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Tales & Novels, Vol. 2 by Maria Edgeworth
Book, page 321 / 468



Frank was now the only person in the family who was not settled in
the world. He determined to apply to a Mr. Barlow, an attorney of an
excellent character. He had been much pleased with the candour and
generosity Frank showed in a quarrel with the Bettesworths; and he had
promised to befriend him, if ever it should be in his power. It happened
that, at this time, Mr. Barlow was in want of a clerk; and as he knew
Frank's abilities, and had reason to feel confidence in his integrity,
he determined to employ him in his office. Frank had once a prejudice
against attorneys: he thought that they could not be honest men; but he
was convinced of his mistake when he became acquainted with Mr. Barlow.
This gentleman never practised any mean pettyfogging arts; on the
contrary, he always dissuaded those who consulted him from commencing
vexatious suits. Instead of fomenting quarrels, it was his pleasure and
pride to bring about reconciliations. It was said of Mr. Barlow that
he had lost more suits out of the court, and fewer in them, than any
attorney of his standing in England. His reputation was now so great
that he was consulted more as a lawyer than as an attorney. With such a
master, Frank had a prospect of being extremely happy; and he determined
that nothing should be wanting, on his part, to ensure Mr. Barlow's
esteem and regard.

James Frankland, in the mean time, went on happily with Mr, Cleghorn,
the haberdasher; whose customers all agreed that his shop had never
been so well attended as since this young man had been his foreman. His
accounts were kept in the most exact manner; and his bills were made out
with unrivalled neatness and expedition. His attendance on the shop was
so constant that his master began to fear it might hurt his health;
especially as he had never, till of late, been used to so confined a
life.

"You should go abroad, James, these fine evenings," said Mr. Cleghorn.
"Take a walk in the country now and then, in the fresh air. Don't think
I want to nail you always to the counter. Come, this is as fine an
evening as you can wish: take your hat, and away; I'll mind the shop
myself, till you come back. He must be a hard master, indeed, that does
not know when he is well served; and that never will be my case, I hope.
Good servants make good masters, and good masters good servants. Not
that I mean to call you, Mr. James, a servant; that was only a slip of
the tongue; and no matter for the tongue, where the heart means well, as

 
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