The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-06-03
Sflstellanepus.
THE sQUIRE's SUBSTITUTE.

"Act rs my representative in all respects. 1
delegate you full and entire authority"
That was what Jack Clcrmont had said as he
leaned out Of the carriage to light his cigar
from the TIP Of mine. OF course, undertook
the responsibilities very good humoredly for
though had never been in love myself, still |
had sort Of general idea that il was my duty
to afford every possible facility to young man
who was going to visit his sweetheart and fix
the wedding day.
SO turned with sigh Of resignation away
nom the fresh, cKhilarating air to the close lit
tie den which Jack denominatcd his Office. On
the whole, felt rather rs il were an amiable
sacrifice on the altar Of disnterested friendship.
50 oil day long sat there, personating Jack to
my own unboundcd admiration.
esquire Clermont in," demanded red
headed rustic, in blue coat decorated with
brass buttons, who made his appearance about
noon.
eyes what's wantingl"
"well, SIR" answered the rustic, awkwardly
twirling his hat around. "we'd like to have you
como up 70 shineville, next week, and deliver
a lecture for our Young Mems Association ;
and"
"Twenty.fye dollars, and expenses paid :"
remarked I, at a venture, with an air of such
exquisite assurance that the negotia,or was
completely at my mercy.
..yery well. sir. The secretary of the sssocia.
ton will forward YOU n regular invitation,
and"
"Good day, sir" I said, briskly rubbing my
hands as another individual came in, and he
edged out.
"Jack can't complain at this way of tran.
s,cting business, )" was my internal reflection,
while my last visitor was having and hemming
preparatory to introducing his business.
"You are Mr.. Clermont, sir, s'posel"
"what Is your business with me, my friend ?"
said I, amiably.
swell. I'm real glad I've catched you at
home for once" was the answer, with fendish
satisfaction. "I'd be very much obleeged II
you'd pay this ere little BILL"
lie handed to me crumpled piece OF paper
"A bill for something or other, didn't know
or care what, except that the sum total was
twenty dollars, which paid with my exulta-
ton considerably toned down. Why couldn't
have said that wasn't Jack, and didn't know
when Jack would be at home!
My most interesting adventure was yet 10
happen. Just as was beginning to yawn' and
contemplate the propriety OF shu''ing 'no o''
Gee up for the day, and just as the brightness
Of glorious spring sunset was streaming IN
through the dusty panes OF glass; inc silence
was broken by q light tap on the door.
"Come in !" said, expecting 10 see d h'''e
boy with letter, or q client, 50 laid down
the poker. and wheeled my chair around.
What was my astonishment, on the contrary
to behold tall slender young lady, WIN
fresh, brown complexion' just uhseu wiz"
healthy pink, and hazel eyes that appeared per-
fectly ready either to sparkle into brilliant
laughter or melt into misty tears.
There she stood, and there sat. never had
heard OF Jack Clermont having any female
clients, and. consequently 1t took me several
seconds to recover. as were, mental eQulliori.
um. Then / sprang up, and politely offered
her the only chair in the Office, whilo seated
myself on the wood-box.
7" Mr.. Clermontl" she asked, softly-a very
sweet. musical sort Of q voice, noticed, even
through all my perturbation.
"I shall be happy to be Of service to you,
madam"
who ,vopld have supnoscd III Tho young