Dickens' Generosity.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 418, 9 November 1889, Page 6

Dickens' Generosity.

Ax anecdote is told in the 'Athenreuni' which illustrates the already well-known genet osity of Charles Dickens ; but it may be doubted whether ife will increase, his reputation for sobriety of practical judgment. The events are related on the authority of the police official who was a chief actor in them. Dickens , had a favourite servant whom upon one occasion he entrusted with a bag of money (about £70) which was to be paid into the bank. Leaving the bag for a few moments in the business-room, he returned to find that the money had disappeared. There was no reason to suspect the servant, but Dickens naturally thought it better to investigate the matter further. ' A detective was sent for, but his profession •was not revealed to the servant, the same story \vas ! 'again told ; but the detective, noticing an' uneasy look in the servant's eye, told Dickens that the truth had not been reached. The servant ivas again summoned, confronted with his master, and, informed that the stranger was a detective, confessed thafc he had himself stolen the money in order to defray his losses on the Derby. Most men would have prosecuted him, or at least sent him about his business. Well, Dickens did discharge him, -but settled on him an annuity of £60, in consideration of his previous good conduct, and in fear that he might resort to some dishonest means of getting a livelihood.