The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1872-07-04

" LtH desperate nope EnaG LleF
would be something aniss, Smit
did so, but was disappointed.
i hope you have no fault to find?
said the clerk, rather anxiously, o.
perceiving that he hesitated.
Here, whether abashed by tn
sudden display of dimples in tn
pink checks, that grew still NOR,
pink at his rather unnecessary as
sertion, Smith Gene to an abrup
pause.
At this the smiling face settled
into an expression Of demure gravi
ty.
Il must plead guilty to the chargt
OF being a woman. But though il
may be a misfortune, it can scarcely
be called a fault; az any rate, it is
one for which am not ansWerable.' -
"You misunderstood me, ma am.
What 1 meant to say was, that there
are certain duties connected with
your Office, such as opening the
store, going to the post-ofice, ETC.,
which you cannot very well per
FORM"
II assure you, sir, that I shall like
nothing better than an occasional
walk in the open air. And as to
opening the store, and sweeping and
busting, 1 don't know why 1t should
be the harder to perform that Office
for store than for a house"
81 claim no consideration for my
sex" resumed the young lady, cast
ing a reproachful glance at the per-
picked countenance of her employer,
"but 1 ask, in common justice, if I
perform my duties satisfactorily,
that you will not discharge me sim
ply because I am a0ouaRr'
Muttering a disclaimer of some
kind, he hardly knew what, Smith
beat a sudden retreat to his own
room, assuming a bold front as he
met his partners inquiring eye, BIT
with an inward consciousness that
he had been totally routed by the
enemy.
"Going?' said Jenkins, with non
chalance most provoking.
"Well, no, not to-day. What the
deuce are you grinning atY'
ooh, nothing-nothing at all, "
responded Jenkins, throwing him
self back in his chair and regarding
intently a fly upon the ceiling.
"What 1 was going to remark
was" resumed Smith, with quite an
unnecessary assumption of dignity,
''that I have concluded to let the
young lady remain until I can find
some situation for her more in ac-
cordance with her sex"
every kind and cOnsiderate in
you," said Jenkins, dryly, especial
ly taking into view that she does her
work better than any clerk we ever
had, aud for less pay too"
Smith was by no means the ogre
he seemed. Aside from his preju-
dice he was q sensible, kind-hearted
man. Georgiana was not called up
on to open the store or run errands,
though she offered to do BETH
Curious to relate, as days and weeks
passed, Smiths repugnance to her
presence not only vanished wish
them, but he began to regard it with
positive pleasure.
He used to often look through the
glass door, watching the graceful
poise of the head and the motions
of the deft little fngars as they
glided over the paper, until at last
curious faneies seemed to creep
through his brain, and he began to
indulge in glowing dreams of how
wonderfully such little woman that
would brighten up his lonely and
cheerIess home.
But he determined to proceed
cautiously. He had it. His house
keeper was about to leave; he would
offer Miss Gardner the situation
and then?
Having formed this resolution, his
next step was to request the young
lady's presence in his private Office,
a summons that was promptly obey
ed.
Miss Gardner, don't you thiRk
the situation as housekeeper in a
quiet home, like mine, for instance,
would be preferable to your situa-
ton here?''
Perhaps, in some respect it
might" said Georgiana, cOlOring at
this abrupt inquiry and the look
which accompanied it.
Was the old gentleman about to
make her an offer?
But his next words relieved her |
of this apprehension.
MY houeekeeper is soon to leave !
me, and l should be very glad to |
have you supply her place"
GeOrgiana's cheeks grew red, and |
her mouth dimpled the smiles that |
she strove vainly to suppress.
"You are very kind, sir, but the |
fact is, Mr.. Jenkins has spoken to
me first"
"NTr. Jenkins"
'Yes, sir. He asked me to be his
lousekeeper, ard 1 told him 1
would"
"But, my child, Mr.. Jenkins is
young man-it would not be proper
or you to keep house for him. Now
With me it is different"
And GeOrgiana inwardly agreed
With him. In fact there was all the
in the world ts her.
But he asked me to be his wife
IS well as housekeeper."
"O-o-o-hr'
Smiths first feeling was that of
intense astonishment, his next, of
Iuite as strong chagrin. But it all
nded in an emotion of thankfulness
hat he had not committed himself
But his disappointment could not
AVE rankled very deeply, for he at
ended the wedding, viewing, with
milling tranquility, the ceremony
hat transformed his new clerk into
he happy wife of his fortunate part
er, Jenkins.
That is a good mottO-hOnor
I wish you would all
dopt it, not for special things, but