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

Ahem ! but L fear you will be hardly
equal to the discharge of its duties
II hope so. 1t you will run your eye
over the balance sheet, you will find every
thing correct
With desperate hope that there would
be something amiss, Smith did so, but was
disappointed.
Il hope you have no fault to find ?" said
the new clerk, a little anxiously, ON per-
ceiving that he hesitated.
You are woman"
Here, whether abashed by the sudden
display of dimples in the pink cheeks, that
grew still more pink at this rather unneces-
sary assertion, Smith came to an upright
pause.
At this, the smiling face Settled into an
expression of demure gravity.
Il must plead guilty to the charge of be-
ing woman. But though it may be mis-
fortune it can scarcely be called fault at
any rate it is one for which / am not an
swerable !"
You misunderstood me, ma am. What
duties counected with your office, such as
opening the store, going to the post office,
ETC., which you cannot very well perform. F"
Il assure you, sir, that | shall like moth
ing better than an occasional walk in the
open air. And as to opening the store, and
sweeping and busting, don't know why it
should be harder to perform that Office for
a store than house.
Il claim no consideration for my sex,
resumed the young lady, casting slightly
reproachful glance at the perplexed counte,
nance of her employer, but | ask, in com.
mon Justice, if 1 perform my duties salts
factorly, that you will not discharge me
simply because am a ,conaan ~
Muttering a disclaimer of some kind, lie
hardly knew what. Smith beat a sudden re
treat to his own room, assuming a bold
front as he met his partners inquiring eye
but with inward consciousness that he haG
been totally routed by the enemy
''Going2" said jenkins, with provoking
nonchalence
well, no, not to-day. What the d
are you grinning at p
''Oh nothing-nothing at all . responde,
jenkins, iutently regarding fly on tn
ceiling.
What | was going to remark was, re
sumed Smith, with quite an unnecessary
assumption of dignity, that / have con
cluded to let the young lady remain until
can find some situation for her more in ac-
cordanee with her SEX
Very kind and considerate in you, said
jenkins dryly; especially taking into con-
sideration that she does her work bette,
than any clerk we ever had, and for less pay
too.
Smith was by no means the ogre he seem
ed. Aside from his prejudice, he was sen
sible. kind hearted man. Georgiana wa
not called upon 10 open the store or run er
rands, though she offered to do both.
Curious to relate, as days and weeks pass
ed Smith repugnance to her presence not
only vanished with them, but he began t.
regard it with positive pleasure. He usec
| often to look through the glass door, watch
ing the graceful poise of the head and tn
motions of the deft little fingers as they
glided over the paper, until at last curious
fancies seemed to creep through his brain
and he began to indulge in glowing dream
of how wonderfully such little woman a:
that would brighten up his lonely and cheer
less home. But he determined to proceed
cautiously He had it. His housekeepe
was about to leave, he would offer Mis-
/ Gardner the situation-and then? Havin:
| formed this resolution, his next step was t,
request the young lady's presence in his pri
| vate office, summons that was promptl,
! obeyed.
Miss Gardner, don't you think the stu
alton of housekeeper in quiet home, lik,
mine. for instance, would be preferable t.
your situation here p
| Perhaps, 10 some respects it might,
| said Georgiana, coloring at this abrup
inquiry, and the look that accompanied it
Was the old gentleman about to make he
an Offer But his next words relieved he
t of this apprehension.
my housekeeper is soon to leave me- anC
I should be glad to have you supply he
| place.
Georgiana's cheeks grew very red an,
| her mouth dimpled with the smiles sh
strove to suppress.
"You are very kind. sir, but the fact is
/ Mr.. jenkins has spoken to me first"
"Mr. jenkins p
Yes, sir, he asked me to be his house
/ keeper, and | told him that | would
But, my child, Mr.. jenkins is youn!
man-it would not be proper for you t.
keep house for him. Now. with me it i
different ~
As Georgiana inwardly contrasted th,
two, she mentally agreed with him. In fact
there was all the difference in the world II
! her.
but he asked me to be his wife as vel
as housekeeper.
"O-o-oh. y
Smiths first feeling was of intense aston
ishment his next, of quite as strong cha
grin. But it all ended in an emotion o
thankfulness that he had not committed
b,,,.aIf