The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-08-03
misrelIanp.
SMITH 8 NEW CLERK.

"GOt new Clerk, en- W natS peeono VI
Jones T.
discharged him. An idle, extravagant
dog
"True enough, and the new one won't do
any better. Drinking, gambling, late hours
and fast horSes-that's the way with them
ALL
And Smith groaned.
Jenkins ewes twinkled. He well knew the
peculiarites of his good but eccen-
trio bachelor partner.
sWell, the new clerk don't drink nor gam.
bic, I'm 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 can
send the new clerk adrift, that's all. only
took hcr-ah'm the new clerk on trial"
Mr. Smith stared at his partner.
~ suppose the new clerk has name" he
remarked dryly.
ooh, 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 the counter, without 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
store.
AS his eye fell on the occupant of desk
near the door, he started.
"What's that ?" he said. turning sharply
upon his partner, who had followed Inn.
Jenkins gazed very composedly upon the
slender form, whose graceful! head was lent
intenty over ledger that lay open upon the
desk.
"That Why, that's the new clerk
Smith rubbed his eyes, and looked again.
''Why, it's a woman" he exclaimed, with
All air of incredulity and horror.
III should say it was,' said Jenkins, coolly;
and contoundedly pretty one at that"
Smith gave his partner look of virtuous
Indignation
'Mr jenkins, this store is no place for
woman ~
'Ain't? Now it strikes me that she fits
the place very nicely
The proper place for woman is the sanctu.
AIRY of home"
This was pet observation Of Mr., Smiths
which he had read somewhere, and which he
considered as a cncher in such an argument.
but suppose she hasn't any?'
This was poser, and in his efforts to sur
mount it, Mr. Smith got excited.
Hasn't any? Why, sir, she mus,-she
ought to have onr.'
Every true. In fact, so confident am on
this point, that have thought of Offering her
mine-or at least to share it with her
''Mr Jenkins, this Is not "A fit subject for
.est'
ats Il serious matter know; so, on the
whole, perhaps I'd better think it over IL while
longer. Besides, there's no knowing If she
would accept my offer, together with the IN
CumberanCe that goes with it,"
jenkins" returned Smith, severely. ",oM
you cease tritlirg and attend to the business in
hand? This woman must co.
every well you told me you wanted clerk
that would be faithful and Industrious that
didn't spend his salary, and all that he could
steal, on fast horses and faster women, and |
get you one. It's very easy matter to send
her off,
"Of course it Is rejoined Smith. brighten
ing at the suggestion. Just tell her she don't
exactly suit and that we sllant need her after
to-day"
"But she does suit--me and if YOU are not
suited, all you have to do is to tell her So"
"Gou hired her.
"And for that reason, W mt discharge her
without some good cause
mo matter returned Smith, with an air of
indifference, II can discharge her; think
am equal To that much"
jenkins, who had left the room, nut his
head back "A moment later.
"Ill bet you Il hundred dollars YOU don't do
it,"
With this parting shot, he disappeared from
view.
Now Smith had nervous horror of women,
as his partner web knew-esDecially of yOnrg
women and would never speak to one if he
could help it.
Had 1t been man, he would have known
what to say and experienced no difficulty in
saying II, 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 in
But his courage failed him as he came on.
posite the desk where she sat, and he passed
by, glancing sideways at the unconscious oc.
cupant, who did not lift her head as he ap-
preached.
After speaking to 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, shoot
ing a swift bewildcring glance in Smiths that
he felt to the toe of his boot.
"Miss-Miss-" he stammered.
MY name is Georgana.' sand the younr
lacy, smiling. "Some call me George for
short"
wen, Miss George-Gcorgiana. I'm afraid
that you will find your situation rather nm.
pleasant"
"Not at ALL si'. On the contrary 7 find i,
very pleasant and comfortable"
"Ahem but fear you will hardly he
equal to the discharge of its duties"