The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-01-06

aud it struck me that perhaps he wanted
to get my cash price Of everything and
then desire to buy on time or turn me out
worthless securities
Don't sell to him. Why, the man is
going to the dogs at railroad speed"
Indeed !"
Yes; | am looking every day to sec
him close up. lie might have done well
for he understood his business. But he
so unaccommodating, and, | might say
insulting to his customers, that he drive,
the best Of them away used to make
large bills with him, but haven't dealt with
him for some time.
All, was not aware Of that, am
glad that spoke to you, for | should not
like to lose six or seven hundred dollars.
Six or seven hundred dollars Is il
possible that he wants to buy 50 recklesslyi
He has no such amount of money. De
pend upon it, there is some trick. Take
my advice and don't think of trusting
him"
| certainly shall not"
But the next day, Mr.. Leonard finding
he could do no better, ordered the good.
sent to his place of business, and then drew
check on the bank for the full amount
The merchant, still doubtful that all was
right, withheld the goods until he sent the
check to the bauk. 1t was readily cashed
much to his astonishment.
1t happened that Mr. Leonard had Il
very pretty and very interesting daughter
on whose education the mechanic had be.
slowed great pains; and it so happened that
Baker had son, who in most things was
"chip of the old block" Particularly
was he like his father in his great love for
money, aud scarcely had he reached his
majority ere he began to look around him
for good matrimonial arrangement by
which plenty of money would be secured.
Such sordid, calculating souls are not rare
in society. Their only standard of ex-
cellenee is money. Honesty, talents, in-
dustry, aud disposition arc of no account
in their estimation, Money mends, or
rather hides, all imporfections, be they of
body or mind.
Adelaide Leonard, on account of her
beauty and accomplishments, was much
sought after, and mingled freely in society
Young Baker had met her frequently, and
could not help being struck with her beau
ty and grace, although, most unfortunately,
he had so much of his fathers mcrcenary
spirit that beauty and grace were of little
account without money.
There's chance for you, said friend
to him one evening
=" In Miss Leonard p
"Yes."
"She's Il charming girl" replied the
young man. IL wonder if her father is
worth anything?"
" People say So
Indeed !"
Yes. They say the old fellow has laid
up something quite handsome, and, as
Adelaide is his only child, she will, OF
course, get it all"
d" | was not aware Of that"
After this young Baker was exceedingly
attentive to Miss Leonard, aud made pre-.
ceptible inroads upon her heart. lie even
went 50 far as to visit pretty regularly at
her house, and was meditating an avowal
of his attachment when his father said to
him one day:
What young lady was that | saw you
with yesterday afternoon p
" Her name is Leonard"
"Thc daughter of old Leonard, the me
chanic 2"
" | think so, although have never seen
him He is always away at his work"
Mr.. Baker looked grave and shook his
head,
" Do you know anything about her p
asked the son.
" Nothing about her; but | know her
father is going to the dogs as fast as ever
man went.
Indeed | thought he was very well
off,"
Oh, no! I've been looking to see his
shop shut up, or to hear of his being sold
out by the Sheriff, every day for these two
years past"
Indeed r.
" Miss Leonard is very lovely girl"
There's no gainsaying Adelaide's per-
soual attractions" replied the son; "but if
her father is in the condition you allege
that settles the matter as far as she is con-
ccrned. am glad you introduced tho
subject, for might have committed my
self, and, when too late, have discovered
my error"
And sad error it would have been.
Henry. In any future matter of this kind
| hope you will be perfectly frank with me.
L have much more accurate knowledge of
the condition and standing of people than
you can possibly have"
The son promised to do what the father
wished From that time the visits to Miss
Leonard were abated, aud his attentions
to her when they met in society became
coldly formal. The sweet young girl,
whose feelings had really been interested,
felt the change aud was for a time un-
happy, but in few months she recovered
herself aud was again cheerful and bright
us usual. sttt
One day, about year after his timely
caution to his son in regard TO Miss Leon
ard, Baker happened to pass along street
where he had not been for some months
just opposite large, new, beautiful house,
to which the painters were giving their
last touches, he met friend. AS they
passed Baker said:
That is an elegant house. II has been
built since | was in the neighborhood" "
Yes, it is very fine house, aud sup
pose it didn't cost less than twenty thou
sand dollars.
Do you know who owns it?''
" Yes. 1t was built by Leonard"