"Ar'n't you glad you ain't a black-a-moor?"
"I should think so," replied his sooty brother, "they're sich ugly
warmints."
Having to deliver a letter, containing an account and a stock receipt,
to one of Mr. Timmis's clients, residing at the west end of the town; in
crossing through one of the fashionable squares, I observed a flat-faced
negro servant in livery, standing at the door of one of the houses.
Two chimney sweepers who happened to be passing, showed their white teeth
in a contemptuous grin at the African.
"Bob," I overheard one remark, "ar'n't you glad you ain't a
black-a-moor?"
"I should think so," replied his sooty brother, "they're sich ugly
warmints. Master's daughter, wots come from boarding school! says the
sight of 'ems' enough to frighten one into conwulsions!"
Alas! for the prejudice of the world! How much this ignorant remark
reminded me of my patron's unfounded hatred of all "forriners." It was
precisely the same sentiment, differently expressed, that actuated the
thoughts and opinions of both.
I must, however, do Mr. Timmis the justice to say, that he made ample
amends to Monsieur Dubois for the affront he had so thoughtlessly put
upon the worthy Frenchman; and did all in his power to obtain him pupils.
The consequent change in his dress and manner, his amiable conduct, and
gentlemanly deportment, at last completely won upon the esteem of the
boisterous broker, who swore, (for that was generally his elegant manner
of expressing his sincerity) that Dubois was a 'downright good'un;' and
were it not for his foreign accent, he should have taken him for an
Englishman born--really believing, that there was no virtue in the world
but of English growth.
I had now been above twelve-months in his office, and although I had
received but a moderate compensation for my services, yet the vast
improvement I had made (thanks to the instruction of Monsieur Dubois,)
was more valuable than gold. My father also, though but scantily
furnished with book-knowledge, had, nevertheless, the good sense to
appreciate and encourage my progress; he was well aware, from
observation, that 'knowledge is power,' and would frequently quote the
old saw,
"When house, and land, and money's spent;
Then larning is most excellent"--
and spared all the money he could scrape together to purchase books for
me.
One day Mr. Crobble came into the office with an open letter in his hand.
"Here,"--cried he, "I've received a remittance at last from that, German
fellow--two good bills on the first house in the city--but I can't make
top nor tail of his rigmarole. Do you know any chap among your
acquaintance who can read German?"
"Not I," replied Mr. Timmis.
"Will you allow me, Mr. Crobble?" said I, stepping forward. "This letter
is written in French, not German, Sir," I observed.
"What's the difference to me, Master Andrew; it might as well be in wild
Irish, for the matter o' that."
"Andrew can read the lingo," said my master.
"The devil he can!" exclaimed Mr. Crobble; "I dare say I shall be able to
make it out," said I; "and if not, Monsieur Dubois will be here;
to-morrow morning, and you can have it by twelve o'clock, sir."
"Ain't that the ticket?" exclaimed Mr. Timmis, delighted at the surprise
of his friend; "you don't know how vastly clever we are, old fellow."
Mr. Crobble, much gratified at this information, placed the letter in my
hands; and, leaving me to take a lunch at Garraway's with Mr. Timmis, I
eagerly sat about my task--and luckily it was not only plainly written,
but the subject-matter by no means difficult, being rather complimentary
than technical. By the time they returned, I had not only translated,
but made a fair copy of it, in my best hand.
"Come, that is clever," said Mr. Crobble; "let me see, now, what shall I
give you?"
"Nothing, Sir," I promptly replied; "I am Mr. Timmis's clerk--and all
that I know I owe to his kindness."
I saw, with pleasure, that this compliment was not lost upon my master.
Mr. Crobble was really a gentleman in feeling, and therefore did not
persist in offering me any remuneration; but as he left the office, he
said, "I thank you, Mr. Andrew--I shall not forget your services;" and
departed evidently much pleased with my performance.