Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-07-08
Gales aud Sketehes.
HIS CLIENT.

manufacturing city of Massachusetts, when
a partnership had been formed between
Messrs. Briggs and Ludlow, attorneys at
law.
BENJAMIN Briggs was about fifty years
of age and a rather fine-looking old man,
but he was the owner of such DISPOSE
ton as would not be admired by many.
being quick and to the point with every
body with whom he came in contact, and
exceedingly abrupt and sharp IN his man
ner of speaking.
In the community in which he resided
he had never been without his habitual
frown, whether in business or social lite,
though many were the methods tried by
his young partner to drive dull care away
and with it the sternness so long seated on
his brow, but he had never been so sue
cessful.
Harry Ludlow was a jolly, careless
Young man of twenty-five, handsome,
well-educated and obliging. Never could
it be said that he had been gruff with a
client. and his great heart more than over
balanced his partners lack of sympathy
and civility.
One day, while Mr.. Briggs was busy
at his desk, there came timid rap at the
Office door Without ceasing his writing
the old man called out in sharp tone:
Come in ~
On looking around the lawyer was sur
prised to see that the newcomer was a
young lady of about twenty summers.
neatly attired. AS she gazed on the old
lawyer. her clear blue eyes wore a pleas
ing expression. But in the same harsh
voice he inquired:
"Well?"
''Oh, SIR" cried his young visitor.
almost breaking into tears, Heaven
knows how | shrink from rushing to the
law for aid, but have been discharged
from my situation in the wooden mills,
and Mr.. Duncan has refused to pay me
for my last two weeks work, simply be-
cause he has petty spite against my poor
mother. I cannot get employment else
where and mother is very ill. Will you
please collect what is due me, sir, of
course retaining your customary fee. We
cannot"
Just so, miss" the old man interrupt
ed shortly. $50 Duncan has refused to
pay You for your work, has hep"
Eyes SIR
1.-The COMPOUNDED old rascal ~
"He may imagine he has good reasons,
SIR" she ventured.
Nothing of the kind! It's pure ras-
cality !" snapped Mr.. Briggs. What is
your name ?'
Jennie Moore" was the answer.
The old man turned to his desk to write
the name, but wheeled around suddenly,
looked his beautiful client in the face. and
muttering something unintelligible to
Jennie. proceeded to question her:
"What was your fathers name ?''
Samuel Moore
"Humph And was your mothers name
Sarah McDowelip'
Eyes. sir. But what has that to do with
the case?"
Nothing, miss, absolutely nothing"
he gruffly responded But Jennie thought
she could detect a tremor in his harsh
voice when he asked if her father was
dead
Can you collect the money by Thurs
day, sir ?" she asked, after answering his
last question affimatively, wishing to es-
cape his unpleasant interrogation. 1T is
mammals birthday. and would like to
see her enjoy that day, at least"
What !" cried the attorney THAT is
my birthday, tool" Then abruptly, Tell
your mother that will dine with her on
Thursday"
"But. SIR" said Jennie, we have scarce
ly any food in the house."
mo matter, no matter" said Mr..
Briggs. rather excitedly. "here is part in
advance-no, don't thank mccall to-
morrow for the balance - and he gave
her crisp bank note.
Jennie departed, wondering at the many
eccentricities of the LAWYER
Next day she returned to the office, as
she had been instructed. Mr. Briggs was
not in, but she found Mr.. Ludlow there,
lolling idly in an Office CHR, and putting a
fragrant Havana.
He threw his cigar out of the open win
dow on the appearance of the iair client,
and said:
"Ah. good afternoon. Uncle-I always
call Mr.. Briggs 'uncle'-told me about
you. and left this envelope, saying it con-
TONED the amount of your claim. You
mustn't mind his gruffness, Miss Moore
he means we'll. You see | know your
name; allow me to introduce myself
Harry Ludlow, at your service"
And at last Harry gave his visitor an
opportunity to speak.
ii thank you both very much, SIR" she
said but has he retained his customa-
ry feeP"
Certainly" replied Harry, with little
laugh. Uncle would not lose MS fee for
the world. He told me TO remind you of
his determination to dine with you, Thurs
day-and by the way, he vows he shall
take me with HIM. He is terribly excited
for some season. Forgive my mentioning
it, Miss Moore. but he actually command
ed me TO fall in love with you this very
day and aside-'confound me if J
haven't"
A blush suffused Jennie's cheeks as this
laxative young man made this last re-
mark.
at will be hard" she said. Ito enter
tain guests in our scantily furnished house,
but as MIR. Briggs is so determined, and has
been so kind to us, Of course you are in
vited."
"And will certainly accept the invita-
ton" responded harry. promptly. II
hope, Miss Moore, that our friendship NAV
commence now. Can | not have the
pleasure of accompanying you home ?"
"If you wish. SIR" Jennie responded
timidly; but the long absent roses illum-
med her pale checks, and a glad thrill
swept through her whole frame for she
could not look upon that handsome, man
lv fellow but to admire him.
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