Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-05-10

us boys, and in few months led the class
Ike an old bell l-wether. With me alone,
however, he was really on az intimate foot
. ing. l was his chum, and had it not been
for early education, which had given my
mind strong bias. I might have been led
into trouble by the association In all his
habits and thoughts Contend was gentle.
man, and opposed to anything rude or dis
orderly, but his Judgment on the subject Of
expense never underwent change, and his
DEGREES as to what every one should wear,
buy, and spend were fixed by his own ex-
perience, and immutable
Many were the amicable discussions that
took place between Paul and me, on this
fruitful subject, and as he grew mere deci-
ded in his utterances, l became more stub
born. in nay opinions. and on this moot
point eternal warfare ragged.
l never shall forget one afternoon when
Contend caught me. with a pair of cheap
white gloves that | had purchased at half
price at the country store. This extravaganza
had emptied my purse and made my coun-
tenance tall, but there was to be wedding
at the Professors house that evening, and
We were all expected to appear in white
gloves and cravats. 1t was IN possible to
stay away without giving offence. and had
therefore made this sacrifice to society, but
not without pang-
Paul took the gloves from. me. turned
them cody over, and handed them back
with contemptuous shrug.
Cheap and nasty, see, . said he,laugh-
ing. You never viii learn wisdom. Jack,
and buy your things tip top.
These are good enough for one evening,
said quietly white gloves don't last any
longer, and besides | cant afford any bet
ter; these took al that was left of my al
lowance. "
You should have written home for more
money"
Il wouldn't DO that, whatever happened;
not if | had to wear mittens.
Then you are a jackass; would rather
beg, borrow, or steal irst-rate pair of kids
than 60 in those.
Il shall 90 in these, and have nice time
in spite Of cheap gloves; am only boy,
and nobody expects Us to be elegant or hand
soulely gotten up here.
Il shall always be dressed as gentleman
should II It takes the last silver 7 have got
ia the world. Every one notices dress, and
besides hate mean clothes
1t i the meanest thing in the world to
have what ycu cant a6efi. or can't pay
for"
Nonsense the pqter tlguH,ts i an ami
nal that expects 10 be hseeed; he likes it,
no matter how loudly he 51gs'
Well, ny :alLsr has no fleece to. spare,
and "hcn I leave schooI I nave got to work
hard aud push my oTn way in the world.
I am nat going to encumber. myself with q
load Of elegant tastes. Common clothes,
plain fare, vii. be my Ut for years, perhaps
for life. and It i as vel TO submit TO circuul-
stances until I can overcome them
Paul said no more. He was too kind
hearted to dwell upon my uncertain pros
poets, and felt really much commiseration
for what seemed to him ahjeot poverty; but
this conversation had The effect to confirm
Us both in our Preconceived opinions.
Three years passed away, and we separa-
tel to enter life on different pathways.
With much difficulty my father obtsined
Tor NE 1 place in acity lawyer Office, where
studied, and received at the same time q
small salary for doing ordinary Office work.
IF NY elegant friend Paul had seen me- in
the shabbiest Of clothes, and on the seanti-
e>t of fare. working Ike Z verita5le beast Of
burden, doubt. whether a hearty >colding.
or heartier shake of the hand would have
been his greeting. As it was. not till time
had carried me rather higher up on the
rounds OF fortunes ladder did We meet
again, and then he welcomed me with cor
diality that revived the affection Of early
years He had been through college, and
vas now on his way 10 Europe 70 finish his
studies and see the world.
You are your own master now, said l,
glanciDg al his faultless mourning suit, evi-
deutly IN its first freshness.
Yes, and miss my father terribly, al
though be was always pounding It into nae
about my extravaganza. However, he vas
a true friend, and left me all he had in the
world Not 50 much after all OGly fifty
thousand But its nice little sum.
You can live very comfortably on that
abroad. said I. The income wiiisnpport
you if you get in cheap place.
NO cheap places for me, said Contend,
laughing. You know | don't believe in
that sort Of ming. The best of everything
is the cheapest, IN fare. wear. and tare,'
and to see the world, and eat, and TO be
clothed decently is the prerogatire of gen.
tleman.
sighed. 1T is not the fate Of all" l
said. Some must struggle while others
enjoy, However, it is all right in the end.
no doubt. 50
Jack" said Ceptepd quickly, come
ont IN the, steamer with me. You want
holiday sadly, and the run across will do you
good You can go for a month or so TO
Paris. anG return in the autumn. 1t won't
cost you much, aud I'll back you to any ex-
tent You are such an economical old
squsretoes, that having you along will lessen /