Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1873-04-10
The NEW CLERK,
A Lively story With a Pleasing Finale.


the depot, who had been absent on Il tour.
Flows business 2" inquired the latter.
''All right; got new clerk"
''Got a new clerk, eh? Where is Jones ?,
"Discharged him. An idle extravagan1
young dog
True enough, and the new one won't dc
any better. Drinking, gambling, late hours,
fast horses-thats the way with them all"
And Smith groaned.
Jenken's eye twinklcd. He well knew the
peculiaritics of his good-hearted but eccentric
bachelor partner.
"Well, the new clerk don't drink nor gam
bic, Pm certain of that, and has thus far
been very attentive and Industrious"
THUS far, oh yes. Wait Il month. New
broom sweeps clean"
''Oh, well, if the new clerk don't suit you,
you can send the clerk adrift, that's all. l
took her-a 'm-the new clerk on trial"
Mr. Smith stared at his partner.
81 suppose the new clerk has name," he
remarked, dryly.
''Oh yes. Her-that fs to say-the new
clerks name is Gardner. But here we are.
AS was the usual custom, MIR. Smith went
through the store, past the army of clerks on
either side of the counter, without glancing
either to the right or left. But when he
reached his private office, at the farther end
he looked through the glass door, which was
situated so that he could see all that was 60
ing on in the store.
AS his eyes fell upon the occupant of
desk near the door, he started.
''Whats that? 2" he said, turning sharply
to his partner, who had followed him.
Jenkins gazed composedly at the slender
form, whose graceful head was bent intenty
upon a ledger that lay on the desk.
Tl,@c IL, 41~,,%s., ~ II
Smith rubbed his eyes and looked again.
''Why, it's Il woman" he exclaimed, with
an air of incredulity and horror.
81 should say it was, said Jenkins coolly,
land Il confoundcd pretty one at that"
Smith gave his partner look of virtuOuS
Indignation.
Mr.. jenkins, this is no place for a wo-
man."
Think not? Now it strikes me that she
fits the place very nicely
THE proper place for a woman is in the
sanctuary of home"
This was pet observation Of Mr.. Smith,
which he had read somewhere, and which he
considered Il clincher in such III argument.
but suppose she hasn't any,
This was Il poser, and in his efforts to sur
mount it, Mr.. Smith got excited.
Hasn't any? Why, sir, she must-shc
ought TO have one.
Very true. In fact, so confident am on
this point, that have thought of offering
her mine-Or, at least, to share it with her.
MIR. Jenkins, this is not a fit subject for
jest"
ITS serious matter l know, so on the
whole, perhaps had better think it over q
while longer. Besides, there is no knowing
II she would accept my offer, together with
The lncumhrance that goes with II y
Jenkins, returned Smith severely, twill
you cease trifling and attend to the business
IN hand? This woman must CO."
Very we'll you told me you wanteda clerk
who was faithful and industrious-that didn't
spend his salary, and all he could steal, on
last horses and the like, and got you one.
IL s an easy matter to sene her off.
'Of course it is" reiolned Smith, brighten
ING at the suggestion. "Just tell her she don't
exactly suit, and we shan't need her after
to-day"
But she does suit me; and if you arc not
suited, all you have to do is to tell her to go.
You hired her.
And for that reason won't discharge her
Without some good cause"
H.. NO NATTER returned Smith indifferently,
~ can discharge her. l think am equal to
that much"
oIAhins, VINO hau lett the room, put MS
head back minute later.
do it." :
with this parting shot lie disappeared. !
NOW MIR. Smith had nervous horror of ]
"onen, as his partner well knew, especially
eog eouhg women, and never spoke to one if he
nad II been man he would have known
"hat 10 say, and experienced no difficulty in 9
Ih!yins 1t, but a. woman was quite another
% nul his partners words had touched his I
w,ue, waS, ana, summonng all his resolution he :
noaa IaI his courage failed him as he came op- S
pos posl.e TO the desk where she sat, and he
sc;a'e ssssea oy, glancing sidewse at the uncon-
ha hous .n occupant, who did not lift her head as
Ae approached. :