South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1873-04-25
The Wise Mans Choice.
A SKETCH FROM LIFE.
Bv sYLvASrs COBB, Is.

living and moving among US, we will not
direct the stare of the multitude by pub
fishing real names
Let ussay that Me- Beverly was q mer.
chant, wealthy, respected aud influential,
doing business large enough to satisfy
the AMBITION of an Astor or a Billy Grey
! Previous to the fell swoop Of the FIRE fsnd
IN Boston, his store reared its grauite front
on Franklin street, and mul,itudiuous and
bulky were the bales and boxes that found
daily transit to and from the busy mart
ln Mr.. Bsverly's employ we're three
clerks-George Acton, Philip Loui., aud
Clarence Bugbse-who had entered to
learn the mercantile business, and who had
/ given promise of proficiency. The fact
that they had been retained in the house
year or more, was proof positive 10 those
who knew Mr.. Beverly, that they were Of
industrious, steady habits, aud youths Of
promise.
At his home Mr.. Beverly had among his
children u Observation-Disclosures by name
who often came to the store, and whom the
clerks had met at her fathers house.
These clerks could be gay Md gallant on
occasion, but never toward Florence Bev-
erly. The feeling they entertained to-
wards her vas akin to worship. In their
hearts they adored her afar of, giving her
rsfectful attention, and prizing her smiso
of recognition as a priceless boon.
! 81 far as the family connections Of these
shrse young men were Concerned, they we're
all honorable, respected people, but none of
them wealthy. Mr Beverly was not wont
| 70 seek his trusted sor wants am nug those
. Ia had IN
! Ga a certain occasion Mr.. Beverly was
heard to remark, that no would rather give
his daughter in marriage to a man poor in
purse who could bring the wealth of pure
aud upright heart, than to the possessor
of millions whose manhood was tainted in
th least degree.
This remark came to the knowledge Of
the clerks, aud it is not surprising that
they thereupon experienced wild and bril-
! liant day dreams, in which most stupendu-
ons aud dazzling castles were constructed
in the air.
As time passed on they became more and
more { miliar with Fiorence's sweet smile,
and were admitted to degree of friend.
ship which proved, ct least, that she did
NOT despise them,
At length came the devastating FIRE Of
tie ninth of November. Upon viewing
the scene Of desolation, and calculating the
chances aG1 the necessities Of business,
| Mr.. Beverly resolved that he woul not
! i'm u 1diltely sock new quarters for the
continuance Of his trade. lie had no need ;,
! and be did not care TO do it so be sccur-
cd an office where be could meet and con-
suit with bis correspondents, and settle
I Oui standing accounts, in pursuance Of
J which only the services of bis private Soc
retulry and two book-keepcrs were re-
1uired
4 The three clerks were summoned TO the
merchants presence. lie told them what
he bad concluded to do, why he had oou
cluded, and be advised that they should
seek some other employment until be was
rs'dy TO start again.
/ Il shall rebuild as soou as possible BIO
said, and then your old places will be o.
pen for you. In the mean time, if you are
hard pushed, do not hesitate to come to me
for assistance.
Within two weeks from that time both
/ Philip Louis and Clarence Rugbee called
upon Mr., Beverly, and asked for the loan
Of a hundred dollars each. They had been
unable TO Gud employment, and were in
arrears for board The merchant kindly
gave thom the money and with it little
fatherly advice touching care and economy.
Ouo day, after this, as Philip and Clar-
euoe were walking down The blacked track
which hsd once been franklin street they
saw young man in guernsey fr1ck
working az tho windiass Of derrick amid
the ruins IF The old store, whom they
thought they recognized. They crossed
yer, and found il 10 be their fellow clerk
Georges Aston. They we're aslouuded aud
scandalizcd.
In mercy's bsmc, George, what does
this mean? 1t is only au eScapads Of
yours p
NO. answered Acton, wiping tho sweat
from his brow j sm fairly and hoDeatly
AZ work, and / earn two dollars = day
That's better than loa6ng.
Heavens = cried Philip Louis, with a
START, Gcrs comes Beverly and Florence
Go and hide yourself, Acton, before they
see you
But the young aborer did not bulge an
inch. Just ihco tho boss called out TO
hoist away " and George applied himself
to the work.
Meantime Mr.. }cvorly and his dlughter
bad come upon the 'oene, once more to look
upon the ruins Of the grani,siore house.
Lewis and Bugbee bowed respectfully, aud
then drew aside in NOTIFICATION that one
Of their fraternity should be found 10 80
menisl position, for 1t was evident that
both father aud daughter bad recognized
the youth in the garb and CRIME Of toll, as
the former clerk
'Halioo cried Mr.. Beverly, as soon as
be was sure that his eyes had not deceived
him. rs this you, George Acton =