The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1899-07-06
WILHELnlNA

'Wanted-In a publishing house, well
educated woman; must be over so years OF
age"
Isn't it mean. I don't seem to fit in
anywhere. Young girls and old women
are in demand, but girl Of % is neither
young nor old; drug in the markell" Will
helmina Thurston looked Disguised.
you would just fit in there, WILL said
her sister. refectiyely.
Wilhelmina went to the mirror and took
the pins from her luxuriant hair. which
was rolled back loosely from her face
and coiled on the crown OF her head. She
parted the hair down the middle and drew
it back plain, braiding it and dressing it
low. It was unbecoming, for her rather
sever type of beauty was rendered stern
by the change.
81 have made up my mind" said Wilhel-
nina, going to the closet and taking there
from her darkest gown, a dull gray" to
apply for that position. With stiff collar
and no color to brighten me up shall look
Anticipated enough to escape detection. 1t
will injure no one but myeslf, and I want
work bad enough to add eight years to
my age. I shall claim to be 81
Alice Thurston laughed ''You are des-
perate, Will. and no wonder but 1 fear
one lie will not suffice; you are not an
adept in deceiving."
"You watt was the answer.
Sidney Spencer sat in his private Office,
with a bored look on his face and a pile
of manuscript at his elbow. Outside in
the main Office the clerks nudged each other
and Uttered, as young men will when the
proprietor is out of sight.
Another Anticipated female" whispered
John Stanwood to his neighbor, as a light
step on the stair was heard. moment
later Wilhelmina was ushered into Spen-
GERS Office.
How old are you?" was the first query.
Thirty one" she said bravely.
'What experience?'
'Ten years in a newspaper Office" This
was true, for while a mere child she
had assisted her father on the Daily Bull
letin. now among the missing journals.
Spencer looked intently at the applicant.
She seemed more promising that the rest.
care you sure you are 31?" You look very
young, very young
Wilhelmina rose to the occasion. Her
assumption Of offended dignity would have
deceived keener man than Spencer.
I'm sorry to have troubled you, sir. Per-
haps you require a certificate of birth I'm
fortunately I have none. Good afternoon"
wait a moment Pardon me. You do
not understand why I am so particular
in regard to age. There are dozens OF
young idiots in my employ who waste their
time in attentions to younger woman.
Harmless enough, I'll admit but this is
not counting school and the work re-
quires undivided attention.
Il understand. 1 was young once my
SELF she sighed. There was an awkward
silence.
''Thirty-one is not DID," said Spencer. en-
couragingly. "It only seems old to
fellows in the twenties"
Thirty is a respectable age and
needs no apology" was the tart reply. Her
gray eyes snapped and she looked fierce.
shell do said Spencer to himself:
there will be no flirting" Aloud he said:
Can you stay this morning and help me
out with his?' indicating the pile of
manuscript.
Il shall be glad to begin at once" was
her reply. A half-dozen times during
the morning Wilhelmina caught her en-
ployer looking curiously at her she won
dered if he suspected her deceit. At
night he said pleasantly: Il am well sat
isfed with what you have done,' SO she
was engaged.
Much as she longed to appear her own
pretty self, Wilhelmina dared not put aside
her dark monumental gown and tightly
drawn back hair. With these she assumed
a dignified, old fashioned manner of speech
and action that kept her youthful coworkers
at a distance.
Her desk being in Spencers Office and the
fact that much of their work was done
Jointly, placed them on a familiar footing.
II was agreeable work. and lad she not
teen acting part Wilhelmina would have
thoroughly enjoyed it. A date in an ar
ticle one day led Spencer to tell his age,
Is. After this she felt still more uncom-
Portable, saying to Alice: Il wonder how
he likes working with his grandmother
One morning when Spencer came in Will
helmina knew something had happened. In
the months they had worked together she
had learned to note every change in his
expressive countenance. She had also
learned to care deeply for his good opinion;
the lie she had told him weighed heavily
She found herself wishing that he knew
she was only %; five years younger than
himself. Would it make difference?
This morning he looked at her so in
tentiy that she blushed. Then he said
abruptly: What makes women SO secre-
tive in regard to their age? Are added
years crime? You are the first one have
met who confesscs to 81; you are really
younger looking and are brave not to lie
about it,
Poor Wilhelmina. Without thinking of
the consequences, she said hurriedly: II
did lie.,. 1 am only %. I expected to be
caught some time, and I'm foolish enough
to step into the trap. Shall leave this
morning.
Spencer rose and closed the door into the
outer Office. By this time Wilhelmina was
gathering up her belongings and crowding
them heller SHELTER into her bag.
whats your hurry" Spencer asked.
putting OBTAINING hand on her arm.
Wilhelmina looked up into \ face SO full
Of sympathy AMI tenderness that the tears
Of vexatioH on her lashes mirrored the
wonde rment in her eyes.
Il want you to stay, little girl because
we'll. because 1 can't live without you"
Wiltelmina concluded to stay.-Boston
Post.
THE FINNISH NATIONAL BATH.
It's Victim Ia Half Rallied and Then