“Honesty is the best policy, at least, if nothing more,” he said, smiling. “You have a chance; I hope, with all my heart, you will use it well.”
There was little more to say, and of that little Gabriel said nothing. Abel spoke of public affairs; and after a short time he took leave.
“Can the leopard change his spots?” said Gabriel, looking at the senior partner.
“A bad man may become better,” was all the answer; and the two merchants were busy again.
Returning to Wall Street, the Honorable Abel Newt met Mr. President Van Boozenberg. They shook hands, and the old gentleman said, warmly,
“I see ye goin’ into your Uncle Lawrence’s a while ago, as I was comin’ along South Street. Mr. Abel, Sir, I congratilate ee, Sir. I’ve read your speech, and I sez to ma, sez I, I’d no idee of it; none at all. Ma, sez she, Law, pa! I allers knowed Mr. Abel Newt would turn up trumps. You allers did have the women, Mr. Newt; and so I told ma.”
“I am very glad, Sir, that I have at last done something to deserve your approbation. I trust I shall not forfeit it. I have led rather a gay life, and careless; and my poor father and I have met with misfortunes. But they open a man’s eyes, Sir; they are angels in disguise, as the poet says. I don’t doubt they have been good for me. At least I’m resolved now to be steady and industrious; and I certainly should be a great fool if I were not.”
“Sartin, Sir, with your chances and prospects, yes, and your talents, coz, I allers said to ma, sez I, he’s got talent if he hain’t nothin’ else. I suppose your Uncle Lawrence won’t be so shy of you now, hey? No, of course not. A man who has a smart nevy in Congress has a tap in a good barrel.”
And Mr. Van Boozenberg laughed loudly at his own humor.
“Why, yes. Sir. I think I may say that the pleasantest part of my new life—if you will allow me to use the expression—is my return to the friends best worth having. I think I have learned, Sir, that steady-going business, with no nonsense about it, is the permanent thing. It isn’t flopdoddle, Sir, but it’s solid food.”