t will only spoil him. I tell
you frankly, I would not give a fig for a city-bred boy. But I will
enter into this compact with you: I will undertake to make a
first-class merchant of Hiram, if you will let me have my own way.
If you do not, I can not answer for it. What I recommend is, that
you put him into one of the stores in your own village. If I
remember right, there are two there which do a regular country
trade, and have a general stock of dry goods, groceries, crockery,
clothing, stationery, etc., etc., etc. Here he will learn two
things--detail and economy--without a practical knowledge of which,
no man can succeed in mercantile business. I presume you will
consider this a great falling off from your expectations. Perhaps
you will think it petty business for your boy to be behind a
counter in a small country store, selling a shilling's worth of
calico, a cent's worth of snuff, or taking in a dozen eggs in
exchange, but there is just where he ought to be, for the present.
I repeat, he will learn detail. He will understand the value of all
sorts of merchandise; he will get a real knowledge of barter and
trade. When he learns out there, put him in another retail store of
more magnitude. Keep him at this three or four years, and then I
agree to make a merchant of him. I repeat, don't be disappointed at
my letter. I tell you candidly, if I had a son, that's just what I
would do with him, and it is just what I want you to do with Hiram.
I hope you will write me that you approve of my plan. If you do,
you may rely on my advice at all times, and I think I have some
experience in these matters.

'We all desire to be remembered to your husband and family.

'Very truly, your cousin,

'HIRAM BENNETT.'

He had added, from habit, '& Co.,' but this was erased.

The letter _was_ a heavy blow to the fond mother; but she recovered from
it quickly, like a sensible woman. In fact, she perceived her cousin was
sincere, and she herself appreciated the good sense of his suggestions.
Her husband, whom she thought best to consult, since matters were taking
this turn, approved of what her cousin had written, and so it was
decided that Hiram should become a clerk of Mr. Jessup, the most
enterprising of the two 'store--keepers' in