Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-05-31
SMITHS NEW CLERK

Jenkins met Smith, bis senior partner,
at the depot, who had been absent on q
business tour.
'How's businessr inquired the latter
All right; got new clerk
Got a new clerk, ch? Where's
Jones?
Discharged him. An idle. extrava
CANT, 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
And Smith groaned.
Jenkins eyes twinkled. He well knew
the peculiarities Of tins good hearted, but
eccentric bachelor partner.
Well the new clerk dou't drink nor
gamble, I'm certain of that, and has thus
far been very industrious and attentive. ;
Thus far2 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. only took her-ah'm the
new clerk OIL Trial.
Mr.. Smith stared at his partner.
Il suppose the new clerk has nameF
he remarked drvly.
sOh, 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, 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 OF in the store.
As bis eyes fell on the occupant of a
desk near the door he started.
Whats tbatg he said, turning sharp
ly upon his partner, who had followed
him.
Jenkins gazed very composedly upon
the slender form, whose graceful head
was bent intentIy over ledger that lay
upon the desk.
'That9 Why, that's the new clerk. ,
Smith rubbed his eyes and looked
again.
why, it's womanp he exclaimed,
with an air of incredulty and horror.
Il should say it was said Jenkins.
coolly, 'and COMPOUNDED pretty one at
That
Smith gave bis partner look Of vir-
tuous Indignation.
Mr.. jenkins, this is no place for a
womanr
think not9 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 he had read somewhere,
and which he considered as clincher in
such an argument.
But suppose she hasn't sny?'
That was poser. and, in his efforts to
surmount it, Mr.. Smith got excited.
Hasn't snyG Why, sir, she must
she ought to have one!'
very true. In fact so confident am
I on that point, that some thoughts of
offering her mine-or, at least, to share
it with her.
Mr.. Jenkins, this is not a fit subject
for jest
It's serious matter. know; so, on
the whole, perhaps I'd better think it
over a while longer. Besides, there's no
knowing if she would accept my offer
together with the encumbrance that goes
with it.
Jenkins returned Smith, severely,
will you cease trifiing and attend to the
business in hand? This woman must
CO.
very well, you told me you wanted
clerk that would be faithful and indus
trious; that didn't spend his salary and
all be could steal on fast horses aud fast.
err women; and l got you one. It's an
easy matter to send her off
'Of course it is rejoined Smith,
Frightening at the suggestion. Just tell
her she don't exactly suit, and that we
ehonft raad box affo, % dsuS