The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-12-24

inequalities OF this lie VIII DC maue up
The last year had been rather trying one
to Job Warner The enhanced price OF nearly
every article which is included under the head
of Necessaries had made Il rigid economy
ne,dful. Months ago the family had gwen
nm using sugar, and butter was only used on
SUNDAYS. Frugality had become rule, aud
WAS meekly submitted to as necessary con.
ditiOn of life. But in spite of his habltual
selfdenial, the worthy book keeper was stirred
with an impulse to extravaganza on TINS uhy
I'm the window before him bloomed large
doll--quite queen she must have been IN the
realm of dolls-royally attred IN purple SILK
dress and bonnet OF the latest style. lhe
ewes of the good book keeper were fixed IN al
mlra,lon upon this beautiful doll vision
There was household pet at home-little
Efiie-whom the possession of that doll would
eyalt to the seventh heaven OF happiness
True, such a royal lady might spurn the IDEA
of entering SO humble home, and her silks
mi ght seem out of place In contrast WIN IN.
'cahcoes and gInghams with which Eille ano
her mother were contentcd. But when ines,
considerations presented themselves to Jot
Warner he triumphantly answered, rs thert
Ianything too good for EifleT"
Yes we have found out the little book.keep
er's weakness He no sooner thought OF llttlt
Etiie's bright eyes dancing with delight thdl
his habitual prudence forsook him. With an
air of desperate resolution he entered the brii
liant shop, and, timidly pushing his way
among the weldressed crowds surrounding
the counter asked with an apologize cough the
price of her Royal Ilighncss in the window
The clerk looked little surprised at such a
question from man Of SO humble an appear
ance, and answered, IN "A short, quick tone:
al ,,,A Toll III
Five dollars! job was startled at the price
and answered in an abashed tone that he would
not decide just yet
Outside, he again looked lOngingly at the
doll. Ellie would be 80 delighted with it-bu'
then five dollars! He reckoned up what a
number of articles might be purchased Tor I'VE
dollars and shook his head reluctantly. Mrs
Warner would think he had quite taken leave
of his senses. OF course he must give up all
thoughts of it, But no! A daring suggestion
occurred to HIM. Might he not apply to Mr.
Bentley for an increase of salary? There had
been general raising OF salaries elsewhere
That he knew His old friend Timothy Fogg
had his raised six months ago. but somehow
Job had never succeeded in summonng up
courage to make such request OF his employ
Ter He was not sure In his humility, whether
he was worth any more than seven hundred
dollars year. But his love tor little Ellie gave
him unwon,ed boldness With an increase OF
salary he could buy this magnificent doll lol
her, and afford his oldest boy course OF les
sons in drawing, for which he had strong
taste. Yes he would ask to have his salary
raised that very night. A little matter of bust
ness had detained Mr.. John Bentley, the head
of the firm, IN his Office, so that he would b'
sure to find him on returning thither.
Mr.. Bentley was seated IN his Office glancinl
over some papers He was large, portly
man, a little pOmpous in manner and glance
from his gray eyes always confused the worthy
book keeper, who long AS he had known him
had never got to feel quite at ease in his com
pany. Job had an indlstinct idea that his EN-
lployer was immensely superior to him IL
every way, and looked up to him with dislan
reverence.
John Bentley lifted his eyebrows In surprise
as Job shutflcd in at the door, his hat unde
his arm, with an air Of trcpidation, which TIT
consciousness OF his errand inspired.
Have you forgotten anything, Warner?
demanded Mr. Bentley, in clear, commandin!
tone
mo, sir, Mr.. Bentley or rather, ! shoul'
say, yes" stammered the book keeper. "IheI
was little matter which wished to speak Il
you about But should not wish to take VI
your time, If you are busy, sir and Will Wal
till some other occasion"
IF you can say what you have to say in tv
minutes, Warner, 90 on" returned his EN-
ployer.
at was about an increase of salary, MI
Bentley" said he, plunglng into the subject
and talking fast to keep his courage ur
prices have been rising of late so much tina
| find i, very difficult to maintain wife an
four children on seven hundred dollars year
| do, indeed, sir If you would be so kind a
to add u hundred, or even fifty, would than
|you gratefully, SIR
IAN increase OF salary, eh, Warner? Seve
hundred dollars used to be considered yer
fair salary. OF course some get much more
But you know, Warner that you are not a tirs
class man of business You do your worl
way satisfactorily, but"
IL know what you would say, Mr.. Bentley,
interrupted job, humbly. a know my abil
ties are small, but try to be faithful. hop
! have always been faithful to the best OF m
poor Abilities"
YES, Warner, you have Don't think
have any complaint to make; but as to an II
crease of salary, that requires consideration
Probably the high prices will not always las
and in the meantime you can be more ect
nomiCal"
More economical And this to job VIII
had been a close economist all his life. How
ever he did no. venture to reply, but, bowin
humbly, withdrew. A minute later his en-
ployer, who had got through with the bus
ness which detained him, put on his overcoa
and followed.
On his way back Job paused again betor
the window which had so great an attractio
for HIM. Again he thought how much littl
Eflie would like it. But he felt satisfied, fror
MIR. Bentley's manner, that there was li,tl
hope of an increase of income, and withou
that such an outlay would be unpardonabl
Extravaganza.
NO" he half sighed, 81 must give up tn
idea of buying it, and little Ellie must be col
tented with something less expensive.
Mr.. John Bently was close behind and hear
tins speech. 80 he wanted to buy that pieC
of finery," thought he. mo wonder he d,
nandpl an increase pf salary ~