Page:Honest debtor, or, The virtuous man struggling with, rising superior to, and overcoming misfortune (2).pdf/15

15 and propossessed with a sentiment of esteem in my favour he consented to put me to a trial, but without any fixed engagement. He soon perceived that there was not in his counting-house a man of more assiduity, nor more emulious of gaining information. ' Oliver,' said he. (for that was the only name I had taken) ' you have kept your word. Go on, I see you will suit me; we are formed for each other. There is no quarter of your first year's salary, I hope, and I foresee, that it will go on in a progressive increase,' Ah! sir, I who had never in my life know the value of money; with what joy did I see myself master of the hundred ducats he had presented me with? With what care did I lay up the greater part of this sum? With what ardour did I devote myself to that industry of which it was the fruits ? And with what impatience did I wait for the other three qurrters of my salary that were to increase this treasure ? ' One of the happiest days in my life was that on which I was able to remit to Paris the first hundred louis d'ors of my savings. When the receipt came back, I kissed the paper a hundred times, and bedewed it with my tears. I laid it upon my heart, and felt it like a balm applied to my wounds. Three years together I procured the same gratification. This gratification is now heightened ; for my perquisities being aug-