The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-09-24

",
"what is the matter with me to day ev.
erythng goes wrong !"
There is no telling how long he had
been gazing at u brass nail in the counter,
when he was again made conscious OF his
locality by the entrance of visitor; bu,
this time one who caused his nerves to vi.
brate with emotions very different from
those produced by the boor who had pre-.
ceded her, for it was young lady.
What purchase she made Simon never
could remember; lie could only recall,
when he again threw himself on his lonely
bed, the music Of her voice, the brightness
OF her eyes, and Tie grace Of her move
ments.
Fanny Jones often visited the store of
Zero and Minus, after this eventful period,
and on those days the books were always
faul Y. Rcprimands became frequent;
he was conscious Of having intended no
wrong; but WAS in despair at the frowns
OF his employers. He felt as though he
had no friend in the world TO whom he
could turn. His check bones gradually
grew prominent, and sleep fled from his
wretched pallet.
One morning an exceedingly stylish in.
dividual entered the store, and after "a few
minutes conversation with the proprietois.
he beckoned 10 IN attendant, with the
most shining head Of hair Simon had ever
seen. a large poster was unfolded, on
which were Il number of colorcd en-
cravings, representing sp!enGidly dressed
elnestrlans riding on any number of fiery
horses, IN all impossible attitudes Simon
was charmed; ror was his admiration III.
mlnlshcd 10y the remarks of the crowd this
flaming bill Immediately drew around the
door.
"The greatest circus in the known
world" said one.
The best clown ever seen," said an
other
"Of course we'll CO."
"Oh, Yes! must patrcnise the fine
arts"
Poor Simon ! what with the plate on
the end Of stick, and the gentleman
riding on the end of his toes, the clown
with spread eagles all over Lis face, and
the pony drinking wine, the dog climbing
IA ladder, and Fanny's eyes, he was com.
pletely bewildered.
Next morning the hills re-cchocd with
the blasts Of the travelling brass band, and
troop OF calico horses, drawing fantasti
cal wagons, arrested simultaneously the
hammer aud the spade, the crowbar and
the pen, and filled the windows with fair
faces.
Scarcely had the procession passed,
when Fanny Jones entered. She was al
most out OF breath, and her eyes were
brilliant with anticipated pleasure.
"llave You ANY more of that blue rib.
bon lcit!"
"les, four yards and a quarter"
I'm so glad going to The show, Mr..
Fayl'
NO; business will prevent"
-IdiCU"
Miss Jones'" exclaimed Simon, as she
was about 10 leave, "here is box you
forgot when YOU were last here" and he
drew from his breast small parcel, con.
tanning n pair of plain car rings.
"Oh, yes. had quite forgotten them.
Ia has given Inc a much handsomer pair;
YOU may keep them, Mr.. Fay"
Keep themw said Simon, not beiev-
ing his ears.
"Ycs, keep them; shall have no use
for them"
81 cannot, Miss Jones; but il you in.
deed wish to make me happy, will take
one, if you will retain the other"
"As you please" and she left him with
smile.
"She's gone" sighed he, and then the
recollection of his boidness caused him al.
most to stagger. But have this ting,
and 1t will never leave me; it shall be a
more powerful talisnan than the ring Of
the genii." lie stood gazing at the hap
pv people AS they hurried past to the
scene of enjoyment. lie would gladly
have been one Of the number, but the i'm.
possibility OF his enjoying himself was the
answer 10 the wish. "She will be there"
he mused, and all eyes will feast upon
her loveiness." lie was ready TO weep,
and turned from the street 10 his ledger.
He attacked the columns Of figures with
energy; but mist overspread his eyes,
aud the decimal point became blot.
He laid aside the book, ana turned his
attention to re.adjusting the goods upon
the shelves. While he was thus employ
ed, Minus entered. Pleased with the in.
dustry Of bis clerk, n gleam Of benevolence
oyersprcad his face-if anything can
spread over an edge.
"Whs, would you give TO go to tie
circus, Simon
"Sirw
II have ticket; will sell it to you
for the original price--the original price
and you can place it to our credit.
will keep store this afternoon in your
place, as am not well enough to under
go the excitement Of public entertain
ment."
"Oh, no, sirw
take it--.ake it,, my Iad;" and lie
put the ticket in Simon's han'l, and push
ed him out Of .he door, thereby pocketiug