s to lose," he
muttered as he looked after Guly's retreating figure, "and nothing to
fear."

With a blush, Guly took his place at Wilkins' desk, to the no small
surprise of the clerks, but the first moment that the store was clear of
customers, Mr. Delancey rose up, and formally stated that henceforth
Gulian Pratt would occupy the situation of head clerk, and he hoped
that all would look up to and respect him as such, and having delivered
this speech in his peculiar formal manner, the merchant left, and drove
home to dinner.

Guly's promotion gave general satisfaction, and as he sat there with his
young face and golden curls bent over the great books, not an eye sought
his, but had a warm glance of congratulation in it, and many pressed
forward to express in words their gratification at the new arrangement.
Now that Quirk was gone, not one in the establishment but loved and
respected Guly; and, though there were many there older, who might
perhaps more fitly have filled the important vacancy, all felt that it
was held by one whose firm principles and noble heart would prompt him
rightly to perform the onerous duties resting upon him. Guly,
henceforth, occupied Wilkins' room with Arthur. Mr. Hull took Guly's old
place, and a new clerk filled his own, and soon everything was again
smoothly jogging on at No. -- Chartres Street.

CHAPTER XXXV.

"'Tis but the just reward of merit that
I give."

Old Play.

It was New Year's eve, and the brilliantly-lighted shops were thronged
with purchasers of the innumerable articles exposed to tempt the purses
of those able to buy. Any one who has been in New Orleans during the
winter season, knows what a scene the thronged streets present on this
night of nights.

Guly stood in the store-door, looking out upon the crowd of passers-by,
when suddenly a liveried servant approached him from the mass, looked at
him a moment intently, then thrust a small box in his hands, and
disappeared. Surprised at the occurrence, Guly turned away, and waiting
until the store was clear of customers, opened it. It contained an
expensive gold watch, richly wrought and elaborately finished. Puzzled
to know what it could mean, Guly was about to restore it to the box,
when a small folded paper in the bottom caught his eye. It was directed
to himself, and on unfolding it, Guly found but these simple words:

"To him who never sacrifices principle to profit."

Guly immediately re