The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-08-08
MRS. sIRone,s SECRETARY.

went up the winding walk
: white-capped maid answered his ring.
Pardon ne for putting you 70 any
trouble he said. but is
Yes" said the maid with q friendly
smile. this is the house. Miss Strong is
expecting you. This way, please"
And before John Winter could pur-
sue the inquiry she had interrupted. he
found himself in what appeared 70 be
daintiiy furnished Office confronting q
very handsome young woman who turned
in her revolving chair TO lock at him.
Before he could speak the lady had spo-
ken.
Be seated. please" she said in deci-
dedly pleasant, albeit a little sharp and
business-like tone. You are prompt 1
like promptness. Now tell me about your
self"
John Winter smiled. He saw there was
a mistake somewhere, but he was II no
particular hurry to announce the fact.
This energetic young woman was very
interesting.
THAT is a subject upon which am not
accustomed to talk he said. Besides,
the story Of my life is very common
place"
Having read my advertisement and
possessed yourself of its details, I am. Of
course, to take il for granted that YOU
feel that you are competent 10 assume
=
said.
The duties of a secretary are more or
less familiar 10 me-" said John Winter,
but 1 would be very glad TO hear from
your own lips the precise character Of
the special work you require at my
hands"
L like your looks" she said, and
though she said it in a quite commonplace
manner 1t sent a slight flush TO John VIM
ter's cheek. You have the air OF gen.
tleman. Your words are we'll chosen.
You DO not bear the offensive stamp Of
one who knows it all. What references
have your
Il could refer you he said, ''to a num-
Der of people whom you do not know
people with whom I have lived and work
ed. Then, there is the president Of the
college where I graduated, and Professor
Land0n, and Professor Blocker, and-Co-
lionel Denton, the head of the publishing
house"
THE colonel is my neighbor.'' said Miss
Strong. He left yesterday for four
months trip to Florida" She paused
and studied John Winters face again.
4 believe myself to be good judge OF
masculine human nature" she said.
Your face is a frank and open one. We
viii not bother about the references.
win try you for week
you can rely upon me-" said John
Winter, with a faint smile.
For your services, well and faithfully
performed. I viii pay you 500 per
month"
1T is a liberal sum, 1 am sure said
John Winter.
John Winter fell in with his new du-
ties in a manner that quite amazed him.
He had no trouble in adapting himself
to the ways of his alert and active mis-
tress He knew that she looked down
upon him, but the thought didn't worry
him in the least. So he simply went on
making himself invaluable in a quiet and
unobtrusive way.
One morning she looked at him across
the writing table and there was curious
expression in her eyes.
Are you really like the other men Of
your age?'' she asked.
Il trust" ne said, that you have not
been making comparisons to my disad-
vantage"
You are so docile," she said; 80 lack
ing in antagonistic spirit. I cannot be-
lieve that other men are like you.
And yet You know so much about
men" said John Winter.
Yes" she said, lin books
Il am very anxious to please you"
said John. Then he added a little hastily.
as he returned to his writing, 4 want 10
keep my place
John Winter has been Miss Strougs
secretary four months when his employer
announced the she meant TO give little
reception in honor of the return of her
neighbor, Colonel Denton, and desired
John TO write the informal invitations.
You may address one to yourself If
you wish" she added, ''or take it YER
bally."
You are very kind" said John Win
ter.
1t was not large gathering. but the
guests were people Of more or less promi-
hence, either in a professional or social
way. and the colonel, standing by Miss
Strong, looked about him with many
smiles. Presently his glance wandered to
an inner apartment.
Oh" he said, L see you have one
lion"
Point him out" said Miss Strong. with
little laugh.
Il mean the author Of a Dash of Cour-
age Aubray Thorn. Sixteenth edition
and still selling like wildfre. But listen
TO my talking shopl Tell me how you
discovered his identity. I thought it was
stin a secret"
MY dear colonel said Miss Strong.
II really do not know to whom you al
lude. VIII you kindly point out this IA
nous personage?'
why there he is" said the eminent
publisher. The tall young man with the
dark eyes leaning against the mantel."
why that is Mr.. John Winter"
cor course, II is" cried the colonel
"and I'm very glad you know him. and
that it is you who are introducing him 10
the public by his true name. VIII you
excuse me while I offer him my cOngrat-
ulaIons?"
And without perceiving Miss strcng's
troubled look he hurried across the room.
The last guest had gone and John Win
ter was about to say goodnight when
Miss Strong stopped him.
Il have 2 word or two 10 say TO you"
she remarked, and waved him TO a seat.
john Winter bowed and drew the chair
a little nearer the lady.
Ma 1 ask" she said. why you have
been playing this part
Il beg Your pardon" said the score
tary, but I think your tone suggests
that I have been guilty OF some decep-
-,on. VIII you indicate wherein I have
deceived vou2"
why did you seek my employment"
Il cid not seek Il. said John Winter.
"You thrust ft upon nc
But you came in answer to my adver-
tlsement"
II came to ask where Colonel Denton
lived. I never saw your advertisement
Miss Strong slightly gasped-
But you let me think that you were
secretary.
wei. said John Winter with q slight
smile. haven't proved it 70 your salts
faction 3T
Miss strong hezitated. She was making
slow progress.
You distinctly told me-" she iameiy
added. chat romance and business could
not mix.
Pardon ne again" said John Winter
FL Simply agreed with you as 20 tne gen
Ell M u he ur-u-.-L-oa- WIN y.