Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1883-03-06
MISCELLANEOUS.
Herbert Dexter's Ordeal.
BY HonAT1o ALdER, JR.

A lady entered large dry goods
store in the city. and enauired for
thibets. She was directed TO the low
er end of the store, where a young
clerk awaited her order. lie was Il
boy of fifteen, with frank, handsome
face that inspired instant confidence.
lie at once displayed a variety OF
goods. One particular piece appear
ed to please the customer.
"Are the colors fastI' she inquir-
ed.
Herbert Dexter looked at it care
fully.
u an afraid not" he answered.
"a lady came in a day or two since,
and complained that it had faded
''ThanI1 you.'' said the lady.
'"TLen 1 must look elsewhere. as you
have nothing else with a small figure
TO my taste @
The proprietor Of the establishment
was near enough TO hear this conver-
sation. The lady had scarcely left
the store when he advanced towards
Herbert and-said harsbIy what made
you tell that lady the ciott would not
wlsh:'' f--,.-....
because" said Herbert looking
up in surprise, '.she asked me-
swell, you simpleton, why couldn't
you tell her it didn't
because it wouldn't have been
the TRUTH replied Herbert simply.
''Then- you could at least have told
her that you didn't know
but did. sir
ut seems you have a tender con-
science,' snecred his employer.
''Since that is the case can't afford
to have you here. It won't do to
pay for sending customers away.
When your week is out you may
leave my employ
Hcrbert's heart sank within him.
To him the loss of situation was a
very serious matter. HIS mother was
a poor widow depending upon her own
exertions for Z alivelihood, and the three
dollars which Herbert brought to her
weekly was of great consequence to
her. He had only been in his place a
month, it having been procured by
the influence of his Uncle John, a
man of property who might have pat
his hand into his pocket and assisted
his brothers son without feeling it.
But John Dexter was not a man of
that sort. But money was dcarcr to
him than his nearest friend. he
seemed to feel that in obtaining q
situation for his nephew in the retail
store of Messrs. Smith. & Co., he had
placed him under z great load of OBJ
legation.
In the midst OF Herbert's sorrow
he did not for IN instant doubt that
he had done right, nor would he have
acted differently if the opportunity
had been given
Yet it was with heavy heart that
he went home to supper and informed
his mother that he had been dismiss
cd from his place.
II hope ycu have done nothing tc
deserve Dismissal" said his mother
much disturbed.
Herbert thcreupon related his story.
'.You did right. my son. - said Mrs.
Dexter, e,nphaticalIy. The situa,
ton was not worth Keeping at the ex,
pense of truth
II am glad you think 1 did right,
mother" said Herbert, s'but wha,
shall 1 do2 he inquired anxiously
Il ought to get another situation i'm
mediately-'
Perhaps you had better call o,
your uncle Jchn,'' suggested Mrs
Dexter '.He viii no doubt be ablt
to procure you another situation
I'm go tonight, nother,'' sait
Herbert, for there is no time to br
lost
Twenty minutes later Herbert rang
the bell of handsome house in :
fashionable street in the city.
He was admitted by the serven
and lshered into his uncle's presence
SIR. John Dexter was q dignifiet
looking man, having apparently
high opinion of himself, and compar
atively low opinion of everybod,
else who chose to come in confic
with him
"Well Herbert . said his uncle
ipatronizingiy, chow are you gettin,
on at your place?''
Not very well, uucle-' answere.