The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-05-28
For the Morning Star and Catholic Messenger.
MARDI GRAS:
A Tale of Ante Bellum Times.
BY TIM. LINKINwATER.
Continued
CHAPTER XVII.

The house of George Maeourty was one OF
the best in the city, having inherited a good
reputation from the founder of the business
BY close attention, and strict integrity, Mr..
Macourty had extended his trade slowly and
surely, meeting every engagement promptly,
dealing with his patrons in q fair, Just and
honorable manner that ensured him their fu-
ture custom. There was no dash OF brilliancy,
no wild speculation about his business, but all
the details were carefully attended to- cease
less energy and never firing perseverance were
employed, and success had followed. He was
now able to keep large cash balance always
on hand to meet the drafts of those who con-
signed goods to him, to take advantage of any
huctu atoms in the markets and to cover all
the CONTINGENCIES of his business. Brsides
this, he owned considerable real estate and was
the holder of stocks, bonds and mortgages to
large amount. His business was now 30 ex-
tensive and profitable that each year the bal
ance sheet showed q handsome addition to his
fortune.
1t was a morning in November when a Young
search of some place he had seen before, for ma
he walked on, he read the signs over the doors
of the stores and occasionly paused to observe
what was going on within. Everywhere the
evidences of prosperous business were to be
seen, boxes and bales of goods were arriving
and departing, clerks we've engaged in selling
and shipping, ana all through the streets bus
tie and activity prevailed. In front of Mr..
Macourty's store there were long rows of casks
of ale and wine. boxes of foreign liquors, and
bales of imported goods. A clerk was receiv-
the ships, another was marking the packages
that were sold and yet to be sent off. and two
warehousemen were moving the goods about
as they directed. The young man asked one
of the clerks if Mr.. Macourty was in, and was
answered in the affirmative, that he could be
found in the office up stairs.
The merchant was in his easy office chair
reading. the morning paper, and so intently
engaged that he did not notice the young
mans entrance.
Do you want another clerk, sir ?" inquired
Not at present." replied Mr.. Macouirty,
without looking up.
Could You tell me where would ba GLaly
to fiud place I"
Really could not" replied Mr.. Macourty,
carelessly. The book-keeper, who had been
a smile, kindly said, that he did not know of
any vacancy ut that time.
Good morning, sir" said the young man,
and with disappointed look he turned away
"You want situation ?" said MIR. Macourty
suddenly throwing down the paper.
"1es, SIT, am looking for place where
can earn q living. and am willing to work."
replied the young man.
''What can ybn do 7" inquired Mr.. Macour-
tys in an absent-minded tone, for something
about the young mans face had struck him as
being very familiar, aud he was trying to think
where he had met him before.
Il write q good band and am tolerably
quick at figures, I"
What is your name 7" said Mr.. Macourty
interrupting him.
Philip Cummings, sir, my father Peter
Cumming"
"Why certainly" exclaimed the gentleman,
again interrnpting him, now shaking taDds
with him, and looking very much pleased; 81
ought to have known you at once, Philip. !
am glad to see you, very glad to you, come
in here and sit down. Why Mrs. Insecurity
will be delighted to you I am sure, you
must go with me to dinuer-certainly, de-
clare, you look very natural, but have grown
very much. Mr.. Browsee-Philip," b.k said,
introd ncing the book-Eosper, philip is an old
favorite of ours" he continued, :" aud the son
Of much loved friend. Take q seat, Philip,
and tell MS all abont yOur adventures for these
Jet me sect must be seveI eight years
since you left usf
Yes, sir, it it," replied Philip.
How is your Uncle, aud how did you leave
the famiy-well-eh ~
Very well, indeed, sir" said Philip, my
uncle Is an excellent man, and treated me as if
mad been his own son i'll fact they were all
very k'nd to ME, aud 1 owe them much love
and gratitude"
am pleased to hear you say So" reuled
ms ifiehd there il nothing more commend
aole III II NonhS mln, than proper estimation
OF the kindness of those to whose care he has
been Indebted. You want a situation Well,
VIII Try To make room for you, iJ will be IA
poor place at first but you can work M YOU
know" f''
Z" shall do my best to do sou
" ITbiuk You eau make him assistant eutry
clerk Mr. Browsrc," he said, then nddr.ssin,,
PulIJ Ia. crptj5u"d. ''ynu.tN IA hnv, so,,,. 30
tries u maxi, rt;rrs I" copy, 30 IL the most