The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-04-15
Hunting a Situation.

Mercantile college in New Y York and with a
recommendation and diploma in his pocket, was
now in search Of a situation. He was good
looking young young man Of twenty three;
and had earned with his own hands the money
professor Ferdinand Costello De- Guer, had re-
ceived in exchange for his education. If we
mistake not John Peters was native of a lit
tie town in Connecticut, which. from some
oversight on the part of previous compilers,
has had the misfortune to be entirely overlook
ed by the census compiler in his universal
scrutiny of the State. ,ro,..-..r ,.... al...,
For fear of rendering the town classical, as
being the birth place of our hero, we shall re-
frain from further mention of it, satisfied that
the curiosity already excited, will induce fu-
tare compilers to be more accurate in their re-
searches and thus in course of time, it may
come to be awarded to the aforesaid town, in
spite Of its present isolation and obscurity, its
due share of geographical notice and impor-
tance. ...t..s s'@se&@ @nu3.." e.. ..
In what part of the city John Peters resided,
or where he happened to be on the morning to
which we refer, is a point not clearly shown.
l am sorry, however, because the locality of
John Peters might tend to strengthen the iden-
uty of John Peters, and prevent him chad this
fact with other important items been clearly
established in the mind Of the wealthy and in
fuential John Meirs) from entrapping the pref
ty bird which policy and worldly calculation
had already beat into the bush for John Pc
ters the second.
That John Peters had been looking over the
morning papers cannot be doubted, from the
fact that 9 o'clock. A. M, found him standing at
the door of Mr.. Joshua Meirs' counting room
Mr.. Joshua Meirs having that morning adver-
tsed for a book keeper. ......l....-..#
''Mr. Mers, ] believe, l have the honor Of
addressing Mr.. Joshua Meirs?" said Mr.. John
Peters, touching his hat and bowling profound
ly in that direction.
"The same,' responded Mr.. Mers, with a
frigldly digni6ed nod. "CanI be of any SER
vice to you? Please proceed"
John Peters hesitated and glanced about the
room; the presence of Mr.. Meirs was recog-
nlsable in every object
What shall [ do? If there was only hole
somewhere, thought John. But there was no
hole, and our hero proceeded
my name is Peters-John Peters,
Mr.. Meirs sprang from his chair, as though
he had received a shock from some invisible
battery.
John Peters! By all that is gracious!' cri
ed Mr.. Meirs embracing him. And here
like an old simpleton have been treating you,
thinking you stranger all the while accord
ing to the most irigid rules of etiquette. Ide-
serve to be blowed for ever having studied
count De Orsav's treaties. But how is your
father?-how stupid in mel can see him in
every feature of your face-in good spirits [
reckon?-yes, | see; no matter about the an
swer-arrived in the morning train--all tired
out, no doubt!--Yes, of course, how could
expect you be otherwise?-rode all night see!
Perfectly unexpected. Though didn't dream
ofyour coming before the expiration of another
week-I think your father said in his letter a
week from Frlday-to-day, let me see, is We'd
nesdav-whch would leave it a week from day
after tomorrow. But matter; you are just
as welcome. All! here comes an omnibus, il
will take US within two minutes of my resi-
dence, and Bella is at home this morning. She
can't help but be delighed-come," and Mr.
Meirs caught the arm of John Peters and start
ed in the direction of the street.
Il fear there is a slight misunderstanding
somewhere, % faltered John, attempting to with
draw his arm: cit is true my name is John Pc
ters-''
"Of course, and my name is Joshua Meirs,
and you are to marry my daughter Bella. |
can see no misunderstanding in the matter
"Hallo,' he shouted, and at the same time
beckoning to the driver of the ''bus," and re-
newing bis hold upon John Peters arm, Halt,
there, two fares this way"
The driver held up, and Mr.. Meirs, in spite
of the half-formed remonstrances of the bewil-
dered John Peters, hurried him into the 'bus, -
and in five minutes more they were ascending
the marble steps of the merchants residence.
us Bella at home?' inquired Mr.. Meirs, of
the servant on the landing.
"Troth, and | think it was the young mis-
tress' voice | was afther hearing now in the
peanny ROOM
Mr. Meirs led the way in the direction ind
Gated, while John embarrassed, followed He
felt it was high time for an explanation But
Mr. Meirs was too much preOccupied with one
idea, the identity of John Peters aud his mar
riage with Bella to heed the confused and
broken sentences of our hero, and the next
moment found him face to face with one of the
most bewitchingly beautiful creatures he had
seen in his life.
''This is Bella" said Mr.. Meirs, with some
pride; ''you doubtlessly remember This is
your cousin John, | hope you havn't forgotten
him. What in the world makes you stare so
Bella? l told you his hair would be as dark
as your own, by this time, but you would not
believe it,
Here Mr. Meirs consulted his watch, and
said
But l must be in Wall street by ten, SO !
must be obliged to trust you to your own gov
ernment till dinner
With this, Mr.. Meirs departed, leaving our
hero indescriably confused. No sooner had
he departed, than Bella burst into avery long,
ringing laugh, and exclaimed, 'how funny!"
Merriment is said to be contagious. John
Peters laughed aresponse to Bella, and he had
a most beautiful way of doing it, which Bella
in spite of the novelty of their situation, ac-
knowledged with a blush. ...-.
"There is great mistake made" said John
Peters, bowng sorrowfuIly as though he would
a tale unfold.
II see," said Bella, ''you are trying to cover
up your red hair with wig. hate red hair
and the change makes you look SO funny-it
does indeed" -s. ..-.,.. l-zf
1T is all a mistake - persisted John, red