Jasper County Democrat, Volume 3, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1901 — QUICK-WITTED SALESMAN. [ARTICLE]

QUICK-WITTED SALESMAN.

Saved a Wealthy Customer from Serious Domestic Trouble. The quick wit of a salesman employed by a furniture company in this city, says the New York Sun, won him an increase of salary last week and saved the manager of a large corporation very serious domestic trouble. The manager, who may be called Blank, has a young wife who is very jealous. Blank’s acquaintance with women of the stage before he was married was very large. He had always been interested in theatrical affairs. His explanation, made later, of his first visit to this furniture store was that one of his old friends had just married an actress and had asked him to go with the bride to select the furniture of their home, because Blank could get a trade discount. Blank’s name was well known at the furniture store, and when he appeared two weeks ago with a pretty woman it was assumed that she was Mrs. Blank. Jones, the head salesman, and his assistant, Smith, devoted several hours to Blank and his companion. A large quantity of furniture was bought and sent to an uptown address. The woman with Blank had not quite decided on a table and she agreed to come back. It so happened that Blank wanted some new furniture for his own house, and a week later, accompanied by Mrs. Blank, he went to the same furniture store. Jones again showed the furniture, but he did not know that the woman with Blank was his wife. She was young enough to pass as his daughter, and that was what Jones assumed she was. After selecting some pieces Mrs. Blank 6aid that she wanted to look at a table. “Perhaps,” said Jones, “you would like a table similar to the one Mrs. Blank was looking at last week?” “Mrs. Blank! Why, I am Mrs. Blank,” said the young woman. Smith arose to the emergency, and, stepping on Jones’ foot hard enough to emphasize his hint, he said: “Mr. Jones means Mrs. Blank, of Boston, who bought a lot of furniture here last week. He thought from the similarity of names that you were related, but I know the Boston Mrs. Blank very well, and I know she is not of your family.”

While Smith was talking he watched Blank’s face closely. When Jones referred to a table that Mrs. Blank had looked at the week before Blank’s expression indicated that he was uncomfortable. He looked like a man who wanted to drop through the floor. When Smith began telling his plausible lie Blank recovered his self-possession, and, turning to Mrs. Blank, said: “Well, that is better. lam glad to hear that you were not the Mrs. Blank who came here last week looking for tables with a male escort.” Mrs. Blank smiled at his mock jealousy and saw the tables. As the Blanks were went over to Sriiith and said, gently: “Thank you. You saved me that time.” “Oh, that’s all right,” said Smith, “but I want to tell you that you are foolish.” “Not a bit,” said Blank. “You misunderstand the situation, but it might have been hard for me to explain it to Mrs. Blank. I will see you later.” Blank did come around the next day and explained about the actress who had married hi? friend. He was grateful to Smith, and, as he happened to be a good customer and a friend of the senior member of the firm, Smith’s salary was raised. Jones is nursing a sore foot and a determination never again to jump at conclusions.