Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1885-12-17
HIS CLIENT.

comment Of the public Of c., a
small manufacturing city of Massa-
chusetts, when partnership had been
form ed between Messrs. Briggs and
Ludlow, attorneys,at-law.
Benjamin Briggs was about fifty
years of age, and rather fine-looking
old man; but he was tie owner of such
a disposition as would rot be admired
by many. quick and to the point with
everybody with whom he came in con-
tact, and exceedingly abr upt and sharp
in his manner of speaking.
In the community in which he re-
sided he had never been seen without
his habitual frown, whether in business
or social life, 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 success
tul.
young man Of twenty five, handsome,
we'll educated and obliging. Meyer
could it be said that he had been gruff
with a client, and his great heart more
than counterbalanced his partners
lack of sympathy and civility.
One day, while Mr.. Briggs was busy
at his desk, there came a timid rap at
the office door. Without ceasing his
writing, the old man called out in a
sharp tone {:
"Come in ~
On looking around, the lawyer was
surprised to see that the newcomer
was young lady of about twenty sum-
mers, Leatly attired. AS she gazed on
the old lawyer, her clear blue eyes wore
pleading expression. But in the
same harsh voice he inquired
"Well ?"
"Oh, SIR" cried his young visitor,
almost breaking into tears, ''heayen
knows that I shrink from rushing to
the law for aid, but I have been dis
charged from my situation in the
wooden mills, and Mr.. Duncan has re-
fused to pay me for my last two weeks
work, simply because he has petty
spite against my poor mother. can
not get employment elsewhere, and
mother is very i'll. Will you please
collect what Is due me, sir, Of course
retaining your accustomed fee ? We
cannot"
"Just so, MISS" the old man inter-
rupted. $50 Duncan has refused to
pay you for your work, has he ?"
eyes SIR"
ssThe confounded old rascal 10
"He may imagine he has good reas-
ons, SIR" she ventured.
''Nothing of the kind !! It's pure
rascality l''snapped MI. Briggs. "Wbat
is your name, miss 9''
"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 muttered something un-
ineligible to Jennie, and proceeded to
question her.
"What was your fathers name ?"
"Samuel Moore"
"Humph And was your mothers
Sarah Mcdowell 30
"Yes sir. But pray what has that
to do with the case 2''
"Nothing, miss, absolutely nothing"
he gruffly responded. But Jennie
thought she could detect a tremor in
bis harsh voice when he asked il her
father was dead.
"Can you collect the money by
Thursday, sir ?" she asked, after an
swering his last question afirmatively,
wishing to escape his unpleasant inter
rogation. "It is mammals birthday,
and would like to see her enjoy that
day, at least"
"What !" cried the attorney. "That
is my birthday, too 10 Then, abrupt
ly. Tell your mother that will dine
with her on Thursday"
"But, sir,' said Jennie, "we have
scarcely any food in the house."
"No matter, no matter ~ said Mr..
Briggs. rather excitedly. "Here is a
part in advance-no. don't thank me-
call tomorrow for the balance - and
he gave her crisp bank-note.
Jennie departed, wondering at the
many ecce ntricities 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 chair, and
putting a fragrant Havana.
He threw his cigar out Of the open
window on the appearance of the fair
client, and said
"Ah, good afternoon. Uncle-I al
ways call Mr. Briggs 'uncle' told me
about you and left this envelope, say
ing it contained the amount of your
claim. You mustn't mind his gruffleSs,
Miss Moore he means well. You see
| know your name allow me to intro