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Taking It For Granted
by
“It was very dark, Jane,” said Ayres, as he took her hand, bending over her at the same time and kissing her forehead, “very dark; but the light is breaking.”
Scarcely had the boy departed, when a heavy rap at the door disturbed the inmates of that humble dwelling.
“Mr. Everton!” exclaimed Ayres in surprise, as he opened the door.
“I want you to come back to my office,” said the visitor, speaking in a slightly agitated voice. “I never ought to have parted with you. But to make some amends, your wages shall be twelve dollars a week. And here,” handing out some money as he spoke, “is your pay for a month in advance.”
“I thank you for the offer, Mr. Everton,” replied the young man, “but the publisher of the Gazette has already tendered me a situation, and I have accepted it.”
The countenance of Mr. Everton fell.
“When did this occur?” he inquired.
“His messenger has been gone only a moment.”
Mr. Everton stood for a few seconds irresolute, while his eyes took in the images of distress and destitution apparent on every hand. His feelings no one need envy. If his thoughts had been uttered at the time, his words would have been, “This is the work of my hands!” He still held out the money, but Ayres did not touch it.
“What does he offer you?” he at length asked.
“Twelve dollars a week,” was replied.
“I will make it fifteen.”
“I thank you,” said Ayres, in answer to this, “but my word is passed, and I cannot recall it.”
“Then take this as a loan, and repay me when you can.”
Saying this, Everton tossed a small roll of bank bills upon the floor, at the feet of the young man, adding as he did so–“And if you are ever in want of a situation, come to me.”
He then hurriedly retired, with what feelings the reader may imagine.
The reason for this suddenly awakened interest on the part of Mr. Everton, Ayres did not know until he entered the service of his new employer. He had the magnanimity to forgive him, notwithstanding all he had suffered; and he is now back again in his service on a more liberal salary than he ever before enjoyed.
Mr. Everton is now exceedingly careful how he takes any thing for granted.