The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1881-02-25

past eight TO SIX
How I got into the street Isdon't re-
member. Twas so happy to think had
at last obtained employment, and such a
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;
thnt l had been warned against l had
actually gotten the situation without any
references" for there in my pocket
still remained the kind letter of recon-
mendation 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 furtvely Watching me
did not mend matters. At last he came to
the rescue, and in few rapid strokes
showed me where the mistake lay. My
other duties I found TO be easy; to as
sumo small share Of the correspond
ence, to write letters at my masters die
tation, or to copy them for him after they
we're 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 q
great deal at first, until concluded not
to notice the changes in his manner, but
simply to try to do my duty. / could
see he was not happy, though heard he
was much courted in society, and lived
alone in n big, handsome house up
town. Sometimes, when we were not
busy, he would talk SO pleasantly to me!
He had travelled great deal, and pos-
sessed good descriptive powers, and rare
humor. These occasions were treats to
me. Then, perhaps the very next day,
he would come down, dark and stern,
hardly saying word, or. il he did, some
thing bitter or disagreeable.
He was a queer man, this master Of
mine, rough, polished, considerate,
sharp each phase as strongly marked
as 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 refrac-
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 / did. .-.f.s
II like the name-Janet--Jan he
continued musing; IT shall call you SO in
future. I know it's not your name, but
like it-and it suits you" ree
Then he continued debating without
waiting for my assent.
So, after that when we were alone,
and he was in genial mood, / was
Janet. and / did not dislike the name
Christmas Eve came. It had been
long and very tiresome. Mr.. Chisholm
had been out nearly all day. 1t wanted
now hut quarter to 6. ] had put on
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?p he cried, gayly.
II hardly thought to find you Have
you no purchases to make?"
ss"Yes, sir. one, replied, wishing with
all my heart that l had gone ten minutes
earlier.l 81 am going now
I was at the door Of the Office when he
called:
"Janet, come here.
/ II have purchase to make, sir,
without removing my hand from the
handle of the door. 81 shall be late for
dinner.
'But want to tell you something;
came back here on purpose to tell you,
he replied
| IwalIIed slowly back and stood within
few feet Of him.
II am waiting, sir.
/. He laughed.
| Congratulate me, Janet. am going
to be married.
''To be married?" repeated, vaguely
with horrible sinking at my henrt, and
conscious that my face was growing pale
with my masters keen eyes looking
straight at me-
= Yes.s You see Il have big house VI
town, handsome and comfortable bu
| very lonely, Janet; I've no one to bid mi
good-by in the morning, no one 70 wei
come me home at night; no happy, we
wife, no merry, childish voices to chez
my heart; I am lonely, and ] love gooc
woman SOL am going to be married
But you have not congratulated M
yet
II do wish you Joy, sir" / managed :
say with tolerable composure.
''Thank you," he responded almos
gleefully. 'Ah! my love is a rare one
good, pure, and lovely. Wait till yoi
see her. l shall show her to You som
day, my little clerk, and hope you Wi
be friends" y
This was too much.
6Good-evening, sir" I exclaimed. +"
must gonowl"
.sGood-night." He walked TO the o.
fee door with me, then held out hi