Middletown transcript., 1875-03-27

chant looked up from his ledgars to Sc
his only child. in a faultless walking
dress, entering the counting-house.
"Another check p he said, movinI
chair to her. How much thi
time 2"
Nothing! l want to talk to you
Shut the door. so those horrid mel
can't hear me
The door closed, and privacy in th'
sanctum secured, Bertha astonished hel
paternal relative BY bursting into a pas
sion of weeping.
"Why, Berthav' he cried
"Never mind, papa. 1t is all over
now. Do you remember what you
said to me when Raymond Thurstor
asked for some employment here p
"Not exactly"
81 do. You said that man brought
up as he had been would want a sine
cure; that he never would come down
to real work, and that you had no po-
sition for fine gentlemen that bis Offer
to take a subordinate position and
learn business was simply farce"
Ibid I say all that, Bertha ?"
ITO me you did. suppose you dis
missed him politely enough But, pa
pa, if you thought he was really in
earnest, really meant to work for liv-
ing, would you give him chance
here p
Yes; he has capacity, brains and
splendid address. But he has been an
idler all his life"
"He is no idlsr now. He is driving
an express cart
Bertha T.
HE is. I met him not an hour ago.
He thought l was going to cut him.
As it," she added. with magnificent
scorn, Il would slight an old friend in
adversely
BLESS my soul Driving an express
wagon! Ned Thurston's boy! <Edu-
Gated at Harvard. Dear me! Did
you notice whose wagon it was Ber-
tha p
Bertha had noticed, and the old gen.
tleman hustled into his coat and start
ed for the Office At dinner be in
formed Bertha that Raymond had ac-
cepted place in his own large estab-
lishment, with a frank confession of
bis profound ignorance of all business
affairs, but an earnest resolution to
learn we'll and speedily whatever ap-
pertained to the duties entrusted to
him.
1t was not many weeks before Mr..
Haines congratulated himself upon the
acquisition of his new clerk. He told
Bertha marvellous stories Of Raymond's
rapid progress and the strides he was
making in his new life, knowing moth
ing Of the long nights spent in pouring
over ledger and accounts. the many
misgivings the new clerk felt. The
same active brain and quick intelli-
gence the student had brought to gain
college honors, now stood in good
stead mastering the iDtricacies in in
voices. bookkeeping and counting
house mysteries, and Raymond gained
favor rapidly ia the eyes Of his en-
ployer.
1t is question whether actual mer-
it would have advanced him quite so
frequently as he was promoted. hard
as he worked and steadily as he i'm
proved. But Mr.. Haines worshipped
his only child, and the burst of tears
in the counting house concealed from
all others. A self-made man himself,
with an ample fortune to add to the
one Bertha already held, he laid no
stress upon money in thinking of pos
sible son-in-law. Energy, industry,
integrity, these were the foundation
stones of his own fortune, and these
were the qualities be desired in life
companion for the child who was the
hope and pride Of his old age
The closer the ties were bound that
drew Raymond Thurston to him in
business, the more he honorsd and ss-
teemsd the sterling worth Of the man
be had SO long regarded as mere but
terfy of fashion, one of fashions spoiled
children. And learning to respect bis
worth, be had also learned to love the
frank. bright face, the clear. ringing
voice, and the ever-ready courtesy of
the young clerk. 1t grew to be very
frequent occurrence for him to ask the
support Of the strong. young arm,
when the streets were slippery. and at
the door to invite Raymond to dine, sure
of beaming look Of pleasure from
Bertha.
There came day. after two long
years of faithful service, when Ray
mond was informed. in the privacy of
his counting g-heuse, that junior part
nership was his, if he would accept it.
Some emotion checked the utterance
of Raymopd's heartfelt gratitude. He
extended bis hand. to meet a cordial