Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-09-28
aIs Nh. Hubbard al home Z"

T.
Eyes, but he has Just come in, and don't
think he can see you" was the suporcilious
reply.
''and have come from the store. think
he will see me if you mention this to him"
''Very well, you can come in.
Edward was left standing in the hall, while
Mr.. Hubbard was sought by the servant.
"Well2' he said inquiringly, "has any
thing happened 2,
"No sir" said Edward, "but I picked up
this bill near your desk; and l supposed you
must have dropped it. Thought had better
bring it here directly"
"You have done WE'LL - said Mr.. Hubbard,
sand l will remember it. Honesty is very
valuable quality in a boy just commencing in
business career. Hereafter l shall have
perfect confidence in your honesty.
Edward was gratiied by this assurance, yet
as the door closed behind him, and ne walked
out into the street the thought of his sister
sick at home again turned upon him and he
thought .regretfully how much good could
have been done with ten dollars Not that he
had regretted that he had been honest. There
was satisfaction in doing right, but l think
my reader will understand his feelings with
out 'explanation.
Mrs Jones brought some toast to her daugh-
ter's bedside, but Mary motioned it away
81 thank you for taking the trouble to make
it, mother" she said, "but don't think
could possibly eat it"
'.Is there any thing you could relish, Mary?"
''No," she said, hesitatingly, "nothing that
we can get"
Mrs Jones sighed-a sigh which Edward
| echoed.
1t was with heavy heart that Edward
started to the warehouse the next morning
He had never felt the cravings for wealth that
now took possession of him.
He set about his duties as usual About
two hours after he had arrived at the ware
house. Mr. Hubbard entered. He did not at
first appear to notice Edward, but in about
half an hour summoned him to the Office,
which was partitioned off from the remainder
of the spacious rooms in which goods were
stored.
He smiled pleasantly as Edward entered
his presence.
"Tell mo frankly, did you not feel an i'm
pulse to keep the bill which you found last
night?"
II hope You won't be offended with me,
Mr. Hubbard said Edward, 'if l say did"
'Tell me all about it" said Mr.. Hubbard,
with interest. 'What was it that withheld
YOU? l should never have known ii"
81 knew that" said Edward.
"Then what withheld you from taking it Z"
"First will tell you what tempted me"
said Edward. "My mother and sister are
obliged to depend upon sewing for living,
and we live but poooly at best. But fort
night since Mary became sick, and since then
we have had hard time, Mary's appetite is
poor, and she does not relish food, but we are
able to get her nothing better. When
picked up that bill could not help thinking
-, ,,,,,ah ooDld buy With n for her ~
'And yet you did not take it 2"
''No, sir, it would have been wrong and
could not have looked you in the face after
it"
Edward spoke in tones of modest con-
fdcnce.
Mr.. Hubbard went to his desk and wrote
check
GLOW much do pay you now p he asked.
"Fifty dollars year" said Edward.
''Henceforth your duties will be increased,
and will pay you two hundred Will that
please you 2"
"Two hundred dollars year !" exclaimed
Edward, his eyes sparkling with delight.
ayes, at the end of the year that will be
increased, if, as 1 have no doubt you will, you
continue to merit my confidence"
'Oh, sir, how can thank you I" said Ed
ward, full of gratitude.
"B ~ preserving your integrity. As pre-
sumo you are in present need of money, will
pay you onc>quarter in advance. Here is a
check for fifty dollars which you can get
cashed at the bank. And, by the way, you
can have the rest of the day to yourself"
Edward few to the bank, and with his sud-
den riches hastened to the market, where he
purchased supply of provisions such as he
knew would be welcome at home, and then
made haste to announce his good fortune.
A weight seemed to fall off the hearts of the
mother and daughter as they heard his hur-
ried story, and Mrs. Jones thanked God for
bestowing upon her son those coed principles
which had brought this great relief
And Mr.. Hubbard slept none the worse
that night that at a slight pecuniary sacrifice
he had done kind action confirmed a boy in
his integrity and gladdened struggling fam
ily. Ifthere were more employers as consid
crate as he, there would be fewer dishonest
clerks.