Page:Honest debtor, or, The virtuous man struggling with, rising superior to, and overcoming misfortune (2).pdf/4

 be avaricious.'--Avaricious; he is not so, replied the Dutchman; he is not solicitous for riches. Never, I am well assured, did he desire the wealth of another, he is only careful of his own. But in the management of it, he exhibits such an ingenious and refined frugality, that the Dutch themselves are astonished at it.'-- But what most surprises me is, the secrecy with which he conceals, even from me, the use he makes of his money.'

' Before my departure I became better acquainted with this uncommon and virtuous young man.

' My dear countryman,' said I, the day I was taken my leave of him, 'I am going back to Paris. Shall I be so unfortunate as to be of no service to you there? I have given you the pleasure of obliging me as much and as often as you pleased; do not refuse me an opportunity of returning. the obligation '- No sir,' said he ' you shall have it, and in exchange for the little service which you are pleased to over rate. I will come this evening, and request one from you, which is of the most material consequence to me. I must observe, that it is a secret that I am going to communicate to you ; but I can be under no apprehensions on that account. Your name only is a sufficient guarantee. I promised to it! Keep it faithfully; and, that very evening, he called upon me with a casket full of gold in his hand.