The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1896-09-24
BROWNING'S BOOKKEEPER.

cI the llrln OF BROWNING, burgess N
Co.. to his only son. who had just en-
tered the office. "Johnstone's ili-very
i'll, with the typhoid fever. You will
have to take charge Of the books for
q day or two, until can get some one
else"
The young gentleman addressed
shrugged his shoulders, without reply
ing. and then seated himself in an arm
chair by the table, and took up the
morning paper.
But the old gentleman-Mr. Brown
ing-was Il widower of tifty-five, and
that's considered old ow-a-days, you
kEGw-didn't seem satisfied with this
mute reception of affairs, over which
he had been fretting for nearly two
hours before his sons arrival, and
after fidgeting about in his chair for
few moments, he broke out with:
Il declare it's trying-the luck have
with my bookkeepers. There was Tom
Tilton, who swore by his honor that
he'd stay by me for years if I'd give
him the situation, and then went fl;-t-
Ing off to California at the end of six
months. Then came that rascal. Ware.
who deserted me just at the end of the
year, ard left the books in hubbub.
Stree I've had Lane. and Fulton, and
Dick Andrews-luckless scamps, every
one of them. And now. Johnstone's
sick. and
''Oh, well, father, don't fret" said
Arthur, looking up, nervously from his
paper. ''Of coLese, its not Johnstones
fault that he's ill.,. Here. / will write
an advertisement which will come out
in the morning. and you'll have appli-
carts enough for the situation before
the week is out. And until you get
some one. I'll take charge of the books
Only don't scold and worry
So the young man wrote out an ad-
vcrtisement, and sent it to the publish
ing office. In the course OF the next
day there were several applications
for the situation. but Mr. Browning,
being somewhat particular. and know
not suited. But On the third morning.
n lady called at the store and asked
to see the proprietor She was di-
II oted to the office, which was in the
rear Of the salesroom, and where sat
Mr.. Browning. That gentleman rose
at her entrance.
The lady introduced herself as an
applicant for the situation Cf book
keeper. AS she spoke. she threw aside
her veil. Mr.. Browning glanced earn
sstly at the young and pretty face thus
revealed, and Arthur. after n glance in
The same direction. left his desk and
walked to a window near by.
She had never been regularly EN-
)lGyed in the business. she said. but
She had assisted her uncle. who was IL
merchant. and kept his own books, and
she thought herself capable Of assum-
ng the situation and giving satisfac-
ion. She could also give satisfactory
'eferences. she believed. Mr.. Brown
ne seemed pleased by the lady's man.
Ter, and at the end of the interview re-
he week. before which time he would |
ali on the persons she had referred !
lin to-
There said he, rubbing his hands, |
! way he had of expressing pleasure.
There, Arthur. I've n prcsentiment
hat there is the right one. at last.
Quite an odd idea for us, isn't it? hav-
ng lady bookkeeper."
Yes" Arthur said, going to his desk
gain and falling to writing vigorously.
During the next day Mr.. Browning
atisfied himself that the young lady's
haracter was uneXceptionable, and
vhen she called at the appointed time
he situation was given to her.
The next Monday morning she COM
lenced work. AT first she required
ONE little assistance. which Arthur
ave her, very courteousiy, and after
hat she went Oh alone. Mr.. Browning
kept an eye On her. for a day or two,
S he expressed it, and then rubbed his
ands again and nodded approvingly.
,eally. that gentleman's satisfaction
ecmed intense. He had habit of sit
ing before the table with Il paper
cross his knees. and his eyes fixed,
On the new boOkkeeper.
Ic never missed an opportunity of
peaking with her, and always smiled
raciously when he addressed her.
erhaps it was because the lady her
Elf always smiled when she spoke;
nd, by the way. her smile was very
leasant, and revealed Il row of teeth
S white as milk. She was very indus
'ious, too much SO, Mr. Browning
lought, and ventured to ask her. one
ay. if she were not wearying herself.
No" she said, she was used to
.eady labor"
But one morning Mr.. Browning en-
red the office to miss the thoughtful
ice with its smooth hair, at the desk
the corner. Miss Harding had not
Jme in, and it was not long before a
tile boy called, to say that she was
"Oh, dear,' said Mr.. Browning.