Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1872-01-06

ing slightly rcproachful glance al
the perplexed cOuntenance of her
employer "but i ask, in common
justice, if 1 perform my duties salts
factorily, that you viii not discharge
me simply because ON q woman ~
Muttering q disclaimer OF some
kind, he hardly knew what, smith
beat q sudden retreat TO his own
room, assuming a bold front as he
met his partners inquiring eye, but
with an inward consciousness that
he had been totally routed BY the
enemy.
''Going ?" said jenkins, with a
provoking nonchalance.
''Wen, no, not to-day. What the
d. are you grinuins at %
so, nothing-nothing at ALL" re-
sponded jenkins, throwing himself
back in his chair and regarding in
teutly fly upon the ceiling.
''What l was going to remark
was" resumed Smith, with quite an
unnecessary assumption of dignity,
'fthat / have concluded 20 let the
young lady remain until 1 can lind
some situation for her more IN Rc-
cordance with her SEX rr1
every kind and considerate Of
yOu," said jenkins, dryly; ''cspc-
cially taking into view that she docs
her work better than any clerk we
ever had, and for less pay, too"
Smith was by no means the ogre
he seemed. Aside from his preju-
dice, he was a sensible, kind-hesrted
man. Georgiana was not called uP-
on 10 open the store or run errands,
though she offered TO do both.
Curious to relate, as DAYS and
weeks passed, Smiths repuguarcc
to her presence not only vanished
with them, but he began TO regard
il with positive pleasure. 1t p
He often used 20 look through the
glass door watching the graceful
pOise Of the head and motions of the
deft little fingers as thcy glidcd oVel
the paper. Until ST last curiou-
fancies seemed to creep through his
brain, and he began 10 indulge H.
glowing dreams OF how wonderfully
such a little woman as that would
brighten up his lonely and ehcerloss
home. l ~ .re
But he determined to proceed can
tiOusiy. He had II. His hoUsekeepcT
was about to leave; he would ode
Miss Gardner the situation-aild
then?
Having formed this resolutions, HI.
next step was 10 request the yourS
latly's presence in his private Ofili4
"a summons that was promptly
obeyed .
"Miss Gardner, don't you thinL
the situation of housekcepeF in %
I 90
would be preferable to your situa-
ton here?n
Perhaps in some respects IL
might" said Georgians, coloring A.
this abrupt inquiry, and the lock
| that accompanied it.
Was the old gentleman about 10
make her an effer?
But his next word relieved her 90
this apprehension.
''My housekeeper is soon to Leave
me, and ] should be very glad a.
have you supply her place"
GeorgiGna's cheeks grew red, Hl'i
her mouth dimpled with the sm;,r-
that she strOve vainly to suppress
"You are very kind, sir, but tsr
fact is, Mr.. jenkins has asked pie
first"
"AIr. Jenkins ?"
''Yes, sir; he asked me to bc i5s
housekeeper, and / told him ils i
would. {"
''But, my child, MIR. jenkins g. 4,
young man ID would not be prorri
for you TO keep house for him. Nca
with me it is different"
/ And Georgiana inwardly aei1cd
with him in fact, there was ali he
difference in the world 10 her.
"But he has. asked me TO bc hi-
wife as we'll acknowledgment
"O-o-o-h ~
Smiths first feelings was that pI
an intense astonishment 4; his n,&
of quite as strong chagrin Bu %
all ended in an emotion OF thank ti'-
ness that he had not committed him-
self.
But this disappointment coulS '-'
have ranked very deep, for b. '.
tended the wedding, viewing, g.
smiling tranquility, the Germ 5
that transformed his new clerk .ft.
the happy wife Of his fortor.a,
partner, Jenkins.