The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1900-03-22
\ The MATCHMAKER

lI1E WI sA'sI AsNAaN
|
TDWARD FEM occupied the posi-
r, ton of matchmaker in a large and
prosperous jewelry store. He was a
man much envied by the clerks in the
| store. for, as an expert, he demanded
and received a. generous salary. The
clerks all spoke of him, however, as
'.Old Fenn," and, because they had little
in common with him, they regarded
him as a most uns ocial being.
In reality he was shy, retiring man,
nearly IS 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 cha
of the lads behind the counters. He
seemed to be always alone; patient, sol
itary. and content to live out his life
in the same narrow groove in which 1t
ran, apparently waiting only for the
death that would make so little differ
ence to any human being except him.
self.
81 can't understand what you think
OF all day, Fern," his employer had said
to him once, and Fem had looked VI
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 hao
ever seen him joyous. His life ran Oh
evenly, as undisturbed as any clock TN
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 minutenese
of an extraordinary kind. he appeared
the most commonplace individ ual 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 sof,
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 moment tc
speak to one Of the men.
Good morning. he said, courteous
~, ''can you tell me what the date is o.
''The 18th OF May replied the one ad
dressed, somewhat surprised at this de.
parture from Mr.. Fenn's usual rule.
Thank you. It is, as thought, my
birthday"
There was a moments pause before
another spoke up, cheerfully:
MANY happy returns of the day
STRIP
"Eh? o, thank you. It is a long time
since anyone wished me that" and sc
saying, Mr.. Fem passed on to his table
in the corner, with his usual impassive
mien.
Poor old Fenn," the clerk said, com
passionate1y. II dare say he is lonely"
As the morning wore away towards
noon, young woman entered the shor
and approached Mr. Fenn's desk. He
glanced up with his customary look OF
quiet attention, which changed sudden,
~ to one of keen interest as he eagerly
scanned the newcomers face.
''Is this the Matchmaker" she asked.
"Yes.'
81 have watch here, which won't
60. 1 wish you would look it over and
tell me what the trouble is
With hands that shook Mr. Fem took
from her an old-fashioned silver watch
This is not yours?'' he said.
mo, my sisters"
''Then I am right; you must be little
Lucy!"
"My name is Lucy, but" she hest
tated.
''You don't remember me? Well
child. you naturally would not. I have
changed since you saw me. Tell me,
did you ever hear he paused mo-
ment. then continued-"your sister
speak of Edward Fenn?''
"Mr. Fehn!" she cried. "You are not
the Mfr. Fem used to call Uncle Ed p
eyes, = he answered, smiling, sadly,
"and yq$f sister. Is she-well?"
20, US, quite well. It must be long
time since you have seen her?"
''Twenty years. Mr.. Fem said, quiet
~. Twenty long years. She probably
has forgotten me. Her-her husband
is living, I suppose
Husband? Ellen has never mar.
ried." =
Not married ? But surely I heard
that she was to Be. :,
!. eyes, I know there was an engage
ment, butt Was only aschild then,
and she never spoke of it to me but
once. That was to say, it had been
broken off in moment of misunder-
Standing, and that she had never seen
the man again to make it up. She be.
;Eeves him to be deed now, and can.
not bear to have him spoken of. ]
don't know why I tell you these