Year: 1868

man In one of the leading houses In Paris
saw young lady enter, to whom, during
the past eight or ten days, he had sold q
number OF dresses, shawls, gloves, &c. By
her account he surmised that she must be q
New York lady. The stranger was very
pretty, and naturally the young man made
himself agreeable and attentive. Whenev-
er she visited the store she always address
ed herself to him, and, while examining the
articles he placed before her, talked much.
lie day we speak of she was far less COM
municative than usual; and after having
made somewhat hurried selection, she said
| to the clerk:


shall be at the hotel in one hour /; here
is the address. Be kind enough to accom-
pany the porter when he brings these articles


With these words she bowed reservedly,
and left the store.


The young man was at loss what to
think. However. an hour later be entered
the apartment of the American lady, who
invited him sans .tacon, like an acquaintance
of long standing, to lunch with her. AL
though thinking his customer manners
somewhat strange, the clerk accepted.
While partaking of tea and cakes, the young
lady somewhat abruptly addressed her guest,
saving:


Sir, are you brave enough to protect a
woman against any insult to which she may
be subjected? Answer me with truth and
candor"


Without conceit, 1 say, yes,' answered
the young man.


"Very we'll You work in order to make
money. Is it not SO ?''


Certainly q


This is what | wish to propose. | am
alone, or almost alone, in the world my
fortune or my actions concern no one but
myself | wished to see the exhibition and
know Paris But perceive that there is
nothing more difficult than for woman to
be in your country without protector.
You please me, and if you do not object,
you shall be my champion. l will repay
you for your lost time.


The young man tried to speak, but she
Immediately resumed:


Il insist ON remuneratng you; this is
| strictly matter of business [ regard it in
that lis ht. Accept or decline. Which shall
it be


Laccept,' answered the clerk, after q
moment s hesitation.


II am satisfied" continued the stranger,
"that you are gentleman, and wi not
make yourself ridiculous by making love
and fattering me, for [ warn you that the
very first compliment you pay me ends our
contract. Is 1t agreed
Madam, am at your service.
From TO- morrow ?'


''From this moment | require only time
to write to my employers.


And the terms of this extraordinary COM
pact were entered into by the latter.


The clerk was charming; he proved him
sef intelligent, attractive, delicate, without
all that small talk men generally delight to
infict on women. In fact, the American
lady was truly delighted with the choice she
had made. Two weeks ago she handed the
amiable clerk heavy roll of bills, and they
separated mutually pleased with each other.


But it happened as the lady was about to
embark for England, thence to embark for
America, a commissioner hastened toward
her and inquired if she was Miss X. Upon
answering In the affirmative, he placed a
small box and letter in her hand. The
box contained a diamond set, the letter a
few words only but so well chosen 10 express
true affection that the young lady started,
not for London, but back to Paris. It is
needless to say that the letter was from the
young clerk, who had taken this method of
returning the money forced upon him by the
young lady for services rendered He had
not given her his address, thinking the mat
ter was ended He was not likely to have
returned to his former employer. Ultimate
ly she learned he had taken in another house
situation far inferior to the one he had
formerly occupied. Probably till then she
was undecided as to her course, for when
she heard this her mind was made up. She
wrote; he came at once. They WI be mar
ried soon.