Weekly Trinity journal., 1871-07-08
SMITHS NEW CLERK.

"How's business ?" inquired the latter
&C All right; got new clerk"
"Got a new clerk, eh? Where's Jones ?"
discharged him. An idle, extravagant, i'm
prudent young dog.'
True enough, and the new one won't be any
better. Drinking, gambling, late hours and fast
horses-thats the way with 'em all"
And Smith groaned.
Jenkins eyes twinkled. He knew we'll the
peculiarities of his good-hearted, but eccentric
bachelor partner.
"Well, the new clerk don't drink nor gamble
Pm 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.
only took her-ahem the clerk on trial"
Mr.. Smith stared at his partner.
" suppose the clerk has name?" he re-
marked, dryy.
"Oh, yes. Her, that is to say the new clerks
name is Gardiner. 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 glancing to
the right or left. But when he reached his pri-
vate 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 on the occupant OF desk near
the door he started:
What's that?' he said, turning sharply
upon his partner, who had followed him.
jenkins gazed very composedly upon the slen-
der form, whose graceful head was bent intently
over ledger that lay upon a desk.
"That? Why, that's our new clerk
Smith rubbed his eyes and looked again.
why, it's woman !" he exclaimed, with an
air of incredulity and horror.
az should say it was," said jenkins coolly,
"and q confoundedly pretty one at that"
Smith gave his partner look of virtuous in
dignation.
" Mr.. Jenkins, this is no place for a woman l''
"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. Smith s
which he had read somewhere, and which he
considered as a cincher in such argument.
But suppose she hasn't anyP
This was a poser, and, in is efforts to sur
mount it, Mr.. Smith got excited.
Hasn't any? Why, sir, she must--shc
ought to have one -
every true. In fact so confdant am I on
| .J,o 7 bo, ,I,o
her mine-or at least, to share it with me-"
"Mr. jenkins, this is not fit subject for jest ?''
"It's a serious matter, | know so on the
WHOLE perhaps I'd better think it over while
longer. Besides, there's no knowing if she
would accept my offer together with the incum-
brances that goes with it,"
"Jenkins," returned Smith, severely, "will
you cease trining and attend to the business in
hand? This woman must 60"
every well, you told me you wanted a clerk
that would be faithful and industrious that
didn't spend the salary, and all he could spend
on fast horses, and faster women and [ got
you one. It's easy matter to send her off,
"Of course it is," rejoned Smith, brighten
ing at the suggestion Just tell her she dom
exactly suit, and that we shan't need her after
to-day"
" But she does suit-me and if you're not
suited all you've got to do is to tell her So"
"You hired her."
q And for that very reason | won't discharge
her without some good cause"
"No matter" returned Smith with an air of
lofty indifference. 81 can discharge her. l
think am equal to that much"
Jenkins, who had left the room, put his head
back a moment later.
" Bet you hundred dollars you don't do it '
With this parting shot he disappeared.
Now Smith had O nervous horror of women, as
his partner well knew--especially of young
women-and never spoke to one if he could help
it.
Had it been a man, he would know what to
say, and experienced no difficulty in saying, but
a 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 be came oppo-
site the desk where she sat- and he passed by,
glancing sideways at the unconscious 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 pair of soft blue eyes, shooting
swift, bewidering glance in Smith face that he
felt to the toes of his boots.
"Miss-Miss" he stammered.
lady, smiling. " Some call me George for
short"
swell, Miss George-Georgiana, m afraid