San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-07-23
AN OLD PROVERB

"Fred. said Mr.. Price. a. 90 came into
the sitting room one evening and found
his son reading In the twilight, Il heard
something today that will please you"
What was itf" asked Fred. closing the
book and looking up eagerly His fathers
air of satisfaction reused bis curiosity
Uncle Asa came into my Office today
and I've told me that he had fully made up
his mind to take you or Henry into bust
ness with him in June, 50 do your best to
graduate with homer. dear boy"
But be may take Henry; his chances
are equal to mine"
Il don't think so. In my opinion you
are Uncle Asa 5 choice. and 1t depends on
yourself whether you get the place or
not"
Il 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
today Your fortune Is made If he takes
you into business with him Be careful
what you dc and say In his presence"
III make extra efforts to please him
wonder If Henry knows anything about
lit III ask him tomorrow.
Old Asa Maynard was Mrs. Prices
uncle, and he stood In tho same relation
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 hardware houses In
the west; but he was eccentric and pecu
liar and bis relations never quite under.
stood bin. They were always In fear Of
offending him, though they knew they
had little to expect from him at his death.
be having distinctly given them all to un
derstand that he should leave his fortune
to found q hospital for aged and infirm
men.
The day following his confidential dis
closure to Mr.. Price. the old merchant
was walking briskly along one Of tho
principal streets Of the town, when.
CHANGING to glance up, he saw Fred and
Henry at book store window. A geoer-
Gus impulse seized him. and going up to
the boys be said kindly:
Let me treat each Of you to a book
Come In and select what suits you best
Henry. you can have the first choice"
Henry quickly put his hand on a book
of adventures
I've wanted this 80 Long he said
Mr. Maynard's countenanoe fell Like
great many old people. he entertained
very severe ideas about story books. but
be made no remark. and the boy put the
book under his arm.
Fred bad not been unobeervant Of the
change In Mr. Maynard's face. and he saw
q chance Of winning additional favor for
himself at the cost of trifing sacrifice.
Il will take this book Of travels. uncle;
It books Is If n might prove interesting. l"
said be.
Il commend your choice said Mr..
Maynard. in a well pleased tone Il am
sorry Hsnry's taste does not run IN the
same direction youth should ever be
striving after self government
IL get ell want of history at school,
said Henry when have chance 10
read at home. | want something q little
moro lively than descriptions OF foreign
countries. sncisus palaces and tombs Of
great men.
Each to his taste, Of course said Mr..
Maynard, a little testify; but In my
opinion. profit should always come before
pleasure"
Il hope have nos offended you. uncle.
henry said. b.
mot at all, said the old man. as be
walked away, we'll pleased at the test he
had made.
Fred shah certainly havsa place In my
store In June. he thought he has a
long head. that Is clear"
Meanwhile Fred and Henry were look
Ing over their books. rH.s.sst
You know very we'll you don't care for
travels You Just wanted to please
Uncle Asa, Henry said
We'll. it's very natural should. and
perhaps you ve lost more than you imagine
by choosing that book"
AT least was honest IN my choice,
said Henry. and you know the old pro-
verb. Honesty Is tho best policy"
There Is such q thing as being too
honest, and you'll find that It doesn't al
ways pay to stick TOO closely 70 tho old
proverb" B." attfa ID
Perhaps 30; but II Is TOO late to mend
matters now. I'll read my book and then
lend it to you. said Henry. IS he walked
away.
week later Mr.. Maynard met Fred
one day ON his way to school
Have you read your book. my ladH' he
asked. pleasantly. laying his hand affec-
tionately on Fred's shoulder.
For one instant Fred hesitated- Then
he looked up boldly into the keen gray
eyes and answered In the affirmative.
WAS 1t Interestingly"
YES. sir. 1t Ia the best Of the kind
ever read. / could hardly lay It down
until had finished H. |.
1T ought to have been bound better
It was cheap book; but III get you a
better onA my boy ! lns 10 encourage