Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-06-03

perfectly understood her fascinationS. Mrs.
Plessley possessed a most brilliant intellect,
spoke several languages, had read every
thing that was to be read, and could talk on
any subject in the world, from the most
abstruse theological creed TO the lightest
pirouette of the Black Crook dance. She
was the most amusing woman in New
York. Her conversations was like the
corruscations of brilliant fireworks, so daz-
cling that it was almost impossible TO ana
lyze it; but those who had self-possession
enough to close their eyes against the flash
lug light saw in her thoughtlessness and
carelessncss for the feelings of others, and
a thorough absence of heart in herself; she
was as brilliant as rainbow, but as cold.
''Fanny was taken into society, after
only few months, by Mrs. Plessley, who
took every care to display whatever beauty
of accomplishment her young relative pos
sessed. Fanny soon made her mind that
Mrs. Plessley was using her for specula-
live purpose, the desired end being rich
husband. While the window was not par
ticularly anxious TO exchange her freedom
for the matrimonial yoke, she schemed to
gain for herself fortune and position by
marrying Fanny advantageously. The
waited-for man came at last. He was
a millionaire, and was infatuated with
Fanny, and was sixty years old. The girl
recoiled from the proposed match with dis
gust the venerable suitor pleaded. Mrs.
Plessley commanded Upon Fanny's re-
fusal, the widow ordered her to leave the
house, never to enter again. With the re-
mlinder of the money she had originally
brought with her, and which she had kept,
because she had found no need to spend it,
she went out into the world"
Here the speaker hesita cd as if 10th to
go on.
sis the story finishedl" asked John.
No"
"Wel, go on, then. | should, of course;
like to know what became of Fanny"
Not knowing where to go or what TO
do. but with vague idea of getting work
somewhere or somehow, she applied 10
numerous warehouses and shops, but she
was in every instance obliged TO confess
ignorance Of the work in question. In
some places her good looks subjected her to
insult, and she went to bed at night in a
cheap lodging, thoroughly discouraged.
HGAl ud1 Sic NCul uOOut
same experience, with the same result.
''If were only man," she said to her
self, Il could get on better; | would at least
be free from insult, and could seek my
fortune much more comfortably
"This set her thinking, and by morning
she had resolved upon a novel masquerade.
Very early she set out, and short walk
brought her TO clothing warehouse She
entered. and thus addressed the shopman:
Have you ready-made suits for boys or
young menl
"Yes, was the reply.
"Piease show me som Z"
t'She selected a suit of clothes which she
thought would answer the purpose, had
them put in bundle, and took them TO her
room: together with a cap which she
bought on the way. Half an hour afterward
she looked in the mirror, and saw a smart
young fellow of eighteen-bnt with her
hair reaching TO the waist A pair of scis-
sors, skilfully used, soon brought the hair
into proper condition, and then she scarce
ly knew herself.
''With the next train she started for the
West, stopping at Buffalo where she OBJ
tanned situation in warehouse to fill a
temporary vacancy; but that job lasted only
q few weeks, and then she went to Chicago.
There she looked for work IN vain until her
money was almost exhausted, ana she
found that being man did not insure COM
plete success. Her slender and youthful
appearance debarred her from work of a
heavy nature; and lighter situations, such
as bookkeepers, clerks, ETC., were scarce.
cat last, finding that starvation Was her
only prospect in the city, Fanny resolved
to try the country. By chance she read in
a newspaper Of railroad being in course
of construction, and so she came here,
''Came here!" calculated John Marshall.
"Theu you are"
81 am Fanny Lamport," was the blush
ing reply.
John started back in amazement. He
was naturally bashful fellow, unaccus-
toned to female society; and the idea that
he had been months associating with a
young lady unawares was startling. Then
he wondered that he had not suspected the
truth before; that he had not more particu-
lArly noticed his clerks effeminacy, girl
ish bushes, and pretty ways. And now
that he thought of 1t, he did not relish the
idea of parting with that same pretty clerk.
A silence of some length ensued at the
completion of Fanny's story, broken finally
by John Marshall.
81 don't see," he said with some hestita-
ton, ''that we need part just because you
have changed your sex; but then, you see,
it wouldn't be exactly proper for you to
stay here with me, now that / know you're
a girl"
Fanny was silent. She was thinking OF
the bitterness of leaving the man she had
learned to love. The months she had spent
in his society had been the happiest since
her parents death.
''Do you wish to leave me2" asked John.
''No, indeed, replied Fanny, quickly.
"Please do not make me go away No
body but you knows of my SEX
81 see but one way for you to do as you
desire"
''Name it."
''By marrying me.
1t was settled with hug and kiss.
John Marshall went home to spend his va
cation, which resolved il self into honey
moon. When his friends ask him where
he found his lovely wife, he always replies
that there Is funny story connected with
his courtship; but Fanny bushes at this
point, and he never tells the story.