The National tribune., 1882-08-19
Wanted: A Lady Clerk
t. ". BICKNELL,

t. ". BICKNELL.
"BIrs. Ripley think perhaps I've found
something at last"
"Younever have!" Mrs. Ripley's accent
did not contradict her young lodger's re-
mark. though her words have that appear
ance. She laid down goblet half wiped,
and looked with interest for further conmu-
nication.
Yes" continued the first speaker, holding
up letter just come by the morning post,
"see this. 1t is from Mr.. Richard Allison,
whose advertisement in the Guardian |
answered the day before yesterday. He asks
me TO cali at room Z, No. 10S Rocker street,
at nine o'clock this morning. if have leisure.
If I have leisure" she replied. "I've had
nothing else for the past month. 1t is now
a quarter to eight; I'll 60 up stairs at once
and put myself in order l must do what L
can to make good impression, you know"
"You couldn't help doing that" said Mrs.
Ripley. and she looked with little sigh after
the graceful girlish figure in its suit of SOM
bre black as it disappeared through the door.
Poor child, do hope she won't be disap-
pointed" she added fervently; there's not
many brought up as she's been, would be
willing to work and do for themselves after
always having everything done for them.
If she can only get something to do, 1t Will
take her mind Off her troubles, and be better
for her every way. Then it's her bread and
butter, too; and no wonder she's beginning
to worry a little about il" she added, taking
ND her work again with an earnest wish for
the success of the orphan girl who, though
she had known her but few weeks, had, by
her lovely face and gentle manners, IN
terested her and filed her with an almost
motherly anxiety for her welfare.
An hour later Mile Thorndyke was pass
ING No. IO5 Rocker street, and looking over
at No 10S-a tall brick building, seeming
very wide awaken its numerous windows,
and liberal display Of sign-boards and official
shingles Its aspect was not uncongenial-
should she ever make its more intimate and
friendly acquaintance? She walked on to
the next street, and crossing, returned for a
nearer inspection. At each side of the door
was a thin marble slab with list Of the
names Of the inmates of the building. In its
appropriate numerical place she found that
Of her possible employer, over the words,
"Real Estate"
a am glad it is real estate" she said to
herself with a feeling of relief. as sundry
visions of long columns of figures and intri-
cate calculations which had been troubling
her, retired into the hay distance. She had
need enough and energy enough TO put hel
hand to anything within the possible scope
Of her powers; but she had hoped Mr. Ali
sons clerk might be more copyist than al
accountant. After some hesitation, she
began to mount the stairs-slowly, foT sht
wanted to be exact as well as prompt, anC
she had yet fve minutes to spare.
Mr.. Allison's olfice-outside Of which sh'
presently paused with a futtering of tn
heart and a shOrtness Of breath due wholly t
exciteInent-was on the third flight, in a cos.
corner at the end of long, narrow hallway
The pane Of ground glass set in the uppe
half of the door, bore ali incription slmlla
to the one she had seen below, supplements
by the information, office hours, 8 TO 5.
The door stood ajar, for which she wa
thankful.
In her tremuIous state, to have turned tn
knob would have been real task; and unde
the circumstances, she feared knocking wOul
seem womanish and unbusinesslike. AT th
last moment the temptation TO fee becam
almost irresistible; but knowing hesitation
would be her ruin, she drew long breatl
and pushing open the door, crossed the thre
hold 1t was q large, clean, airy room, vel
furnished and carpeted, and it looked muc
more inviting than she had expected. Nea
her were several chairs and table; OppOsit
stood a large safe and before each of the tw
windows in the further corners was desl
From behind one of these-of the kind know
as "TOlltOp came a scratching SOUND
which, with a little tuft of hair just visibl
over the top, showed the presence Of the OC
cupant. She was glad there was but ont
and that his preoccupatiOn gave her time I
gather in a few of her scattered wits befoI
her presence was noticed. AS she made
step or two forward the scratching ceaseC
and the connection became apparent betWee
the tuft of hair and head, the owner wher'
ofstraightened back in his chair, and wheele
about so that she could see him. The fir!
look told her he was gentleman. He ha
grave, handsome face, and a dignifed al
perhaps touching on severity. She though
him about thirty-five years old, though tn
full brown beard he wore so becomingl
made it difficult to tell his agewith accurac,
Having assured herself he was Mr. Allison
she timidly made known her errand.
"Ah, yes" he returned; "sit down, Mi
Thorndylle."
She fancied there was a tinge of surpri.
in his tone, and feared he found her tx
young and inexperienced-looking -thoug
at twenty, with her bread TO win, she fe
quite otherwise