Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-04-21
THORNS and ROSES.
BY THos. P. HoxrEoRD.
Copyright by AN. Kellogg Newspaper Co
 CHAPTER XIV.
A KIND RELATIVE.

IOoReS ana even LOOK bn0 GrOuDlo on himself to go with me and see person. ally that was properly situated. He was exceedingly considerate and kind, thought, and contrasting the warm interest he manifested in my behalf with the heartless indifference his wife had shown, was forced to give him a much higher place in my esteem, and already felt great liking for him. had known so little kindness that was inclined to think a great deal of kind act, however insignificant, and I was apt to magnify it, and to exalt the actor, far beyond reason.
 Mir. Bernard not only saw me com fortably lodged, but the following morning he came to conduct me to his place of business. His store was an ex- tensive one, such as had never seen or dreamed of, and when entered it and glanced over the vast floor, literally packed with goods and people, my heart sank and a kind of terror seized me. Inever had so forcibly realized my insignifcance.
 "What,"I wondered, "could I do in all that hurry and hustle? What kind of showing would I make, in my clumsy, awkward ignorance, among that army of quick, bright girls and women who seem to be perfectly at home and at ease there?"
 Mir. Bernard, all unmindful of my thoughts, and of my sinking heart and quaking limbs, led the way through the crowded store, simply telling me to fol- low. At last we came to his private of- flee, where he told me to be seated. Then he removed his coat and hat, and, seating himself at his desk, began to open and read the letters, a great pile of which lay before him. For almost an hour, I think, he was engaged thus, paying no attention whatever to me, and apparently having forgotten that I was there. I grew nervous and impa- tient and eagerly watched the progress of the letters, hoping that when he had completed them he would remember me and proceed to place me where I was to work.
 Finally the last letter was read and filed away, but MT. Bernard did not turn his attention to me until, after the lapse of a minute or so, I addressed him, asking if could not begin work at once.
 "You must be very industrious" he replied, whirling about in his chair so that we were race to lace.
 ''No, sir," answered. ''I do not make any pretensions to a special love of work, but if I am to earn my living I wish to begin to learn how to do it."
 'Ah, that's the idea, eh? We'll, that's all very well, but in this case you need not be in haste. Your salary com menced this morning and it goes right on whether you are at work or not. If keep you here in idleness, it is my loss and not yours"
 'lt is very kind of you," replied, ''but yet I'd prefer to try to earn my salary. I have no right to your money if do not work for it."
 "Ah, that is all a mistaken idea," he said, with a smile. I've are related, you know, and between kinfolk it is not necessary to draw the line of business so closely. If you wish you need not work at ali to-day, but put in the time idling about the store and seeing what kind of place we have here"
 "Thanks," answered, "I would pre- fer to work" He sat there for some time watching me in silence. l grew restless under his gaze, and began to fdSet, and l am sure he could not fail to notice my em- barrassment Yet he seemed in no hurry to continue the conversation, nor did he appear fo mind my annoyance.
 "Well," he remarked at last, having evidently read my features to his hearts content, 'since you are so anxious to begin work, and refuse to be satisfied with anything else, suppose we may as we'll talk business and get this mat ter settled. Let me see some of your writing, will you?"
 "I have none," replied.
 'Well, then, copy a sentence from . paper here" and he handed me pen and paper.
 Idid as requested and handed him my work for inspection. He examined il critically, nodded his head a time or two, and appeared to be very well satis- fled with it. It was quite well done, I'm sure, for was not bad scribe ano was very particular and neat.
 "That will do," he said, presently 'It is better than expected. l see you have a pretty fair general education and think you are inclined to be care full and correct. Now, I'll tell you what have i'll mind. I'm going to give you desk in the office here, and youl duty will be to read and answer letters In other words. you will be my private secretary. That will be better posi- tion than the other, because it will no be half so hard work, and then 1t hai other advantages"
 |, He paused, and looked at me as if fo n reply, but l made none. Secretly was greatly plea ed with his proposi ton, but had decided to accept witt good grace whatever he gave me, doinl my best to fill the position satisfactorily
 "How does that arrangement sui youP" he finally inquired, finding that was not disposed to speak my thought on the subject.
 "It is perfectly satisfactory" re piled.
 "Then you accept the placer"
 "Yes, sir. am willing to attemp