The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1889-06-12
THE CLERKS LEGACY.
II Is Inconvenient to Inherit from
Living People.

1lFiu6 @OSpLVs
James Wallace, a salesman in the
dry goods store of Messrs. Fog & Mil
let, was electrified one morning by re
ceiving the following letter:
SIR: In accordance with the provisions OF tn
will of my late client, Mr.. Anthony Wallace,
am directed to inform you that you have fallel
heir to the sum of fifty thousand dollars, no
payable, however, till the end of the year. il
the meantime, you will receive the dividend
quarterly. AS the money is invested securel
at eight per cent, this will amount to four thou
sand dollars annually. I send you check TO
athousand dollars in advance, supposing thu
you may find its present use desirable. Your:
respectfully, JOHN PoDD Attorney at Law.
The delight of James Wallace in re.
ceiving this epistle may be imagined.
Hitherto he had been confined to sal
airy OF six hundred dollars year.
which, of course, had compelled him to
live in modest manner.
Fifty thousand dollars! Four thou
sand dollars a year! Isn't it glo-
riousp Won't make things Ay'"
what do you mean by making
things fyp" inquired his cousin, John
Wallace, who was employed in the
same establishment.
"Mean, my dear fellowp l mean to
enjoy life. That's what mean"
"Don't you enjoy it now?"
'How can I, cooped up in this shop
all my time? No, the first thing 1
shall do will be to discharge old Fogg
and Millet. My days of slavery are
over"
a suppose you will go into some
other business?"
"Then you suppose wrong. With
an income of four thousand dollars a
year | don't need to be tied to bust
nessn
Then you will devote yourself to
some study and cultivate your mind?"
Nothing of the kind. 1 tell you l
mean to enjoy life"
II hope you within the right way"
mot in your way. You're too
steady-going for me. My plans are
not arranged. except that l shall 60 to
the Belleville Hotel to board, and next
week give grand blowout in honor
Of my inheritance. Will you Gomez"
Il won't promise. Might it not be
more proper, considering Uncle An
thongs recent death, to postpone it?'
"Not bit. / didn't know much of
him. | haven't seen him since I was
boy. By the way, l wonder he didn't
leave you something"
HE had a right to dispose of his
property as he pleased"
well, if you don't complain, don't.
That Is certain"
James Wallace lost no time in wait
ing upon his employers, and rendering
nayery cavalier manner his resigna-
non OF the clerkship which he held.
Il congratulate you, Mr.. Wallace,
on your prospects," said Mr.. Fogg.
II you should determine to go into
business for yourself, Mr.. Millet and
myself will be glad to assist you with
any advice in the selection of goods or
on other points"
i shall not go into business" said
the young man. II have had enough
Of it."
This was all the satisfaction his en-
ployers received for their disinterested
offer.
James Wallace lost no time in estab-
fishing himself in handsome rooms at
the Belleville Hotel, which he refur-
nished in costly manner. At the end
OF week no issued invitations for his
grand blowout" as he called it.
About fifteen young men were invited,
MS cousin among them. John WAL
ACE thought it might be churlish to
refuse, and accordingly accepted the
invitation, but withdrew at half-past
'en o'clock, finding the entertainment
asst degenerating into drunken revel.
Inc remainder kept it up till nearly
morning, and few of them were in anv
condition for business the NEXT dav
James Wallace. being under no snch
did not rise till two o,c,ocL
In the afternoon.
As might be expected. his bill for
added to the expense of his
entertainment, consumed entirely the
thousand dollars which had been sent
finland all this in ten days. How
ever, the fact of his inheritance being
Known, he found no difficulty in OBJ
aiming credit any where.
Having been accustomed 10 having
as time fully employed, he found in
y present idleness that it hung heavi-
gon his hands. His associates not
Nag in independent circumstances,
'sre occupied in the daytime. !. In the
!, s'ening, however coterie gathered |
! als rooms, where wine and cigars |
we're always provided.
! shouldn't think your life would
II, very satisfactory" said his Cousin
'0an e him one DAY.
,,r :. wouldn't exchange with you at
sous tnln aA J am happier than