The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-07-22
IN BUSINESS HOURS.

"It's O poor head that cannot bear a
glass of wine," said the young man.
"Few heads can bear it in business
hours" was the reply. $50 take a
friends advice, Howard, and let the
wine Alone"
The last speaker wal past the meridian
of life. He had a care-worn face, and
deep, thoughtful eyes. If you studied
his c~ountenance when in repose, you
read In many of its lines a record of dis
appointment and heartache. The other
was a handsome young man, with clear,
confident eyes and a self-poised air.
You saw that he had faith in himself
wa hopeful and strong, and meant to
win IN the race Of life.
"Why do you say in business hours,
Mr.. Clarkson2" inquired the young
man, as he held the wine near his lips.
because success in business requires
a clear head; and no head is as clear af-
ter a glass of wine is taken as it was be-
FORE"
Mr.. Clarkson said this SO gravely and
impressively that his companion was
struck by his manner, and felt that he
spoke from painful experience. He
stood irresolute for a moment, and then
set down the untasted glass of wine.
"Right, my young friendl"
There wa a tone of satisfaction in Mr..
Clarkson's voice.
"But," said Howard, as he moved
back from a table covered with the dain-
test refreshments and the choicest wines
surrounded by beauty and fashion
"I see many of our successful business
men here, and they are taking wine
freely. At bridal reception no one
can refase."
The occasion does not lessen the
oanger," Mr.. Clarkson answered.
"Some men who go away from here this
morning will be poorer by nightfan than
when they. came"
SIN the chance of trade and specula-
ton, loss and gain come to some men
every day. 1t is the natural course of
things" said Howard.
"But I mean poorer for the wine
drank here" replied Mr.. Oarkson. SCI
see men in this room who have large
business interests of their own and 9th
ers to manage; interests that require the
coolest Judgment and the most careful
thought. They will hurry away from
here in a little while, and go back to
their offices, their stores and their count
in6-rooms, to take up the work they in.
termitted for a brief hour. Do you
think they will be as clear-headed as be.
fore? as well fitted to grapple with the
issues that demand their highest ability
Will the wine they take be a help or 6
hindrance? 1 could tell you a story
added Nh. Clarkson, after q pause, $50
full of warning that its lesson would
hardly fail to impress you deeply. Ru-
this is neither the time nor the place."
"Wil you make the time and place p
asked Howard, whose interest and curl
osity were both fully awakened.
eyes"
"When and where?"
81 shall be at home this evening, ant
will be happy too see you. live at 40;
- street."
"Thank you. I shall certainly call.
The two men separated, young How
ard wondering why Mr.. Clarkson shoul,
have manifested any special concern fo
him. What had been said about tn
danger of confusing the mind by drin.
" Duoh4Coo AOu1o hlScItu LII LII
thoughts, End the more he pondered
the more its significance grew upon hin
In the evening he called upon Mr.. ClarE
son as he had promised.
"Glad to see you, my young friend,
was the kind greeting he received. Z"
knew your father years ago, and Their
are many things in my memory of hiI
that I recall with pleasure. He was
true man, MI. Howard, and the world
better off for his having lived in it. !
was il thought of him that led me I
speak as l did this morning. 1 migl
almost say it was a voice of warnin
from your father through me-"
81 cannot but feel a little surprised
this" said Howard, frankly. "My f
Their used wine. 1 have often seen hi
take a glass at his own table when l
had company. He set it before h
guests, and partook of it on such occ
sions. At my sisters wedding recel
ton, which occurred during his lifetim
wine wa served as at the reception tn
morning"