Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1874-11-17
MIscELLANEeus.
THE WISE MANS CHOICE.

81 is a simple story we have to tell, and as
s. it is story Of to-day, with the actors liv>
ing and moving among US, We will not direct
the stare of the multitude by publishing
real names.
Let US say that Mr.. Beverly was mer>
chant, wealthy, respected aud influential,
doing business large enough to satisfy the
ambition of an Astor or Billy Grey. Pre-
vious to the fell swoop of the fire fend in
Boston, his store reared its granite front on
Franklin street, and multitudiuous and bulky
were the bales and boxes that found daily
transit to and from the busy mart.
In Mr.. Beverly's employ were three clerks
George Acton, Philip Lewis and Clarance
Bugbee--wh entered to learn the mercantile
business, and who had given promise of pro-
fciency The fact that they had been re-
tanned in the house a year or more, was proof
positive to those who knew Mr.. Beverly, that
they were of industrious, steady habits and
youths of promise.
At his homo Mr. Beverly had among his
children daughter-F Florence by name
who often came to the store, and whom the
clerks had met at her fathers house. These
clerks could be gay and gallant on occasions,
but never towards Florence Beverly. The
feeling they entertained toward her was one
akin to worship In their hearts they adOred
her atar off, giving her respectful attention
and prizing her smile of recognition as
priceless boon.
So far as the family connections of these
three young men we're concerned, they were
all honorable, respected people, hut none of
them wealthy. Mr.. Beverly was not wont to
seek his trusted servants among those who
had been reared in ease and luxury
On certain occasion Mr. Beverly was
heard to remark that he would rather give
his daughter in marriage to a man poor in
purse, who could bring the wealth OF pure
and upright heart, than to the possessor of
millions whose manhood was tainted in tho
least degree
This remark came to the knowledge Of the
clerks. and il is not surprising that they there
upon experienced wild and brilliant day
dreams, in which most stupendous and daa>
zliug castles were constructed in the air.
AS time passed on they became moro and
more familiar with FlOrence's sweet smile,
and were admitted to degree of friendship
which proved, at least, that she did not dcs>
pse them.
At length came the devastating FIRE of the
ninth Of November. Upon viewing the scene
of desolation. and calculating the chances
and the necessities of business, Mr.. Beverly
resolved that he would not Immediately seek
new quarters for the continuance of his trade.
He had no need, and no did not care to do
it; so he secured an Office where he could
meet and consult with his correspondents,
sad settle outstanding accounts, in pursuance
of which only the services Of his secretary
and two book keepers were required.
The three clerks were summoned to the
merchants presence. He told them what he
h.l Ill. l.. ! L. L J
cludcd, and he advised that they should seek
some other employment until he was ready to
start again.
81 shall rebuild as soon as possible" he
said, "and then your old places will be open
for you. In the meantime, if you are hard
pushed do not hesitate to come to me for
assistance"
Within two weeks from that time both
Philip Lewis and Olarence Bugbee called
upon Mr. Beverly and asked him
loan of q handred. dnllar. eanh- az