Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-03-03
MISCELLANEOUS.
LAW AND ROMANCE.

"Act as my representative in all re-
spccts; | delegate you full and entire au
thority?'
That was what Jack Clermont said as
he leaned out of the carriage window to
light his cigar from the tip of mine. OF
course, l understand the responsibilities,
and accepted them very good humoredly !;
for, though l had never been in love my
self, still had a general idea that it was
my duty to afford every possible facility
to young man who was going to see his
sweetheart and fix the wedding day.
So [ turned with sigh of resignation
away from the fresh, exhilorating air, the
vivid March sunshine, into the close little
den lined with law books, and perfumed
with the odor of Russia leather, which
Jack denomihated his "office!" On the
whole, felt rather as if [ were an amia-
BILE sacrifc on the altar of disinterested
friendship. Damon and Pythias were
great cronies, no doubt if we were TO put
faith in the records; but never heard
that Damon stayed at home to keep
''office" for Pythias, when he would a
great deal rather have been out in the
breezy March woods, trampling down the
first blue violets under the drifts of dry
leaves, with a gun over his shoulder!
Then | began to consider seriously
what lazy fellow I was to spend my
days in this Robin Hood kind of life,
while my old college mate Jack was
working away at the law and pocketing
snug little fees, and getting to be a JUS
tice of the peace, and delegate to all the
conventions, and school trustee, and
everything he could think of; ''somc
day." resolved 1, wheeling lazily round
on Jacks old leather chair, "Pll 60 to
work too"
All day long sat there, enacting Jack
to my own unbounded admiration, and
considerably to the astonislnnent of the
sober old farmers, whose preconceived
idea of esquire Clermont" was widely
different from the splendid moustachcd
young fellow who occupied his seat of
judgment, and pronounced solemn edicts
with all the dignity of Chief Justice Taney
himself! What was the use of telling
them all that was not Jack, and that l
never had graduated at any law school,
and that my whole knowledge was con-
fined to single reading of Blackstone ?
Jack had given explicit instructions to
act as his representative, and was not I
doing it to the best of my ability?
Well, on the whole, l didn't succeed
badly at frst-whenever there was any
mistiness about the transaction, | took
the broad ground that law was nothing
more nor less than common sense "a mis-
take that experience has since rectiied
for me), nipped three promising law
suits in the bud by the conscientious
equity of my opinions; persuaded several
honest fellows to put their grievances in
their pockets, not in mine, and speaking
in round numbers, must have done poor
Jack out of nearly ffty dollars in retain
ing fees.
esquire Clermont inY demanded a
shock headed rustic in swallow-tailed
blue coat, who made his appearance
about noon.
"Yes-what's wanting|
"Weil, sir" answered the rustic rather
awkwardly, twirling his hat round and
round, "We'd.like to have you come up
to Shineville next week and deliver a
lecture for our Young Mems Association,
and -"
Twenty-Five dollars and expenses
paid" remarked I, at a venture, with an
air of such exquisite assurance that the
negotiater was completely at my mercy.
''Very well sir. The secretary of the
association will forward you regular in
vitation, and - -
''Good day, sir" I said briskly. rub
bing my hands as another individual
came in, and he edged out. "Jack can't
complain at this way of transacting busi-
ness" was my internal reflection, while
my last visitor was having and hemming
preparatory to introducing his business.
"You are Mr.. Clermont, sir, l s'pose?"
Whats your business with me, my
friend n said 1, amiably. W
"Well, I'm real glad I've catehed you