The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-09-03
An Office Romance



of the flowers. This decided, my plans
We're quickly formulated and as quickly
carried out.
Our store is opened at 8 o'clock by Mike,
the porter. The younger clerks are sup
posed TO report at that hour but expert
ence has taught me that the first one Is
never expected until half an hour later.
So went down at $780, lot myself in
with my key and took up post in the
private Office. The door was left half open
so that a good view could be had of Miss
Wilkins desk.
The hands Of the clock indicated ten
minutes to the hour when heard key
rattle, the door open and footsteps. That
was Mike. could tell by the heavy tread.
i heard him roll up the blinds and advance
toward the offices. He was In view now
through the open door, and saw him lay
something on Miss Wilkins desk.
"Is that you, Mike" i called.
He quickly reached dat his hand 20 seize
the flowers, but before he could got thom
out of my sight was at his side.
Ny mind rapidly scanned the whole sit
uation. 1t could not be that this poor Ital-
ian was spending his hard earned wages
purchasing violets at 81 bunch for our
typewriter He must be an agent, and IL
hehooved me to learn for whom IL ever
was to regain my position in the Office.
mike" / began sternly, what were
You doing with those violetsg"
"Givya de young lade," he replied sui
lenly.
"See here, you rascal" cried, seizing
his arm, "you might as well tell me the
truth. Who gave you those violets to put
on Miss Wilkins deski won't stand any
fooling"
"Me givva dc flow," he growled. "Me
Iowa de lade"
He was short and stout, but so fat that
doubted not that my Is years daily exer-
else with dumbbells would stand me in
good stead / was angry-terribly angry
AS felt that the moment when could
know all had come and this man who had
the power to clear me refused.
Mike" cried in threatening tone,
"tell me quickly who got you to put those
violets there or will shake you within an
inch of your life"
Mike nev tell Leggo mer' he dogged-
ly retorted.
"Not until you tell me, F" replied, grasp
ing his arm tighter.
He gave quick jerk that loosened my
hold and threw me violently against the
safe, and when regaincd my feet he was
running for the door as fast as his fat legs
would carry him.
In a minute L was on his back, we were
down together and rolling and graphing
over the dusty floor. AT length emerged
from the struggle, bruised, bedraggled,
but triumphant. had my opponent face
downward on the floor and was seated firm
ly on his back. So after humping his head
on the floor by way of emphasis said:
NOW, Mike, / mean you no harm. You
and have always been friends, and / trust
that we will continue so. But l sit right
here until you tell me who gave you those
violets to put on Miss Wilkins deck. Was
it Mr.. Butternut or Mr.. Books orr
"Mike new tell, painted the prostrate
porter, making a feeble and easily frus-
trated effort to free himself.
"And Mike is right. l appreciate his
faithfulness, came quiet voice from be-
hind me. And 1 looked up into the face
Of Cyrus Jute.
With heavy heart I followed the senior
partner to his private room. He sank into
his chair and for time gazed on me In
silence as 1 stood waiting the coming OF
the storm, for 1t seemed to me that my Of
fense of fighting with the porter would be
most severe measures. But instead Of q
downpour of rcproach heard:
"well, Dockboy, / don't blame you
much. Perhaps should not have deceived
you; but, you sec, was jealous. / had the
violets put there, and then / heard the
boys whispering about you and thought
that would send for you-cr--to see how
you stood This morning | came early to
tau Milo mot ~ t,pt tlopt rbprp any r1firp
because after certain incidents last
night lie hcsitatod and then added
"Unless you're o fool YOU know all about
1t anyway. After certain incidents TINT
occurred last night they would bo out of
place. She won't come down any more.
"Mr. Jute, i said, grasping his hand,
until got hold of Mike did not know
just what my sentiments worc. thought
was mad at being suspected Of being IA
little foolish. Do you know, l begin to sus-
pect maybe was jealous Have you got
her address,"
1 had flni.hed my explanation. Lieu
tenant Swash picked up his cane and then
carefully scanned every nook and Granny
In the room.
lis she hareS" he Whispered dramatical.
NO." l said, "but she will be In min
ute
He brought his cane down on the floor
with crash and cried:
"Then Ill havo time to repeat your
words. Confusion 20 Cyrus Jute, Butter
nut, Books, Columns and the whole crew
of the outer Office -
"Thesc We're my words in the begin
ming" said, "but not now. Odds and
Ends.
Insufficient Data
(which would you say-that young
lady has pug nose, OF that her nose Is re-