed quite conde-
scendingly: "You hev got into pretty
nice place. | tell you; and if you behave
they'll treat you well, give you plenty Of
good victuals, suit of Sunday clothes
winter schoolin', and not work you tew
hard. But one thing-you'll have to go
on errands TO the minister's purity often
and lug big baskets OF things, and the
worst of it is, that you'll never get moth
ing but thanks from the parson and his
rolks, not so much as shilling fer your
pains
Johnny heard and pondored; and it
happened that the very next morning nc
was sent TO the minister's with heavy
quarter of veal, about as much rs he
could carry. The way was long and the
weather was warm, and when he reached
| the darsonage, lie was not in the sweet
est Of tempers. He marched into the
breakfast room without knocking or re-
moving his hat; and setting down his
basket, said, rather grufly:
"Mr. Gay, Mr. Brown has sent you'
this uere quarter Of veal"
"Ah indeed" said the minister,
blandy, {" / am much obliged to him
Are you Mr.. Browns new boy "
"Yes."
"Well, my lad, when you have been in
his family while longer your manners
will doubtless improve.
"Why, what's the matter with my man,
ners ~ asked the boy, with look OF
stupid astonishmeni.
"Why, my son, they are a little alb
rupt aud disc0urteous. Now your way
Of presenting Mr.. Browns present was
was not Just what it should have been. !
think | can show you, so that you will
know just how to do next time. l will
personate you, and you may pretend that
you are me, for a few minutes"
Saying this, the minister took up the
basket, went into the entry and closed
the door. Then he knocked gently
The boy, having seated himself in the
minister's chair, and put on grave and
reverend aspect, called out "Come in
Antering very quietly and deflerontial
ly though with difficulty preserving his
gravity, holding his hat in one hand and
the basket in the ether, the minister ap
preached his small proxy, and said, with
q low bow:
"Mr. Brown sends his compliments,
and begs you will accept this quarter OF
veal, Mr.. Gay
81 am very much obliged to Mr.
Brown, and to you, my fine boy SAID
johnny, with the air OF the utmost Sc
riousness 4" but it seems to me It's big
lead for so small lad to carry. Just
take il into the kitchen, and ask Mrs.
Gay to give you quarter Of doilsr."
Nobody ever enjoyed this story more
than Mr.. Gay himself, except perhaps,
Mrs Gay, who promptly paid over the
quarter TO the clever little actor
He ought to have made great law
yer. Perhaps be did, and ended his days
/ on the BENCH trace Greenwood, ~ the
ipdependSh