The daily gazette., 1877-12-08
Browning'sBook-
BY E. s. X.

of the firm of Browning, Burgess and
Co., to his only son, who had just enter
ed the office. s'Johnstone's ill-very ill,
with the typhoid fever. You will have
to take charge of the books for day or
two, until can get some one eise."
"The young gentleman addressed
shrugged his shoulders, without replying
an then seated himself in an armchair
by the table, and took up the morning
paper.
But the old gentleman-Mr. Brown
ing-was a widower of fiftv-five, and
know-didn't seem satisfied with this
mute reception Of affairs, over which he
had been fretting for nearly two hours
before his sons arrival, and after fidget-
ing ab.. at In his chair for few moments
he broke out with:
81 declare it's trying-the luck have
with my book-keepers. There was Tom
Tilton, who swore by his honor that he'd
stay by me for years ifrd give him the
situation. and then went firing of to
California, at the end of six months
Then came the release, Ware, who de-
serted me just at the end of the year, and
and books in hubbub. Since, I've had
Lane, and Fulton and Dick Andrews
luckless scamps, every one of them. And
now Johpstone's sick, and -"
go, we'll, father, don't fret,' said Ar
thur, looking up, nervously from his pa
per. "Of course, it's not Jonntsone's
fault that he's ill. Here, will write an
advertisement which will come out in
the morning, and you'll have applicants
enough for the situation before the week
is out. And until you get some one, I'll
take charge OF the books. Only don't
scold and worry"
Sy the young man wrote out an ad-
vertisement, and sent it to the publish
ing office. In the course of the next
day, there were several applications for
the situation, but Mr.. Browning, being
! somewhat particular, and knowing the
books were in good hands, was not suit
ed. But on the third morning, a lady
called at the store and asken to see the
proprietor. She was directed to the Of
flee, which was in the rear of the sales
room, and where sat MIR. Browning
That gentleman rose at her entrance.
The lady introduced herself as an ap-
plicant for the situation of book-keeper.
As she spoke, she threw aside her vail.
Mr.. Browning glanced earnestly at the
pretty, young face then revealed, and
| Arthur, after glance in the same direc-
ton, left his desk and walked to win
dow near by.
She had never been regularly employ
ed in the business, she said, but she had
assisted her uncle, who was merchant,
and kept his own hooks, and she thought
herself capable of assuming the situa-
ton, and giving satisfaction. She could
lieved. Mr.. Browning seemed pleased
by the lady's manner, and at the end OF
the interview, requested her to call again
at the last of the week, before which
time he would call on the persons she
had referred him to.
"There," said he, rubbing his hands, a
way he had of expressing pleasure.
"There, Arthur; I've presentment that
there is the right one, at last. Quite an
odds idea for us, isn't it ? having a lady
book keeper"
"Yes," Arthur said, going to his desk
again and falling to writing vigorously.
During the next day, Mr.. Browning
satisfied himself that the young lady's
character was unexceptionable, and
when she called al the appointed time,
the situation was given to her.
The next Monday morning she COM
menced work. At first, she required
some little assistance, which Arthur gave
her, very courteously, and after that she
went on alone. Mr.. Browning "kept ar
eye on her," for day or two, as he ex-
pressed 1t, and then rubbed his hands
again and nodded approvingly. Really,
the gentleman's satisfaction seemed in.
tense. He took to habit of sitting be-
fore the table with paper across his
knees, and his eyes fixed, thoughtfully,
on the new book-keeper. He never
missed an opportunity of speaking with
her, and always smiled graciously when
he addressed her. Perhaps it was be-
cause the lady herself always smiled
when she spoke and, by the way, her
smile was very pleasant, and revealed a
row of teeth. white as milk. She was
very industrious too much so, Mr..
Browning thought, and ventured to ask
her, one day. il she were not wearying
herself.
"No," she said, "she was used to
steady labor.
But one morning Mr.. Browning en-
tered the O1nce 10 HISS Ine CnouSnJIul
face with its smooth hair, at the desk in
the corner, Miss Harding had not come
in. and 1t was not long before little boy
called, to say that she was ILL
so DEAR" said Mr.. Browning, fidget>
ing about when he was told of it, 81 am
really sorry, wish you'd sJep round
to her boarding place. and see how she
is. Arthur,-if its anything serious"
Arthur was engaged in reading, and
though he nodded and said-"Yes,
father" pleasantly enough, he didn't
seem to be in hurry to start, and after
watching him few minute, Mr.. Brown
ing put on his hat and went on the err
rand himself. He hadn't walked more
than half dozen blocks, however, be-
fore the young gentleman sprang up, and
giving hasty peep at the mirror, grasp
| ed his cap and started into the street.
Mr.. Browning rang the bell at Miss
Harding's boarding-house, and was
shown into the parlor, where he awaited
the lady's appearance. She entered in a
little while, looking sweetly, In morn
ing wrapper of white muslin, with tiny
bow of scarlet ribbon at the throat and
waist. Her employer was not man
much given to complimenting ladies, but
L