Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-07-02
CAN WOMEN KEEP A SECRET


''Pshaw woman keep a secretl Who
ever knew one to keep anything twenty -four
hours 20
''That's libel upon the sex, Mr.. Podkins-
fnvented, I'll be bound, by some thrice reject
ed bachelor, who could think of no other mode
of revenge. Let anybody put secret in my
possession, and if L can't keep it till the day
of judgment, then wasn't christened Laura,
that's all.''
''Guess L will try you sometime" said Pod
kins, as he applied match to his cigar, and
walked out.
Proceeding to a confectioner's, he purchas-
ed mammoth sugar heart and two smaller
ones. These he took to his shop, and cut
piece of shingle the exact size of the large
heart, and placed the wooden counterfeit in
the paper with the small ones, that the packa-
ges might look as near alike as possible.
Nearly tea time Podkins entered the sitting
room where Laura and her friend Mary were
busily plying their needles. Seating himself
near by, he drew from his coat pocket two
small bundles, and presenting one to each of
the girls, remarked that he had long contem-
plated making them some presents, but hoped
as an especial favor to himself that they would
not tell each other what the paper contained
Laura and Mary promised obedience, the same
time casting uneasy glances at the mysterious
gifts.
sRemember, the first who breaks her pro-
mise will forfeit her claim to the title of Sc
cret keeper, and mend my coat in the way of
penalty" added Podkins, rising to exhibit
frllx
SO 'tattered and torn,'' that tailor would
have been puzzled to decide what was its ORR
ginal shape.
The girls considered themselves safe con-
corning the coat, and chided the wearer for
being so skeptical in regard to their ability to
keep a secret. Curiosity was only half salts
fled, however, after ascertaining that Podkins'
generosity bestowed a heart. 1t was not long
ere the donor overheard Mary and Laura in
the kitchen. teasing one another to reveal, by
some sign, at least, the forbidden fruit. But
each stood their ground wonderfully, and Pod
kins feared his coat would remain tattered.-
The girls sleeping apartment was contiguous
to the one occupied by Podkns and his friend
Barlow. AS only a thin partition separated
the rooms, it was easy to hear ordinary con-
versation from one to the other without the
folly Of listening. The two men were snugly
cnsconced in bed, when Mary and Laura en-
tered the adjoining bedroom. The door had
scarce been closed, when the former exclaim-
ed: s'Now, Laura, do tell me what was in your
paper. 1t looked just like mine, and verify
| believe it is the same thing. l shall rot sleep
a wink tonight If you don't. Come, do tell,
that's a good girl, and then viii tell you what
| is in mine.''
esWell,n replied Laura, sSthere were two SUI
| gar hearts in mine.''
sSAnd there was only one in mine,' said
Mary, in disappointed tone.
| At this point respectable portion of the
bolster went into Barlow's mouth, while Pod
kins took refuge beneath the bed-clothes to
smother his laughter as best he might.
At breakfast the next morning, while Laura
was pouring out the coffee, Podkins, turning
towards Barlow, said very gravely: "Well,
there were two sugar hearts in mine"
ssAnd there was only one in mine,'' respon-
ded Barlow, so exactly initiating Mary's tone
that she almost fancied herself speaking.
The coffee-pot dropped, to the great confu-
sion of sundry cups and saucers, and then
came a burst Of laughter from the four that
fairly made the dishes dance.
ssI viii take that coat after breakfast, il you
| please, Mr.. Podkins,' said Laura, quietly, al
ter the mirth had somewhat subsidized.
|
| NJ Ex~-g ~ tnr