The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-06-08
SUSAN'S MISTAKE.

hurry not one could compare with Susan Bif-
fn. who had the privilege OF being seryitor
in the mansion of Mr.. Jobbins, Alderman and
tallow.chandler, of the city of London.
Not only did Susan excel in the neatness of
her dress and the cheerfulness with which
she performed her duties, but she also carried
Of the palm with respect to personal appear
auee. as would have been admitted by any
one who observed her pouting mouth, ruddy
checks, bright, full, black eyes, and the
pleasant smile which constantly shed light
over her features and helped to enhance the
charms with which nature had endowed her.
Susan Bifiin was an extremely well-cOn-
Quoted girl aud knew ere than most people
in her station of lfe inisInuch as her parents
tnow dead) had been respectable tradesfolk
who in the latter portion OF their life, had
fallen into difficulties, but had taken care
that, despite the wrecking of their worldly
prospects, the education Of their only child
should not be neglected.
4 Thus much for Susan's advantages; now
let US look at the reverse of the medal. The
pretty lousemaid's chief fault was that she
was in love-and desperately, tOo-a circum-
stance which, OF course, called forth the Sc
yerest censure from her mistress, who, to her
credit be it said, took an interest in her serv-
ants not often manifested by people of such
rank as the wife of this city magnate.
Mrs. Jobbins had four daughters-mar-
riageable years upon years ago, and who, as
yet, never had the ghost Of an offer. Now,
Of course, it would have been commendable
thing had these vestals fallen in love and set
their foot firmly on the road which leads to
Hymen's temple; but with young servant
0tat twenty it was very different matter.
Mrs. Jobbins took the affair up warmly, as
did also the vestals alluded to, and persistent
" informed Susan that If she knew when she
was well off she would remain single, etc. !;
In fact, If possible, the young ladies expressed
agreater horror OF matrimonv than even
their mamma, and went about the house de-
claiming against the perfdy of mankind in
terms that would have fully qualified them
to become shining lights in any society of fe-
male celibates, although, as cook contentious
" remarked in the sacred precincts of the
kitchen: {" If their ma hadn't married Mr.
Jobbins, where on earth would they have
beens A good job, perhaps, if their ma had
remained SINGLE" From this remark ol
cooks, who also had a sweetheart, it may be
inferred that the Misses Jobbins were not
quite SO well liked "down-stairs" as their ma
3 ternal parent.
Perhaps, however, the great reason for Mrs.
Jobbins' dislike to Susan's courtship was that
the pretty housemaid had fixed her affections
upon what Mrs. J. termed +" theatrical" but
what Susan always spoke Of as harlequin.
s. The intimacy between Susan and her be-
trothed was still young, but on one side, at
least, it seemed as though it had existed for
years, inssmuch as Susan was tender,
sympathetic creature; and when Herr Kid
dini fell upon his knees at the house of a
mutual friend, and, with uplifted arms,
begged her to be "his," she at once yielded
him all the affection her fresh, young heart
was capable of bestowing.
The harlequin, however, was not Susan's
first sweetheart. Such a neat, pretty girl
could not fail to have plenty of admirers
among the sons of the small tradesmen
resident in the neighborhood. The time had
been when Susan had almost determined
upon becoming the wife of an enterprising
opened business of his own and was said to
be thriving.
susan really liked Perks, but the roseate
nues OF courtship were darkened by some
numpery lovers quarrel, and as Susan said
rcfks was in the wrong, and Perks declared
thst susan was entirely at fault, the affair re-
suited IN parting. Neither would give way
ana neither would agree to the mediation oi
third party; SO Susan at once returned al
upon her
The Jealous young grocer's parting words
we're mat he hoped she would not make Q
mistake, and that he felt she would repent q
ssa, nes conduct to him; to which Susan disdain
iuss Tossed her head and turned away. Thus
snoed one love episode in the pretty house
nerr kiddini was, as Susan had stated,
aaIlequln at Christmastide and teacher o
oancing and calisthenics throughout the re
sHs.naer OF the year. Our heroine met hin
als. at The abode of a married friend, VIII,
n lsd once been a fellow-servent in the Job
Mus mansion, and that spirit OF curiosity
IS snien seems to be excited by all who are ii
.uy way occupied before the footlights in
.ssleo Herr Kiddini with an Importance h,
~oulo otherwise not have possessed. H
~ oeeidedly not q good-looking man-hi
sss were sunken and fringed with thicl
ssnes, and slight mustache failed to hid
s sinister expression of his mouth. But tn
sssa 81 o. his being ION the stage" blinde,
Tasa TSIssn ana Susan's friends to everything else
1sey sse they were at tea with the gentlema
s,aas aa ,so-morrow night would appear before
owued s1 audience, In q tight-fitting dres
Wtefed with snanrles the srraea of who's