The engagement was kept punctually by both parties.

“Have you got the papers?” asked the merchant.  “Did you put in the consideration?  Well, let it be one hundred dollars.  Have you got the money about you?  Well, no matter, Bruce will keep the lease till you come and pay.  I’ve given you two thousand dollars, young man.  Don’t you buy any more, for I sha’n’t do it again.  You tell your father that I remember him, and that I have given you two thousand dollars.”

Mr. Astor dearly liked a joke, and occasionally indulged in a sly bit of humor himself.  On one occasion a committee called upon him to solicit a donation for some charitable object.  The old man took the subscription list, and, after examining it, signed it and gave the committee a check for fifty dollars.  They had expected much more, and one of them ventured to say: 

“We did hope for more, Mr. Astor.  Your son gave us a hundred dollars.”

“Ah!” replied the old man, dryly, “William has a rich father.  Mine was very poor.”

CHAPTER III.

ALEXANDER T. STEWART.

In the year 1818, a European vessel anchored in the harbor of New York, after a long and weary voyage from the Old World.  She brought many passengers to the young metropolis, the majority of whom came with the intention of seeking fortunes in this land of promise.

Among them was a young Irishman who had left his home in his native land to seek in America the means of bettering his condition.  This was ALEXANDER T. STEWART.  He was the son of Scotch-Irish parents, and was born in Belfast in 1802.  Being only three years old when his father died, his grandfather took charge of him, and proved a kind and judicious guardian.  As he was designed for the ministry by his relative, and as his own tastes inclined him to that profession, he was given a good common school education, and placed at college, where he made favorable progress in his class.  He was particularly successful in the classics, and is said to retain his relish for them at the present day.

During his second term his grandfather died, and he was by this event obliged to leave college.  Abandoning the idea of entering the ministry, he embarked for America, determined to make a fortune in the New World.  He came sufficiently supplied with ready money to insure him against immediate want, and with letters of introduction which at once secured him an excellent social position.

After trying in vain for some time to secure employment in a business house, he obtained a position as assistant in a commercial school.  This he soon resigned for a similar place in a more celebrated school.  His salary here was $300, which was considered ample compensation in those days.