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English are mighty strict upon Irish servants: he was to have twelve guineas a year as wages, but the money was not to be paid until the end of the year, and he was to forfeit the entire twelve guineas in the lump, if he misconducted himself in any way within the twelve months. John Carson was, to be sure, upon his best behaviour, and conducted himself in every particular so well for the whole time, there was no faulting him late or early, and the wages were fairly his.
The term of his agreement being expired, he determined on returning home, notwithstanding his master, who had a great regard for him to remain, and asked him if he had any reason to be dissatisfied with his treatment.
“No reason in life, sir,” said John: “you’ve been a good master, and a kind master to me; the Lord spare you over your family: but I left a wife with two small children of my own at home, after me in Ireland, and your honour would never wish to keep me from them entirely—the wife and the children!”
“Well, John,” said the gentleman, “you have earned your twelve guineas, and you have been, in every respect, so good a servant, that, if you are agreeable, I intend giving you what is worth the twelve guineas ten times over, in place of your wages. But you shall have your choice—will you take what I offer, on my word?
John saw no reason to think that his master was jesting with him, or was insincere in
