Daily Republican., 1886-07-23
ANOLD PROVERB.

Fred" said Mr.. Price, as he came
into the sitting room one evening and
found his son reading in the twilight.
- heard something today that will
"What was it?" asked Fred, closing
ms book and looking up eagerly His
fathers air of satisfaction aroused his
curiosity.
Uncle Asa came into my office to-
DAY, and he told me that he had fully
made up bis mind to take either you or
Henry into business with him in June.
SO do your best to graduate with honor,
dear boy
but he may take Henry; his
chances are equal to mine"
Il don't think so. In nv opinion
you are Uncle Asa's choice, and it de-
ponds on yourself whether you get the
place or not"
81 shall try hard for it. Yes, / do
think Uncle Asa is rather partial to
me. He is always cordial when he
meets me-"
"He spoke of you in the highest
terms to-day. Your fortune is made
II he takes you into the business with
him: Be careful what you say and do
in his presence.
"Ill make extra efforts to please him.
l wonder if Henry knows anything
about it? rll ask him tomorrow"
Old Asa Maynard was Mrs. Prices
uncle, and he stood in the same rela-
ton to Henry Hardy's mother, for the
two women were sisters. He was the
richest man in South Auburn, and
owned one of the largest wholesale
houses in the West; but he was eecen-
trio and peculiar, and his relations
never quite understood him. They
were always in fear of offending him,
though they knew they had little to
expect from him at his death, he hav.
ing distinctly given them all to under
stand that ne should leave his fortune
to found hospitel for aged and intirm
men.
The day following his confidential
disclosure to Mr.. Price, the old mer-
chant was walking briskly along one
of the principal streets of the town,
when CHANGING to glance up he saw
FRED and Henry at bookstore win
low. A generous impulse seized him,
md going up to the boys he said kind
y;
LET me treat each OF you to book.
Come and select what suits you best.
Henry, you can have the first choice"
Henry quickly put his hand on a
book Of adventures.
1--WE wanted this for so long," he
aid
Mr.. Maynard's countenance fell.
like great many old people, he en-
ertained very serious ideas about
tory books; but he made no remark, |
nd the boy put the book under his
rm.
Fred had not been unobservant of
he change in Mr.. Maynard's face,
nd he saw a chance of winning adj
Iitional favor for himself at the cost of
tritiing sacrifice.
Il will take this book of travels,
ncle; it looks as if it might prove in
eresting," he said.
Il commend your CHOICE" said Mr..
Lanyard in a well pleased tone. 81
m sorry Henry's taste does not run in
ne same direction. A youth should
yer be striving after self-improve-
lent"
81 get all l want of history at
chool," said Henry. "When have
chance to read at home, l want
a little more lively than
escription of foreign countries, an
lent places, and tombs of gre It men,"
Zach to his taste, of course" said
lr. Maynard, little testify; "but in
~ opinion, profit should always come
etore pleasure"
Il hope l have not offended you,
ncle," Henry said.
mot at all, said the old man as he
alked away, well pleased at the test
e had made.
Fired shall certainly have a place
my store in June" he said. s.He
IS long head that is sure"
Meanwhile, Fred and Henry were
oking over their books.
"You know very well that you
mt care for travels. You lust
anted to please Uncle Asa Henry 8
id. c
"Well, it was very natural l
ould, and perhaps you've lost more :
an you imagine by choosing that !,
ok
"At least I was honest in my /
oice," said Henry; land you know 4
e old proverb, Honesty is the best p
Icy"
There is such thing as being too o
nest; and you'll find that it doesn't 1,
ways pay to stick too closely to that !.
proyerb."
Perhaps so; but it is too late to
nd matters now, I'll read my
ok and then lend it to you," said d
nry, as he walked away. G
\ week later Mr.. Maynard met Fred IL
: day on his way to school. b.
'ilave you read your book, my d
= he asked, pleasantly, laying his o.
I'D atfectionately on Fred's shout 81
Cor an instant Fred hesitated. Then Ia
looked up boldly into the keen gray az
IS and answered in the affirmative.
: Was it interesting?"
: Yes, sir. 1t is the best one of the nj
Id | ever read. l could hardly lay Oh
Iown until | had finished it," th
1t ought to have been bound better 81
was cheap book; but I'll get you p pn
better one, my boy ! like to en- r,
lrage a taste for solid reading" tn
4 shall be glad to read anything of pr
kind you may give, sir" Bs
You shall have all your mind can Oh
est" said Mr.. Maynard, as he went Va
his way.
opposite the residence of Mr.. Price
paused and reflected moment. 1t en-