The Delta independent., 1889-08-06
| tho first that comes. How much do you

wantp"
Ten yards"
"Well, you had better let me cut it
off quick, as can't stand waiting on
one customer all day"
Thus importuned, the woman hastily
indicated one of the prints, and the re-
quired quantity was measured off.
Change was hastily made and the wo-
man departed. Her place was taken
by a wealthy lady like the first, the
rustic of whose silk proved an immedi-
ate passport to the good graces OF the
young merchant.
II don't like that" thought Uncle
Henry, who had not been unobserv-
ant of this little scene. "He has no
right to treat one customer better than
another. At all events, all ought to
be treated with common civility,
whatever their attire may be, or how
ever small may be their purchase"
These gloves are half a dollar are
they?" CThese words were addressed
to the shopman who was waiting upon
him.) Very well, will take them"
Meanwhile, the woman who had
just purchased tho calico re-entered
the store with a hurried step and
look of trouble. She waited until
Fitzroy was through with the lady
upon whom he was tending, and then
pressed to the counter.
well. what now?" asked the young
man superciliously.
Il believe you made a mistake about
the change you handed me-"
"a mistake!" he repeated. It is
quite impossible"
'But," said the woman anxiously,
''don't you remember that l gave you
a two dollar bill, and you only handed
me back two quarters"
''Wasn't that rightp"
'No, l bought ten yards at nine
pence yard which made but dol
lar and quarter"
And you handed me two dollar
bill?"
yes"
"Then 1 must have given you back
three quarters"
But sir, it cannot -. I have
only two"
''Oh. you'll find the other in your
pocket, if you haven't spent it, said
Fitzroy, insolently.
The woman colored.
"lndeed, sir, l know 1 am right"
she said.
at is for your interest too" he re-
turned with sneer.
"And you won't rectify the mistake,
them" said the poor woman, family.
'You make great fuss about a
quarter of dollar"
sit is of some importance to me-"
said the woman.
II can't return it." said Fitzroy
shortly. "There is no end of imposi-
tions that would be practiced upon me,
if / allowed everybody to come back
and claim that they had not received
the right change"
Here Uncle Henry, who had listened
with indignation to this disagreeable
scene, interferred.
"You are mistaken" said he, de ecid-
edly. "I saw you hand this lady her
change, and you passed her but two
quarters"
Fitzroy glanced at the speaker. 1t
has not been mentioned that Uncle
Henry. the better to conceal his ident-
ity, was coarsely dressed, and accord
ingly Fitzroy set him down as per-
son Of no consequence. He therefore
answered, haughtily:
II shall need more than your word
my good sir. How do 1 know but you
are In league"
"Good morning, sir" said Uncle
Henry, abruptly. "You may hereafter
regret this gratuitous insult. Madam,
will you allow me word with you?"
The woman followed him out OF the
shop while Fitzroy, in no very pleas
ant mood, muttered about the airs Of
these beggars."
..Madam!' said Uncle Henry. when
they were in the street, "will you accept
from me this piece Of gold which will,
in measure, atone for this mans rude
ness and your loss? Nay, no thanks.
What / have witnessed has been worth
more to me than this small sum-"
At the end of a month Edward Fitz-
roy came to receive Julia Denham's
answer to his suit. He felt quite con-
fident of success-a confidence which
was somewhat diminished by the cold
ness with which she returned his greet
ing.
IT musJ decline the honor OF your
alliance" she said in answer to his ur-
gent proposal.
s.But what can have wrought this
change in youp" he asked, his counte-
nance changing.
II must refer you to my uncle"
Uncle denry, VINO entereu tne ROOM
Immediately, explained in a few words
in what way they had gained an un-
favorable impression of his character.
He concluded by saying:
1.-The man who is obsequious to the
rich and impertinent to the poor, shall
not, with my consent, marry one in
whom feel DIN interest"
"a year afterwards, Julia formed an
oil in ppa with opn mona tuortby of hor
and never had cause to regret adopt
ing her uncle's test.
NJ OI>;..+;o, o., fvh;id,,