Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-12-05
THE SILENT PARTNER.


THE SILENT PARTNER.
Nv name is Jenkins--Thomas Jefferson
Jenkins Not bad name, is ii 1t looks
well written or printed especially written, il
Won make your Us with flourish, as l always
do. And yet in spite of it being good name,
and pretty one to write, have been unable
TO find young lady who appeared to fancy it.
None of them seem to think that "Mrs. Thorn
as Jefferson Jenkins would look well on Wis.,
ifing card, and so / am doomed ssto blush un-
seen and waste my sweetness on the desert air. y
One evening l sat in my bachelor apartment
cozily smoking my pipe and gazing into huge
wood fife which burned upon the hearth, warm
ing aud lighting the room at the same time.
1t is wonderful how smoke generates thought.
Ike Marvel has published his bachelor rever-
les over wood fire, coal fire, and cigar,
but never has given the result of his cogita-
tions with pipe in his mouth, if, indeed, he
smokes pipe; or did smoke one, mean
Tor, poor fellow, he's a married man now. and
all his bachelor reveries and pipe okings
over. But on this particular evening, as |
sat smoking, got to thinking, and my tho is
took pretty nearly the form in which have
written them down.
But, all at once, while sat dreaming before
the fire, heard tapping at my chamber door.
Itwas wild night without. The wind howl
ed and shrieked like spirit Of evil, the win
dow sashes ratified, and huge tree, which
grew close to my room. grated harshiy against
the side of the house as if begging for admis-
sion from the cold without. Who could be
coming TO visit me on such night7 But
soon put an end to the mystery by opening the
door. A sable son of Africa entered, handed
the perfumed billet, and departed. 1t was
directed. in remarkably neat female hand,
TO "Mr. Thomas Jefferson Jenkins" l broke
the seal and read:
ttN fo IN,
Mr.. jenkins and availing herself Of the priv
ilege which leap-year gives the ladies, requests
the pleasure of his company tomorrow eve
ming. Miss j. begs the honor of the visit to
enable her to communicate a matter Of pecu-
liar interest TO Mr.. j. She deems it proper to
state this much in order that he may not ex-
pect to find party present on the occasion"
What could it mean My acquaintance with
Miss Johnson was very limited one. had
met her half Il dozen times, at as many par
ties, but never had dreamed of making an i'm
preston. She evidently meditated proposal,
however, and must prepare myself for it.
Had she fallen in love with my good looks
had she taken fancy to my name, or had my
"winning ways" captivated her? l couldn't
understand it, and SO | went to bed-s'to sleep,
perchance TO dream"
The next morning awoke bright and early,
and the first thing that popped into my mind
was the occurrence of the night before. Was
it 8 dream No, for the little scented billet
was there on my table. | ate my breakfast
and tried to go about my usual business, but
IN vain | could think of nothing but Miss
Johnson and theevening's engagement-for l
had determined to comply with her request.
turned the matter over in my mind in every
shape and fern, to no purpose. She was rich
and beautiful, though not as poor as jobs
turkey, had nothing to invest in bank stock.
Why should she fancy me? couldn't under
stand it, and SO determined to avoid the issue.
should say that my heart pulsated audibly
asl pulled the bell that evening at the rich Mr..
Johnson's door. l am not sure that heard it
beat, but would be willing to take an oath that
felt as If it would hammer its way through
my vest. l was ushered into the parlor, where
comfortable fire was burning. l had been
seated but few minutes, when ruStling Of
SILK attracted my attention, and Miss Johnson
entered the room.
Miss johnson was a graduate of female
college, and, of course, accomplished. We
began on that original and seldom mentioned
topic, the weather. and soon gIded into quite
apeassnt and interesting tete-a-fete. After
Hme, however, noticed a certain nervousness
OF manner in my fair companion which read
ny attributed to the peculiarity of her position.
Until the evening previous had not dreamed
"l entertaining for her anything approaching
10 70 tender passion, but my singularly suscep-
nOie heart had been gradually warming to-
ward her, until now | had felt on the point of
renewing her from all embarrassment, by get
ing nmy knees and declaring my attachment.
Dut II was leap-year, and couldn't think of
interfering with the young lady privilege-so
hem my peace and allowed the silence which |
maa ensued to remain unbI oxen. AT length |
.Ne iar one remarked, in singulary sweet
te .One OF voice, which made my heart thump
H1rd against my ribs:
II ou are doubtless anxious TO know, Mr.. |
ruNins, sru, why you we're summoned here this |
evening 2''
ola SSST, Jenkins, said I, mentally, it's coming,
ma, eilow. Bear up bravely, and act like |
Hs~:- Don't be frightened out Of your wits.
aerved myself by this mental confab,
marked audbly, that ssI had some little
| eur ssSes'ty on that points,
.u''Not to keep von longer in arspense, then,
faua. 'uSt ' Know that a lady friend of mine has
"a .a"en en- IN love with you, and has deputized me
xo,i.r om You of the fact. She is young,
rty, beautiful, accomplished and amiable.
rLor her likeness, which will show you
nrn eu You have agreed to the terms shall
f;pySe' fr;aps with all her good qualities, my
ten. ,,,ena IS remarkably eccentric. She has de-
Sba Sb'neo teo 10 marry without an hours courtship.
sto as "n.rd heard OF you, and made such inquiries
wor5 sssisiy her. i am ready to pledge my
70 tS.t mat all have said in her favor is true
be en,;er. a.. etter. Her property is ample, and will
isorcly ia under your CONTROL Her family
will Oh the best in the country. Are you
afs,us afss 10 marry herr If you answer In the
Ibols 1--WE .e will give you the likeness, which
p,os'HmY 70 my hand, and theimarriage will take
pa.i IN TINS room tomorrow EVENING"
Ilgnt n1Ders T fhouOht 70 ho o'oo1 11od |