The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-12-26
A Bold Stroke for a Husband

IL,
In one corner of the room stood piano, butt
was shut, and had been all day-Penelope had
no disposition to play. Whyshould She? there
was no one to play to. If now she had hus-
band zH
1t was upon this very point that Miss Pene-
lope was meditating
The fact was Penelope Penrose wanted but
SIX months of being thirty, and no one had vet
made hera proposal. Penelope was good looking
had received good education, She was also
skilled in, had good temper, and verify be-
lleve would make a husband happy. But such
things can't be accounted for. She had seen the
most uncompromsing Of her companions, even
to ugly little Miss Henderson,, with not an ac-
compshment in the world, and moreover. with
a face ptted with the small pox married off in
quick succession. and yet there she sat, on that
cloudy morning in December, a devotee Of sin
gle blessedness, and likely to remain so.
Was there evexa woman who did not con-
slider married life preferable to single one,
provided she could secure the right companion? !?
believe not. E@
To revert to Miss Penelope In addition to
her other specified attractions, she owned the
neat cottage which she occupied, and a sufi-
cient sum in funds to live upon with comfort
and elegance. Surely all the beaux must have
been blind. t " f. s-.
Something must be done, ,and that quickly, y
said Miss Penelope, as the thought of her ap-
preaching thirtieth birthday came with startling
force to her mind, d,-yes, something must be
done. But what? That is the question Such
is the state of society that women is hemmed
on all sides. She has not even the privilege of
choosing her companion for life, but must await
meekiy till some one comes along and take
HIM or nobody. Its wrong, decidedly wrong
Miss Penelope was in suitable frame o7
mind, at that moment to become an advocate
of womans rights. -5. .
Meanwhile it was growing dark, and Miss
Penelope rang the bell. ~.
''Sally,' said she to her handmaden, .'you
may bring in lights and the evening paper.''
The handmaden vanished, and presently the
articles desired made their appearance 4 -
THAT will do Saly-you may co." she said
Penelope looked first at the marriages
was no more than natural then at the deaths.
Finding that none of her acquaintance h ad
committed one or the other, she turned to the
advertisements. 1sI
One in particular arrested her attention, and
we will look over her shoulder as she reads:
To Housekeepers.- The undersigned is desi-
rous of securing the services of competent
house-keeper, to take charge of an establish
ment. AS he keeps two servants, her chief
duty will be to superintend and preside at the
gable. Early application is desirable.
'-.. GREGORY McK1M
"Gregory McKim," soliloquized Miss Pene-
lope. Il remembeS to have heard of him as
bachelor inheriting a large fortune from his
father. Isuppose he must be about thirty five
by this time wonder whether, supposing
were to apply, justfor the joke Of the thing, he
would give me the situation"
1t was new idea. and the novelty of it struck
Penelope so favorably, especially as she had
become heartily tired of her present mode Of
life, that, after a little consideration, sheddeter.
mined to carry out her plan, and if successful in
her application to retain her situation a month
or two. --.-
The next morning very early Miss Penelope
summoned her handmaiden. -.
Sally" said she, Il am thinking of going
out of town for month or two and during the
time shall close up the house. If you have
friends you should like to visit, you are at liberty
to do so. But you will let me- know wherever
you go, in order that l may send for you if l
should return unexpectedly"
The proposal suited very well with Sally s
inclinations as will readily be believed, and
though she was at a loss to conceive what had
all at once sent such a home body as her mis-
tress on travelling expedi ion, she was well dis
posed 10 take advantage of it.
Eleven O'Clock found Miss Penelope flying
with ali c1oo1 RI har IaC tipot
Mr.. Gregory McKim was bachelor of 35,
as our readers have already been informed. In
heriting large fortune from his father, it was
matter of no little wonderment to his nune-
rous friends that he called no one to his side to
share it. But Gregory was one of those easy
men who never took the trouble to 60 after any
thing. If it was within his reach, well and
good, otherwise the exertion was too great,
and he voted it bore. He seemed content to
live on, as he had ever lived in single blessed
mesquite ignoring the greater blessings of
matrlmony. . ... IL"
1t was after dinner, and as was his wont, he
was leaning back in his rocking chair, plunging
into the peculiar dreaminess supernduced by a
choice Havana cigar, when the bell was heard
to ring. ).' '.e. t'E.5'." '
plague take it!' said he, rousing hin1selfan
willingly. Some visitor / wish they would
take another tme' .- -'rs .S-
"a lady announced the servant, opening
the door and introducing Miss Penelope. '...
"Y our servant, madam, said Gregory. bow
ing most happy to,see you. Pray be seated. =
"This is Mr.. McKim, I believe said the
lady.
'The same, ma am, at your service" he an
swered. . ..54r5a I..
Il noticed ar advertisement Of yours in the
paper ..... -...-.4-. NJ. ..a. .4....
"Ah, yes, for bousekeepeg Can you re-
commend one?'
Il come to offer myself for the situation. Be-
ing an interested party" said Miss Penelope,
smiling slightly, perhaps it would be as well
not to recommend myself too highly"
"Ah, eh ahem. Have you ever served in
that capacity before?" asked Mr.. McKim, a lit
tie embarrassed. -r.. -. 4
mo, cannot say that l have. l believe,
however, am acquainted with the duties. it
would devolve upon me- |
Gas believe l stated in the advertisement.
your chief duty would be that Of superinten-
1ence, and presiding at the table. As keep
.wo servants, they would be sufficient for all