The Southern herald., 1900-02-16
! The MATCHMAKER


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
EDWARD FEM occupied the posi-
ton of matchmaker in large and
prosperous jewelry store. He was a
man much enyied by the clerks in the
store, for, as an expert, he demanded
and received generous salary. The
clerks all spoke of him, however, as
"Old Fem" and, because they had little
in common with him, they regarded
him as a most unsoeial being.
In reality he was a shy, retiring man,
nearly As years of age; anxious to be
friendly, but unaware of the best
method TO adopt, finding it easier to be
silent, lost in his own thoughts, than to
exert himself and enter in with the chat
OF the lads behind the counters. He
seemed to be always alone; patient, SOL
itary, and content to live ogt his life
in the same narrow groove in which it
ran, apparently waiting only for the
death that would make so little differ
ence to any human being except him
self.
II can't understand what you think
Of all day, Fem" his employer had said
to him once, and Fem had looked up
with his rare, singularly sweet smile,
and said:
"Mr. White, have you never had a
past?'
That was all anyone within the store
knew of Fem. His landlady found him
a most excellent tenant, who paid
promptly for his one small room, and
never found fault even on the cooks
day out. No one had ever seen him an
CRY, but, on the contrary, no one had
ever seen him joyous. His life ran on
evenly, as undisturbed as any clock un-
der his watchful eye. He appeared
each morning on the stroke of eight,
and departed with equal promptness
when the store closed for the night.
His luncheons he had eaten at the same
restaurant for Is years. Except for the
fact he did his work with minuteness
of an extraordinary kind, he appeared
the most commonplace individual in the
city.
One bright spring morning, when the
sun poured in through the broad win
dows, turning the jewels displayed
there to liquid fire, and when the soft
wind came putting in at the doors as
though determined to lure away every
restless clerk for frolic in the coun-
try, Mr.. Fem paused for a moment to
speak to one of the men.
Good morning." he said, courteous
~ "can you tell me what the date is ?"
THE 18th of May" replied the one ad-
dressed, somewhat surprised at this de-
parture from Mr.. Fenn's usual rule.
Thank you. 1t is, as thought, my
birthday"
There was a moments pause before
another spoke up, cheerfully:
Many happy returns of the day,
sir!"
"Eh? o, thankyou. 1t is long time
since anyone wished me that" and so
saying, Mr.. Fem passed on to his table
in the corner, with his usual impassive
mien.
Poor old Fenn," the clerk said, com
passionately. 81 dare say he is lonely"
As the morning wore away towards
noon, young waman entered the shop
and approached Mr.. Fenn's desk. He
glanced up with his customary look of
quiet attention, which changed sudden
y to one of keen interest as he eagerly
scanned the newcomers face.
rs this the matchmaker" she asked.
ayes"
Il have a watch here, which won't
p l wish you would look it over and
sa me what the trouble is"
With hands that shook Mr.. Fem took
nom her an old-fashioned silver watch.
This is not yours?" he said.
No, my sisters"
Then I am right; you must be little
Lucy!"
MY name is Lucy, but" she hesi-
tated.
You don't remember me? Well,
child, you naturally would not. have
ssnanged since you saw me. Tell me,
ald you ever hear" he paused a mo-
ment, then continued-"your sister
speak of Edward Fenn?"
Mr.. Fenn!" she cried. "You are not
we Mr.. Fem 1 used to call Uncle Ed ?"
ies," he answered, smiling, sadly,
ana your sister. Is she-well?"
Y, yes, quite well. It must be long
4lne since you have seen her?"
twenty years." Mr.. Fem said, quiet
y Twenty long years. She probably
Lss forgotten me. Her-her husband
+" .nving, I supposeP'
Fied," -
;, Not married? But surely heard
snaa she was to be-"
les, I know there was an engage.
ent but was only a child then,
sac never spoke of it to me but
That was to say, it had been
.OAen OF In a moment of misunder-
ng, and That she had never seen
NJ ~ man again TO make it up. She be-
-. him to De dead now, and cam
~ "ear to hsHe him spoken Of. III
= kaow why I tell you these |