Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-11-04

jenkins met Smith, his senior partner,
at the depot, who had been absent on bust
ness tour.
'How's business ? inquired the latter.
'All right Got new clerk
Got new clerk, eh :? Where's Jones 2
Discharged him. An idle, extravagant,
impudent young dogv
True enough and the new one won't be
any better Drinking, gambling, late hours,
and fast horses-that's the way with 'em
all
| And Smith groaned.
Jenkins eyes twinklcd. He well knew
the peculiarities of his good hearted, but
eccentric bachelor partner.
We'll, the new clerk don't drink nor gam
Bile, I'm certain Of that and has thus far
been very industrious and attentive
Thus far -? Oh, yes Wait MONTH
New brooms sweep Clean
oh, well, if the new clerk don't suit
you, you can send the new clerk adrift,
that's all. I only took her-ahem the
new clerk On trial.
Mr.. Smith stared at his partner.
/ suppose the new clerks got name 2
he remarked, dryly.
ooh, yes Her-that is to say, the new
clerks name is Gardner But here we are
AS was his usual custom, Mr.. Smith went
through the store, past the array of clerks
on either side of the counter, without glanc
ing to the right or the left. But when he
reached his private office, at the further end,
he looked through the glass door, that was
80 situated that he could see all that was
going on in the store.
AS his eyes fell on the occupant Of a desk
near the door, he started:
What's that?' he said, turning sharply
uron his partner, who had followed him. ,
jenkins gazed very composedly upon the
slender form, whose graceful head was bent
intently over a ledger that lay open upon
tho desk before her
That ? Why, that's the new clerk
Smith rubbed his eyes, and looked again.
why, it's woman 7 he exclaimed, with
an air Of incredulity and horror.
I should say it was said jenkins,
coolly; 'and a confoundedly pretty one, at
that
Smith gave his partner look Of virtuous
indignation.
Mr. jenkins, this is no place for wo-
man ?
Think not Now it strikes me that she
fits the place very neatly
The proper place for woman is in the
sanctuary Of home !
This was pet observation of Mr.. Smiths
which be had read somewhere, and which he
considered as clincher in any such argu-
mcnt.
But suppose she hasn't aDy?'
This was poser and, in his efforts to
surmount it, Mr.. Smith got excited.
Hasn't any ? Why, sir, she must she
ought to have one y
Very true. In fact, so confident am
on that point, that have some thoughts q
Offering her mine-or, at least, to ahare il
with her.
Mr.. jenkins, this is not f.. subject fol-
jest!'
It's serious matter. 4 know; SO, OF
the whole, perhaps I'd better think it Owe
awhile longer. Besides there's ne knowing
if she would accept my offer together will
the encumbrance that goes with it.
Jenkins returned Smith, severely
Viii you cease triaing, and attend to tn
business in hand This woman must 60
Very well. You told me you wanted
clerk that would be faithful and industrious
that didn't spend his salary, and all he coul
steal. on fast horses, and faster women )
and I got you one. It's an easy matter
send her off,
sOf course it is lejoined Smith, bright
enint at this suggestion. Just tell he
that she don't exactly suit, and that W
, shan't need her after to-day
But she does suit-me and If your
not suited, all you've got to do is to tell he
So
You hired her.
And for that very reason, I won't di'
charge her without some good cause
No matter returned Smith, with an
i. of lofty Indifference. 4 can discharge ne
I think am equal to do that much
jenkins, who had left the room, put h
head back q moment later
Be you hundred dollars you don
do i'll
With this parting shot. he disappeared
: Now Smith had a nervous horror OF "
men, as his partner well knew-especlai
Of Young women-and never spoke to on
if he could help it.
IS Had it been man, he would kne
y what to say, and experienced no difficulty
< saving it. hut woman was quite anoth