Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-11-02

he would be a physician, a lawyer, OF
a minister of the gospel, for either OF
which vocations he deemed himself
equally adapted. For business" he
had no inclination.
As he lazily reclined in an easy cha1i
smoking a fragrant cigar, his eye fell
upon the following lad" in paper OF
that days issue which he had been
reading:
"wanted-Intelligen young man, OF
pleasing address, to canvass for the
sale of a domestic article on commits,
sion. References required, but expert.
ence unnecessary. Call upon or ad-
dress Brown & Co, Is - street"
For n few moments he remained 81
lent, and then muttered:
II am not destitute of intelligence,
and think that l can be pleasing in my
address," smiling as he spoke. Il won.
der If 1t would not be advisable for me
to confer. with Brown & Cor
He rose from his seat, started from
the house. and wended his way to Is
- street, where he learned that the
article was a kerosene lamp appli-
ance which increased the volume Of
light at the same time that 1t decreased
the quantity of oil consumed.
He easily-indeed, greatly to the sat
isfaction of Brown & Co, when they
had acquainted themselves with his an.
tecedents-sec a situation as can
vasser, and the next day left the city
on his bicycle.
The first place which he worked"
was n thriving village, where his sales
were few, and, despite his uniform
courtesy, he was subjected to the re-
pulslye treatment which agents are
wont TO receive. His next venture was
in a rural district, where the houses
were far apart, and he wheeled
many miles without being allowed tc
even show what he wished to dispose
of, as he was usually confronted at the
door by some one who said: I'VE are
not prepared TO purchase anything OF
the Kind to-day" or similarly.
81 declare, l pity the poor fellows
whose bread ard butter depend upon
work like this" he frequently remark.
ed to himself, laughiagly.
Quite late one showery afternoon he
reached a hamlet where there was nc
hotel, but he finally secured entertain
meat in a private family.
As he sat on the veranda of the house
where he was temporarily domiciled,
the first evening Of his stay in the
pldce. the tones of some one singing to
the accompaniment of a piano were
audible. and addressing his host
Thomas Marsh by name-with whom
he had been conversing, he asked:
who is possessed of such a wonder
fully fine voice?'
1T is the daughter of a man who
lives in that house." Mr.. Marsh replied,
indicating with his finger the house
nearest his own, who is fitting her.
self 10 teach music"
Il should tbink her already fitted to
teach it-vocal music at least" French
observed
For a few minutes he sat without
uttering a word, and then he inquired:
Are you willing to go with me lit
tle nearer her house? ] wish to hear
e. more distinctly, and were both of
us seen by any member of the family
/ should not be deemed so impertinent
as otherwise l might"
81 will conduct you into the room
where she Is"
Wv! she not be offended II we go
thereT'
She is not the kind of girl that is SO
easily offended"
Ten minutes later French had been
formally introduced to Miss Stella
Reid by Mr.. Mars-L who said:
Mr.. French heard you singing from
my veranda, and desired to hear you at
4 less distance, so 1 invited him over
hega"
That's It," she rejoined, a flush suf.
fusing her countcnance.
Now, please to favor US with one OF
your best selections" Mr.. Marsh re-
marked, as he and French seated them.
selves.
Without a word of objection she
played and. sang several pisSss, .fQl
which her visitors complimented her.
DO you sing or play, Mr.. French?'
she inquired.
"A very little of BOTH" was the re-
ply.
''It Will be no more than fair for you
to take my place at the instrument
she observed, leaving the piano stool.
II make no claims to musical ability,
but will reciprocate your kindness as
we'll as I can"
Taking the vacated stool. he played
fantasia so skIllfully that she nervous
ly said:
81 believe you are q professional
81 assure yoe that am not" he re-
Joined.
Now you must sing" she said.
In a mellow tenor he sang a selection
from Mendelssohn, so pathetically that
tears filed the eyes of his bearers, four
In number, as his unknown voice had
drawn her parents into the room.
You may make no claims to mus
ical ability but it is yours" Mr.. Marsh
TREMENDOUSLY observed, land, having it,
do not understand how you came to
be selling"
"Shr' fell from FFench's lips, and the
sentence was not completed.
He rosa from the stool, and was in
troduced 10 Mr.. and Mrs. Reid.
How long shall you remain in the
place. Mr.. French?' Mr.. Reid in
quired.
Il csnnot say exactly" was the an
swer.
while you are here, hope you will
come In to sing and play as often as
you can" fell from Mr.. Reid's lips.
You must, Mr.. French" the daugh
ter enjoined in an earnest tone.
Thank you: l shall be pleased to dc
so.' he replied.