The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1893-07-12
CHAPTER XIV.
A EINn nEr

n
Mr.. Bernard, learning that had no
means, advanced me a few dollars,
which he said would be deducted from
my weekly salary as could spare it.
He aided me, too, in securing place to
lodge, and even took the trouble on
ally that was properly situated. He
was exceedingly considerable 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
much higher place in my esteem, and
already felt great liking for him.
had known so little kindness that was
inclined to think great deal of kind
act, however insignificant, and was
apt to magnify it, and to exalt the
actor, far beyond reason.
Mr.. 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 u kind of terror seized
me. never had so forcibly realized my
insignifcance.
What" wondered, could | do in
all that hurry and hustle? What Kind of
showing would | 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?'
Mr.. Bernard, all unmindful Of my
thoughts, and of my sinking heart and
qualling 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, q great pile of
which lay before him. For almost an
hour, l think, he was engaged thus,
paying no attention whatever to me,
and apparently having forgotten that
was there. | grew nervous and impa-
tent 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
was to work.
Finally the last letter was read and
filed away, but Mr.. Bernard did not
turn his attention to me until, after the
| Of oll II
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 face to face.
mo, sir" answered. az do not make
any pretensions to a special love of
work, but if am to earn my living
wish to begin to learn how to do it,"
"Ah, that's the idea, Ell? Well, 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"
lit is very kind of you," replied.
but yet I'd prefer to try to earn my
salary. l have no right to your money
If do not work for it."
"Ah, that is all mistaken idea," he
said, with smile. 1--WE are related,
you know, and between lSinfolls it is not
necessary to draw the line of business
so closely. If you wish you need not
work at all to-day, but put in the time
idling about the store and seeing what
kind of place we have here"
Thanks" answered, 81 would pre-
fer to work"
He sat there for some time watching
me in silence. | grew restless under
his gaze, and began to fdget, and am
sure he could not fail to notice my en-