The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1881-02-24

member. L was so happy to think had
at last obtained employment, and such o
good salary; yet trembled little at
the thought of my future master. He
would be difficult to please, and sharp
almost to rudeness, sometimes; but
rather that than too much politeness;
that had been warned against I had
actually Cotton the situation without any
references" for there in my pocket
still remained the kind letter Of recon-
mendaton from our dear old clergyman
at home.
The first day was a wearysome one to
me, and the crowning misery came with
the adding up of my cash; add, sub
tract, divide, do what would, it would
not come right; and the knowledge that
Mr.. Chisholm was furtively Watching me
dld not mend matters. At last he came to
the rescue, and in few rapid strokes
showed me where the mistake lay. NV
other duties found to be easy; to as
sume q small share of the correspond
ence, to write letters at my masters die
tation, or to copy them for him after they
were written, was light work.
He was just, if sharp and strict, and
gradually became very kind to me; but
he was man of moods, puzzling me
great deal at first, until I concluded not
to notice the changes in his manner, but
simply to try to do my duty. I could
see he was not happy, though I heard he
was much courted in society, and lived
alone in q big, handsome house up
town. Sometimes, when we were not
busy, he would talk so pleasantly to me!
He had travelled q great deal, and pos
sessed good descriptive powers, and rare
hImor. These occasions were treats to
mo- Then, perhaps the very next day,
he would come down, dark and stern,
hardly saying q word, or, if he did, some
thing bitter or disagreeable.
BE was o queer man, this master of
mine, rough, polished, considerate,
sharp-each phase as strongly marked
rs the other. A masterful man, too
much accustomed to having his own way.
Still could not help thinking of him
and talking of him little to Meta,
when we were cosy and happy in our
| little room.
One day tied black ribbon several
times over my hair to keep some rcfrac-
tory locks in place, and in the midst of
debating letter to me, my master said
abruptly:
That ribbon in your hair makes me
think OF song my mother used to sing
something about Janet with golden
hair and silken snood,' DO you know
the words?"
colored up and said T did.
81 like the name-Janet--,Janet he
continued musing; II shall call you 80 in
future. know it's not your name, but
L like it-and it suits you"
Then he continued dictating without
waiting for my assent.
So, after that when we were alone,
and he was in genial mood, I was
Janet and did not dislike the name.
Christmas Eve came. It had been
had been out nearly all day. 1t wanted
my cloak and hat, and was slowly draw
ing on my gloves, when a quick step
sounded outside the office. The next
moment he entered. with the brightest,
happiest expression had ever seen him
wear.
Still here, Janet?" he cried, gayly.
81 hardly thought to find you. Have
you no purchases to make?"
Eyes, sir, one, I replied, wishing with
| all my heart that had gone ten minutes
| earlier. 'I am going now."
I was at the door Of the office when he
called:
Janet, come here"
81 have purchase to make, sir"
without removing my hand from the
handle of the door. 'I shall be late for
dinner"
"But want to tell you something; I
came back here on purpose to tell you,"
he replied.
walked slowly back and stood within
q few feet of him.
II am waiting, SIR"
He laughed.
Congratulate me, Janet lam going
TO be married"
'"To be married?" I repeated, vaguely.
with a horrible sinking at nv heart. and
conscious that my face was growing pale,
with my masters keen eyes looking
straight at me-
eyes. You see I have big house up
town, handsome and comfortable, but
very lonely, Janet; I've no one to bid me
good-by in the morning, no one to well
come me home at night; no happy, wee
wife, no merry, childish voices to cheer
my heart; am lonely, and love a good
woman-go-I am going to be married.
But you have not congratulated me
vet.
'T do wish you joy, sir, managed to
say with tolerable oomposure.
"Thank you," he responded almost
gleefully. "Ah! my love is rare one,
good, pure, and lovely. Wait till you
see her. I shall show her to you some
day, my little clerk, and I hope you will
be friends"
This was 100 much.
"Good-evening, sir" I exclaimed. "I
must go now"
Goodnight" He walked to the Of
itice fee door with me, then held out his