Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-04-05
SMITHS NEW CLERK.

'How's business ?'' inquired the latter.
'All right; got new clerk
''Got a new clerk, Ell? Where's
Jones p
Discharged him. An idle, eztravagant,
impudent young dog"
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. Smith groaned.
jenkins eye twinkled He well knew the
peculiarities of his good hearted, but ecceri-
trio bachelor partner.
well, the new clerk don't drink nor
gamble, I'm certain of that and has thus
far been very industrious and attentive -
Thus far? Oh. yes. Wait month
New ,brooms always sweep Clean
'Oh, well, if the new clerk don't suit
you. you can send her adrift, that's all. I
only took her-ahem-the new clerk on
trial.
Mr.. Smith stared at his partner.
Il suppose the rev clerk got name ?"
he remarked dryly.
"Oh, yes. Her-that is to say, The new
clerks name is Gardner But here we
are
As was the usual custom, Mr.. Smith
went through the store, past the array of
clerks on either side of the counter, with
out glancing to the right or left. But when
he reached his private office, at the further
end, he looked through the glass door,
which was so situated that he could see all
that was going on in the store,
As his eyes fell upon the occupant of a
desk near the door he started
What that?' he said, turning sharply
upon his partner
jenkins gazed very connoselly unon the
slender form, whose graceful head was bert
intently over a ledger that lay open upon
the desk before her.
That? Why that's the new clerk"
"Why, it's womlni' he exclaimed
with an air of incredulity and horror
Il should say it was, replied jenkins
coolly: ''and confounded pretty one, at
that
Smith gave his partner look of virtu-
Gus Indignation. ''Mr. jenkins, this is To
place for woman -
Think not ? Now it strikes me that she
fits the place very neatly.
The proper place for woman is in the
sanctuary at home. -
This was an observation Of Smiths which
he had read somewhere, and which he con-
II;
But suppose she hadn't any?"
That was a poser; and in his effort fc
surmount it, Smith got excited
Hasn't any? Why, sir, she must-she
ought to have one -
VERY true In fact 50 confident am l
on that point. that have some thoughts
OF offering her mine-or, at least to share it
with her."
Mr.. jenkins, this Is hot fit subject for
jest :"
It's a serious matter, know; so, on
the whole, perhaps d better think it over
a while longer. Basides there's no know
ing if she would accept my offer, together
with the encumbranco that goes with it.
Jenkins returned Smith severely,
"'oW you cease. trifing, and attend to the
business in hand This woman must gol"
VERY we'll You told me you wanted a
clerk that would be faithful and Industrious;
that didn't spend his salary, and all that he
could steal, on fast horses and faster women
and got you one. It's an easy matter to
send her off. -
"Of course it )" rejoined Smith, bright
ening at this suggestion. Just tell her
that she don't exactly suit, and that we
shan't need her services nfter to-day
''But she does suit-me; and if you re
not suited, all you've got to do is to tell
her so"
''Y on hired her"
''And for that very reason I won't dis
charge her without some good cause"
No matter returned Smith, with an
air of lofty Indifference. 81 can discharge
her think l am equal to that much
jenkins, who had left the room, put his
head back a moment later: Bet you a
hundred dollars you don't do it ~
With this parting shot he disappeared.
Now, Smith had nervous horror OF
women, as his partner well knew-esrecial-
ly of young women-and never spoke to
one if ne could help it.
Had it been a man, he would know what
TO say, and experience no difficulty in say
ing it, but 4 woman was quite another
thing.
But his partners last words had touched
his pride, and summoning all his resolution
he opened the door and walked out
But his courage failed him, as he came
opposite the desk where she sat, and he
passed by, glancing sideways at the un,on-
scious occupant, who did not lift her head
at his approach.
After speaking to a clerk at the further
end OF the room, he walked slowly back to
where the young lady sat, and who, as he
paused by the desk, raised a pair of soft
blue eyes, shooting a swift, bewidering
glance in Smiths that he felt to the toes of
his boots
'Miss-Miss he stammerei
My name is Georgiana. " said the vounr
lady, smiling. Some call me George. for
IL