The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-12-14
lHE IDLE AMANUENSIS.
BY CHARLES H. WHITE.

anu Tree from interruption while
tell you that little story l promised
IL seems good to be sitting with you
once again. after so long a separa.
ton. Calls to mind the times we
used to have in '76, when you were
Shaving for Boynton G Blackman, and
L was learning the rudiments of the
business that l followed until about a
year ago. Now l am Independently
situated owing to certain fortuitous
circumstances which happened to
come my way; yet feei old and care
worn and my hair is tinsed with gray.
Let me see; it was in 81 that left
Syracuse to take position in a brok-
er's Office located on Broad street; in
New York City. The atmosphere of
my surroundings was entirely in ac-
cord with my hearts desire, which
was to become potent factor in the
financial whirlpool that annually
whisks away the fortunes of thous-
ands, to place them at the feet of
the lucky few.
The room assigned to me by my
new employers was small one, In
the rear of the principal offices, and
lghted from a court. The solitary
window reached to the floor, and
opened out upon balcony which en-
circled the court, communicating with
the elevator shaft at the back of the
building. The chief Offices had doors
which led to this balcony. was the
sole occupant of the little Office.
Directly opposite my window was
the window of another room, the coun-
terpart of mine, and similarly con-
nected with the other suite on the
same floor. 1t was occupied by
young lady, evidently employed as a
stenographer, as her typewriter was
visible through the glass. From the
first glimpse got of her she attract
ed me strongly. She was pretty, and
feminine beauty. In addition to that
TACT, she seemed to have almost moth
Ing to do, and that peculiar condition
piqued my curiosity. Hour after hour
she would sit by the window with a
book in her hand. Only on rare oc-
casions would l see her doing any
work and then for a few moments at
time. l could not comprehend the
reason for this, inasmuch as the con-
Germ employing her (the eastern agen-
cy of a large beef house,, seemed to
transact a good business. l marvelled
that any man should pay a salary to
and reserve a room for a clerk, and
then allow her to fritter away nearly
all of the time 1t was not long be-
fore had privately conferred upon
my sweet neighbor the title of 'the
idle amanuensis."
| soon discovered that the girl was
not a stickler on certain points of
etiquette. Sc did not wait for an in
PRODUCTION, but began to smile and
bow to me on the third day of my oc-
cupancy of the little Office. I re-
sponded with alacrity, and soon felt
hat a personal interview was on the
cards. We did meet in the elevator
)nce or twice within the first week,
but others were present on each oc-
,asion, and l made no advances.
Doubtless the girl was of a similar
mind, for she offered no active en-
merely nodding and be-
slowing on me one of her charming
smiles. These smiles were sufficient
y dazzling to captivate any man who
was not already happily married or
1t was during my third week that
events began to draw In toward q To-
,us. While working at my desk one
afternoon, l heard light tap on the
window pane. Looking up saw that
he girl was standing on the balcony.
She smiled and pointed to the bal
,ony floor just outside my window.
following the direction with my eyes,
observed a folded paper lying there
which lost no time in securing.
1t proved to be note written by
lerself. The wording of the COM
was brief but to the point
nd it set my heart to beating wildly. |
Dear Sir-here's to our more init |
nate acquaintanceship. Shall be at |
ome this evening, at No. - West |
street. Please indicate |
through the window whether you will l
all. Sincerely, Ethel Thompson"
Would l call? I gave a series of /
nost emphatic mods and had the sat
sfaction Of seeing that their meaning
7as evidently understood.
l called on Miss Thompson that
cry evening. She bore herself in an
Intelligent and vivacious manner, rs
er appearance had led me to expect;
nd her demeanor was characterized
y a refinement not in keeping with
he unconventional nature of her in
itation.
During our conversation she in
ormed me that she was glad her Of
ce work was light, as she disliked
he duties of an amanuensis.
Il have noticed" l said to her, that
ou are not often busily engaged. How
it that so large a concern conducts
, small correspondence"
This query provoked a laugh.
why" she exclaimed, I'VE have
mother stenograpber. who occupies
ne of the larger rooms. / do only
lie work dictated by Mr.. Blossom. the
anager. The regular run of the Of
,e mail is dictated by Mr.. Pennoyer
the other stenographer. Mr.. Bios
I'm is away most Of the time. and
is very little for me to do. l am
ally not needed there at all. but
r. Blossom is aristocratic and wants
have a private secretary" Then
e added, in different tone OF
ice, THE truth is that my position
as created for me personally. l
i've what some persons denominate
pull with the powers that be-"
n,-I l. ~ - hn l