Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

Page 9 text:

 Thus Mr. MacDonald parted with his faithful clerk. Another clerk took the place of John Benson. About the first business Mr. Carrol, the new clerk, attended to concerned the poor family in No. 23. They vacate the premises immediately,” he said to Mr. MacDonald. But there is some mystery about the family, they made allusions to yourself, which I was unable to understand.” To me?” Ye:;, sir, they spoke of your kindness to them—” My kindness!” Mr. MacDonald colored. The woman is an invalid,” said Mr. Carrol. The man is a fine looking, intellectual person, with thin cheeks, a broad pale forehead and bright, ex- pressive eyes. He has been for a year at work on some mechanical invention, which he believes is going to be a vast benefit to manufacturing.” I have heard Mr. Benson speak of that,” replied Mr. MacDonald. But what did these people say of me?” That they had been indebted to you for numerous favors—” Favors?” Yes, sir—at work with his invention which of course cannot afford him an income until completed, Mr. White has not been able to do much towards the support of his family. Mrs. White, as I said, is an invalid. Their only child, a daughter about seventeen and a girl of some accomplishments, has done a considerable amount of work towards their support.” I have heard all this from Mr. Benson. But what did they say of me?” That in these circumstances they have received benefits from you for which they are very grateful, and I assure you, sir, there were tears in the poor woman’s eyes; when she said it, she was sincere.” Humph!” They appreciated these favors so much the more,” said Mr. Carrol, from the fact that, as Mr. White’s invention is a secret, and all his instruments and contrivances have been in the house, it would have been a sore disadvan- tage to be obliged to move. His invention is now on the eve of completion, and he is firm in the hope of being able to pay with interest all your benefits.” Mr. MacDonald concealed his feelings and leaving Mr. Carrol to believe he was a man who did a great deal of good in a quiet way, went himself to make an attempt to clear up the mystery, by visiting No. 23. He found the Whites making preparations to vacate the premises. To a beautiful girl, with a handkerchief over her head, who was carrying small articles of furniture to the hall, he made known his wish to see Mr. White. This gentleman was engaged in packing up his machinery, but soon com-

Page 8 text:

T tg Cjolden Roc) You will see. Cast your eyes over this page. Yes, I perceive you have taken up your wages lately, as soon as due,” said Mr. MacDonald, who remembering his clerk’s fidelity and capacity was becom- ing softened. This is a new thing, however. But I presume you have in- vested your money advantageously? I have tried to make a Christian use of it,” answered John coldly. Have you been dealing in stocks? No, sir.” Ah, you lost confidence in me and thought proper to put your money in other hands!” I have neither made investments nor loans, said John, with a peculiar smile. What small funds I could command, I have used.” You!” Yes, sir.” Bless me, John! I thought you a steady young man, and how you can have consumed your entire salary I am unable to conceive.” And I presume I should be unable to explain it to your satisfaction, sir. It is a subject which it can avail nothing to converse upon. If you get a man in my place immediately, I should be willing to save you the trouble of instruct- ing him in the state of your business.” Certainly if you please and you shall be paid—” I did not make the offer expecting remuneration. I trust that I kept my accounts in such a manner that it will not require half an hour to make an intelligent man understand the entire business.” John,” exclaimed Mr. MacDonald, I—I dislike to part with you so. We have always agreed until this time.” Six months ago,” replied John Benson, this family in No. 23 could not pay their quarter’s rent. I had orders to turn them into the street. I did not do it.” But—but the rent was paid.” You permitted me to give them a few days’ grace; you permitted this, on my promise to see that the rent was paid. You are right, sir—it was paid; the next quarter’s rent was also paid. At present they cannot pay. Knowing the condition of the family, I cannot follow your instructions.” 'Well,” said Mr. MacDonald hardening himself, I have rules with regard to my tenants which cannot be broken. I have rules with regard to persons in my employ which nothing can induce me to break. Justice is my motto. It’s a good one; I shall stand by it.” Mercy is a better one, sometimes,” replied John, softly. Justice is admir- able in all—but mercy is the powerful, it’s God-like.” 6

Page 10 text:

'The Cjolden ing out of his secret room and locking the door behind him, he appeared before Mr. MacDonald. As these two individuals had never met, the landlord was obliged to introduce himself. I feel highly honored. I am thankful for this indication of kindness,” said Mr. White with emotion. ' I understand,” said Mr. MacDonald, that you have been to work on an important mechanical invention.” Yes, sir, and I am happy to inform you it is completed; the model has gone to Washington. I have used all the money 1 could scrape together to pay the expenses of the patent right, but, sir, a manufacturing company is ready to negotiate with me for my machine and in a very short time I shall be able to pay all my debts.” I have concluded that I might as well permit you to remain here a short time longer—although I am myself pressed for money,” he said with a thought- ful air. My dear sir,” exclaimed Mr. White, this is a favor I had no right to expect, but I am sincerely grateful for what you have done for us. If we can remain here you shall be no loser. Your debt I consider sacred; those many benefits shall never be forgotten.” Benefits! I am not aware that you are much indebted to me.” You are pleased to say so, but for two quarters’ rent you gave me receipts in full, relying upon my honor for payment at some future time. I have also received sums to aid me in prosecuting my invention. I have no time doubted that the money came from you.” Mr. MacDonald pressed his forehead with his hand. After a pause he said: And why, may I ask—why did you give me the credit?” Excuse me for mentioning the subject,” said Mr. White, but although you parted in anger from your sister—” Sir! exclaimed Mr. MacDonald, starting and changing color. Hers was a pardonable offence,” said Mr. White. She didn't want to marry the man whom you chose for her husband. You disowned her, you have never met her since. But this wvas years ago, and I knew you could not cherish resentment so long.” My God,” cried Mr. MacDonald, what do you mean? I have heard nothing of her for twenty years. I know not what has become of her.” Mr. White fixed his eyes upon his landlord in speechless astonishment. Is it possible?” he murmured. Arc you serious?” Upon my soul, I have made inquiries for Mary, without success. I have supposed her dead.” Then these benefits have not been bestowed, because—” (continued on page 2 f)