The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-11-04
AN AIMLESS LIFE.

Having graduated at college he
passed two years abroad and returned
to his native land uncertain whether
he would be physician, lawyer or
a minister of the gospel, for any OF
| which Vocations he deemed hims slf
equally adapted. For business he rad
no inclination.
AS he lazily reclned in an easy chair
smoking fragrant cigar his eyes fell
upon the following "ad" in a paper Of
that days issue which he had been
| reading:
! Wanted-lntelligent young man, of
pleasing address, to canvass for the
sale of domestic article on commits
sion; references required. but expert
ence unnecessary. Call upon or address
Brown & Co, 10 ------- st.
For few moments he remained
silent. and then mutered:
II am not destitute of intelligence,
and think that | can be pleasing in my
address," smiling as he spoke. 81 Won
! der if It would not be advisa bic for me
| to confer with Brown & Co
lie rose from his seat, started from
! the house and wended his way to 10
------ street, where he learned that the
article was Kerosene lamp appliance
which increased the volume of light at
the same time that it decreased the
! quantity of oil consumed.
He easily-indeed, greatly to the
satisfaction of Brown G. Co, when they
| had acquainted themselves with his
| ntccedents-sccured a situation as
/ canvasser and the next day left the
| city on his bicycle.
The first place he worked" was a
| thriving village, where his sales were
| few, and. despite his uniform courtesy.
he was subjected to the repulsive treat
| ment which agents are wont TO receive.
| His next venture was in a rural district,
| where the houses We're far apart. and
he wheeled" many times about with
out being allowed even to show what
! he wished to dispose Of as he was
| usually confronted at the door by some
one who said:
1--WE are not prepared to purchase
| anything Of the kind today" or SINH
| lGrly.
II declare l pity the poor fellows
| whose bread ana butter depend upon
work like this" he frequently remark
| ed to himself. laughingly.
! Quite late one showery afternoon he
! reached a hamlet where there was no
| hotel. but h finally secured entertain
| ment in private family. AS he sa.
| on the Ncranda of the house where he
was temporarily domiciIed the first
| evening of his stay in the place the
| tones of some one singing to the ac-
| compartment of piano were audible
and addressing his host. Thomas
| Marsh by rame, with whom he had
| been conversing, he asked:
who is possessed Of such "a Won
| derfully fine voice."
! 1T is the DAUGHTER of the man who
| lives in that house." Mr.. Marsh re-
| piled. indicating with his finger the
house nearest his own, "who is fitting
| herself to teach music"
Il should think her already fitted to
| teach it-vocal music, at least" French
| observed.
For a few minutes he sat without
uttering a word, ard then he inquired:
Are you willing to go with me a
little nearer her house? | wish to
hear her more distinctly, and were
both of us seen by any member of the
family | Should not be deemed so i'm
pertinent as otherwise I might"
Il will conduct you into the room
where she is"
will she not be offended if We go
there"
she is not the kind of a girl that
is SO easily offended"
Ten minutes later French had been
formally introduced to Miss Stella
Reid by Mr.. Marsh, who said:
Mr.. French heard you singing from
my Veranda and desired to hear you
al less distance, so | invited him ov-
or here"
That's it," she rejoined, a flush
suffusing her countenance
Nov, please To favor us with one
of your best eselections," Mr.. Marsh
remarked as he and French seated
themselves
without a word of objection she play
ed and sang several pieces, for which
her visitors Complimented her.
" Do you sing or play. Mr.. French?"
she inquired.
"A little of both" was the reply.
1T vii! 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 ! can"
Taking the vacated stool he played
fantasia so skillfuly that she ner-
vously said; 1 believe you are a pro-
fessional'" -.
Il assure you that I 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 filled the eyes of his hao rerc
four in number, as his unkonvn voice
had drawn her parents into the room.
You may make no claims 10 musical
ability but it is yours" Mr.. Marsh
tremulOusly observed, land having il.
! do not understand how YOU came to
be selling"
"Sh!" fell from Frenchs lip, and the
sentence was not completed.
He rose from the stool and was in
troduced to Mr.. and Mrs. Reid.
How long shall you remain in the
place, Mr. French?" Mr.. Reid inquired.
II cannot say exactly was the an
swer.
while you are hear | hope that YOU
will come in TO sing and play as often
as you can" fell from Mrs. Reid's Inns.
You must, Mr. French" the daugh-
ter entOined in an earnest tone.
Thank you: ] shall be pleased to do
So" he replied.
soon after he and his host left the
house, and on their way to the latter's
home he explained how he chanced 10
he following his present vocation.
causing Mr, Marsh To Iaughingly ex-
claim,
We'll, | declare"