The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-07-22
A PARABLE OF CHARLEY.

year of tho reign of Catharine, Queen
of the Earth, I became acquainted with
Charley.
Charley was the brother Of Catharine.
and was a good-leoking, solid, respecta-
bic kind Of fellow, with square shoul-
ders, ruddy face, blonde beard, and n
full blue eye, whose glance fell upon
you like shaft. In all his social and
business relations he was an eminently
correct young man, against whom the
fewest Of mistakes or failures could be
urged. This combined with tho fact
that he was Catharine's brother, was
the reason for the deep and undying ha-
tired which 7 bore him-a hatred which
for long time seemed capable of being
appeased only by gore.
In the first place, he was always
punctual. The unfailing regularity
with which he every morning appeared
ct his desk in the pork house Che was
manager in the establishment was only
equaled by the exceeding precision with
with which he discharged the minutest
details Of his daily appointments. Now
am fond of the morning hour for sleep,
myself, and hive theory that one
will live longer he employ it in sleep.
Therefore pity man who will contin-
uously peril his health as Charlie, does.
In the next place, he was always me-
thodical. He was never known to vary
from his established daily routine Of
business, any more than a responsible
clock is observed to deviatc from its at
customed method Of beating seconds.
Being disposed, myself, to think that all
is we'll that ends we'll. can feel nothing
but contempt for a man who is such q
mere machine.
In the next place he was stable and
permanent. He had Mt once decided
upon his line Of life, and had never af-
ter wavered in it. He had been twelve
yeors in the establishment Of which he
was manager, and which he had first en-
tered in the capacity of fourth book
keeper when he was yet mere lad.
myself, having tried in turn half
dozen different occupations, all OF
which proved uncongenial, am by ma
turc in deadly fcud with the man who
has mo spice in his life. (Though I
have often suspected that it was my own
cake which was dough.)
And then again, he was contented at
home. He had repeatedly received the
kindcst invitations to join parties tour
ing in Europe, to Cuba, to California, or
to the National Park but, although
abundantly able to travel, he always de-
clined these propositions, saying that he
could not spare the time from business.
Now am passionately fond of travel,
change and excitement and have visited
most of the leading places of interest to
tourists-although myself poor man.
So have no patience with an unambi-
tious stay-at-home.
When I add to all these things the
disgusting prosperity of the man; his
everlastingly-increasing salary-I have
said enough to explain to any rational
mind the i'll will bore for Charley.
But that which first famed the slum-
bering fires Of my wrath and well-nigh
caused me to imbrue my hands in the
heart's-blood Of fellow-being, hap
pened in this wise. had just returned
from years residence in California (and
was searching for employment) when,
as a matter Of course, + called upon
Catharine. For Catharine is long-suf-
fering and kind. and 20 I am always
privileged to call upon her. As I entered
the drawing room, Catharine extended
her hand to me, and permitted me to sa.
lutte the tips Of her fingers. q often
wondered whether, if I had $4,000. she
would not-bnt no matter y Then
sat down, and proposed to tell her all
about my experiences in the West
Catharine listened politely for time
she is the politest person land then
gently told me that she did not care tc
hear about my Western life. An awk
ward pause ensued, and at length Cath.
arine remarked: "Did I ever tell YOU
Of the offer Charley had, to 60 in charge
Of an excursion to California ?'
remarked that she never had.
eyes: he could have gone for moth
ing, and have remained month. Tht
firm wished him to go, and told him h,
needed rest. But he would not 60
Charley is such hand to stay at hom.
and stick to business"
pleasantly changed the topic, ant
began to speak Of some Of the younl
lady acquaintances I had met since m,
return, remarking how glad they seem
ed to see me.
''Did you see Hattie Coswell ?'' aske,
Catarine.