Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1872-10-10
IN BUSINESS HOURS.

IN BUSINESS HOURS.
'It's a poor head that cannot bear s
glass of wine" said the young man.
"Few heads can bear it in business
hours" was the reply. $50, take s
friends advice, Howard, and let the wine
alone"
The last speaker was past the meridian
of life He had care worn face, and
deep, thoughtful eyes. If you studied
his countenance when IN repose, you read
in many of It's lines record of disappoint.
ment and heartache. The other was 8
handsome young man, with clear, conf
dent eyes, and a self poised air. You saw
that he had faith in himself-was hopeful
and strong, and meant to win in the race
of life.
"Why do you say in business hours,
Mr.. Garkson?" inquired the young man,
as he held the wine near his lips.
"Because success in business needs q
clear head; and no head is as clear after
a glass OF wine is taken as it was before -
Mr. Clarkson said this so gravely and
impressively that his companion was
struck by his manner, and felt that he
spoke from some painful experience. He
stood irresolute for a moment and then
set down the untasted glass of wine
"Right, my young friendm There was
rf cofiSfantinp in hr
voice.
6 But" said Howard, as he moved back
from table covered with the daintiest
refreshments and the choicest wines-a
table surrounded by beauty and fashion
-"l see many Of our successful business
men here, and they are taking wine free
ly. At bridal reception no one can re-
fuse"
"The occasion does not lessen the dan
ger" Mr.. Clarkson answered. "Some
men who 90 from here this morning will
be poorer by nightfall than when they
came'
''In the chances of trade and specula-
ton loss and gain come to some men every
day. 1t is the natural course of things
said Howard.
But ] mean poorer for the wine drank
here" replied Mr. Clarkson, "I see
men in this room who have large business
interests of their own and others to man
age; interests that require the coolest
judgement and the most careful thought
They will hurry away from here in little
while, and go back to their offices, their
stores, and their counting rooms, to
take up the work intermitted for brief
hour. Do you think they will be as clear
headed as before? AS well fitted to Crap
pie with the issues that demand their
highest ability? Will the wine they have
taken be help or hindrance?
q could tell you a story" Mr.. Clark
son added. after a pause, $50 full of
warning, that its lesson would hardly fail
to impress you deeply. But this is neither
the time nor the place"
g VIII you make the time and placer"
asked Howard, whose interest and curl
osity were both awakened.
eyes"
"When and where7"
''I snail be at home this evening, and
will be pleased to see you. 1 live at No.
403 - street"
Thank you. shall certainly CALL"
The two men separated, young Howard
wondering why Mr.. Clarkson should have
manifested any special concern for him.
What had been said about the danger of
confusing the mind by drink in business
hours fingered in his thoughts, and the
more he pondered it the more its signif-
canoe grew upon him. In the evening he
called upon Mr.. Clarkson as he had prom
ised.
''Glad to see You, my young frlend,' y
was the kind greeting he received. 81
knew your father years ago; and there
are many things in my memory of him
that [ recall with pleasure. He was a
true man, Mr.. Howard; and the world is
better for his having lived in it. 1t was
my Thoughts of him that led me to speak
as [ did to YOU this morning. I might
almost say that it was voice of warning
from your father through me-"
81 cannot but feel little surprised at
this, Howard said frankly. "My father
used wine have often seen him take a
glass at his own table when we had COM
pany. He set it before his guests, and
partOok of it on social occasions. AT
my sisters wedding reception, which oc
Cured during his life time, wine was
served as at the reception this morning y
A shadow dropped over Mr. Clarkson's
face After little silence he replied
Il know all this. And your father never
used wine to excesS-did not care much
for twas only in accord with a social
custom. And yet, temperate as he was
you are poorer to day by many thousands
ofdollars than you would have been if he
had not taken a few glasses of wine al
your sisters wedding reception"
"You cannot mean what you say, Mr.
Clarkson!" the young man exclaimed, his
face flushing and paling by turns.
"1t is true, my young frend," was
answered. "And too, was hurt beyond
recovery by the wine drank in health to
the bride on that occasion. 1t was lin