The income derived
from it was double that which it yielded in the days of his
predecessor; and both he and Ferguson were enabled to lay by a few
hundred dollars every year. But Harry had never sought wealth. He
was content with a comfortable support and a competence. He liked
influence and the popular respect, and he was gratified by the
important trusts which he received. He was ambitious, but it was a
creditable and honorable ambition. He sought to promote the public
welfare, and advance the public interests, both as a speaker and as a
writer; and though sometimes misrepresented, the people on the whole
did him justice.
A few weeks after he had taken his seat in Congress, a young man was
ushered into his private room. Looking up, he saw a man of about his
own age, dressed with some attempt at style, but on the whole wearing
a look of faded gentility.
"Mr. Walton," said the visitor, with some hesitation.
"That is my name. Won't you take a seat?"
The visitor sat down, but appeared ill at ease. He nervously fumbled
at his hat, and did not speak.
"Can I do anything for you?" asked Harry, at length.
"I see you don't know me," said the stranger.
"I can't say I recall your features; but then I see a great many
persons."
"I went to school at the Prescott Academy, when you were in the
office of the Centreville 'Gazette.
Pages:
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229