The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1882-09-13
SELECTED SKETCH.
THE INVALID CLERK.

1t was the twilight of crisp, cold winter
day. Out side, the cawing of flock of be-
lated crows made sorrowful music, as their
wings were outlined against the deepening
orange of the sunset, while in the coy farm
kitchen the lamp was already lighted, and
Mrs. Flint was busting about preparing the
evening meal, while Marah, her niece, sat
and sewed with flying fingers ON the house.
hold linen
i" should like ii so much, aunt" said the
girl, lifting her eyes wistfully to the old
lady's face
But, Marah," said Mrs Flint, setting
the earthenware teapot where its fragrant
leaves could steep slowly ON the back of the
stove. II don't see that can spare you,
my dear There's so much 10 do. now that
grandma is feeble, and your uncle has to
hire two men for the wood cutting, and
they've got to be boarded here, and your
cousin Louisa is coming here with her child
rem until spring"
Marah sighed softly. Was It always to be
her lot to be sacrificed for the general good
of others2
g never earned any money for myself,
aunt" she said. "And this is such an ex.
cellent opportunity to get place in Mr.
Marchland's store Sue Nellis has written to
me that there will be vacancy in the fancy
department very soon, and"
"John Marchland is sort of distant re-
lation of ours, too, " said Mrs Flint. "Though
nuo IL 7 l..
And dare say he would give you good
place and be kind to you, if you entered his
store. 1t would be an excellent chance for
you to see the world, too. For know it's a
dull life here, my dear, but I don't see any
help for it Perhaps in year or two we
can spare you better"
So Marah Flint was compelled to give up
the little plan over which she had dreamed
so many pleasant dreams. For Marah was
only eighteen, and she had always lived In
tho baekuo0slp, ana hrr auut-5 Via
dresses made over, and waited meekly ON
grandma and Uncle Abner.
Mr.. Marchland himself was, perhaps, a
little disappointed, when Miss Nellis, the
forewoman, whose father owned the next
farm to Abner Flint's asked him if she should
promote one of the packing.girls to the va
cant place in the fancy department.
I" But thought you we're going to write
to that little unknown cousin of mine ?" said
he.
80 did," said Miss Nellis; "but they
can't spare her from home, It seems. It's q
clear case of Cinderella among the ashes
She is the sweetest, most unselhsh girl ]
ever saw; but all the same it's a shame thai
she should be buried alive in that sort of
way J"
Very WE'LL" said Mr.. Marchland, "I
suppose she understands her own business
best. Put Julia Finch in the place."
The next day, Uncle Abner Flint, to his
infinite amazement, received brief note
from Marchlands & Co., asking If it would
he convenient for him to receive, as board
err for a few weeks Young man from the
store, whose health required change and
rest.
81 will be responsible for bis board"
wrote Mr.. Marchland. He has only his
own exertions to depend on, and l am sure
may SO far presume ON our distant rela-
tionship as to trust that you will receive him
kindly"
Marah," said Mrs. Flint, in some per-
plexity, "what are we to dor"
Why, take the poor fellow, of course"
said Marah.
"But it will make more work." said Mrs.
Flint.
Never miad the work." said CHEEKY
Marah. II dare soy we can manage it be
tween u.s."
uNIarah always did look on the sunny
side of things" said Uncle Abner who Sc
renely left the domestic administration to his
womenkind
we don't want no boasders here, said
Cousin Louisa, low-spirited young matron,
who talked through her nose, and cried and
shifted a good deal over her troubles
"Theres only just room for the dear child
ren and me now that the wood-cutters have
the north bedroom"
There's the little room with the slopine
roof close to the chimney" suggested Marah
"where we keep the chests of linen, ant
herbs, and seed corn. We might fit that NJ
nicely. / could pnt down breadth of new
rag-carpet beside the bed, and make cur
tains out Of the worn-out sheets and, dar,
say, the young man won't be particular"
"But he's mere clerk-a porter, for, al
we know" whined Cousin Louisa, who's
deceased husband had been bartender in
railway saloon.
81 guess it won't hurt us to associat
with him" said Uncle Abner, dryly; sam
/ tell you what, mother, if our Marah has a
the extra work and care, she shall have tn
board money, eh2"
"Of course she shall" said Mrs. Flint.
And Cousin Louisa sighed deeply, ali
remarked +" that some folks always had a
the luck, and she never got no chance
earn money"
The young man from the store arrived
mild, unassuming person, who was yer
quiet and made very little trouble. H
walked in the pine woods, for his health
he said, and helped the stalwart wood-cul
tiers now and then. He sat by the fire an
read He answered Uncle Abner's question
about the house of Marchland & Co. wit
great frankness. Yes, he liked the business
He hoped in time to work his way up in il
Mr.. Marchland was very kind to him. Fl
did not consider MIR. Marchland o haught
miser (this in reply to Cousin louisa. MI