The Washington times., 1901-11-10
THE SECRETARY.


The young man coming up the shaded
walk in the city's prettiest suburb paused
at the gate of one of the handsomest
houses on this particularly handsome
thoroughfare and looked about him.
He was evidently puzzled. He pulled a
slip of paper from his pocket and glanced
at it. Then he glanced along the row Of
houses that stretched away amid the
trees. He hesitated a moment longer and
then passed between the great stone gate
posts and went up the winding walk.
A white-capped maid answered his
ring.
"Paraon -ne for putting you to any
trouble" IL said. but is"
Yes" said the maid, with friendly
smile, this is the house. Miss Strong is
expecting ,ou. This way. please
And before John Winter could pursue
the enquiry she had interrupted. he found
himself in what appeared to be a daintily
furnished office, confronting very hand
some young woman, who turned in her
revolving chair to look at him. Before
he could speak the lady had spoken.
BE seated, please" she said IN a de-
cidedly pleasant, albeit a little sharp and
businessli.-e tone. You are prompt /
like promptness. Now tell me about
yourself"
John Winter smiled. lie saw there was
a mistake somewhere. but he was in no
particular hurry to announce the fact
This energetic young woman was very in
teresting.
THAT is a subject upon which am not
accustomed to talk" he said. Besides,
the story of my life is very common
place
Il prefer it that way" said the young
woman. There is no romance in my
scheme of life My father died when l
was twenty. 1 am now twenty-five.
Since his death L have assumed entire
charge of myself and of my fathers es-
tate. Romance and business do not mix
Rarely" said John Winter. AT least,
that has been my experience. My father
died when l was sixteen. 1 am now
twenty-eight. Since his death l have
cared for myself He left no estate"
The young woman looked at him keen
ly. He met her gaze with one of entirely
respectful interest.
Having read my advertisement and
possessed yourself of its details l am, of
course. to take il for granted that you
feel th1t you are competent to assume
the duties of L secretary she presently
said.
THE duties of a secretary are more or
less familiar to 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"
The young, woman leaned back in her
chair and toyed with a paper knife.
Il like your books" she said. and
though she said it in a quite common
place manner it sent a slight flush to
John Winters check. You have the air
Of a gentleman. Your words are well
chosen. You do not bear the offensive
stamp of one who knows it all. What
references have you?"
John Winter started.
4 could refer you." he said, "to a num-
Der of people whom you do not know
people with whom have lived and work
ed Then there is the president of the
college where l graduated. and Prof Ian
don, and Prof Blocker and-and Colonel
Denton. the head of the publishing
house"
The colonel is my neiShbor." said Miss
Strong. He left Yesterday for four
months trip TO Florida" She paused and
studied John Winters face again. II be-
Iieve myself to be a good judge OF mas
culine human nature" she said. Your
face is a frank and open one. We will
not bother about the references. l win
try you for a week. You are to make
yourself generally useful to me during
ordinary business hours. You will attend
to my correspondence and my accounts.
and familiarize yourself with my busi-
ness. You will become a member of my
household, but not a servant. Ordinarily
you will dine with my aunt and me, and l
think l can rely upon you to understand
your position here"
you can rely upon me-" said John Win
ter with a faint smile.
For your services. well and faithfully
performed, I viii pay you 800 per month" "
She paused and reelected. Il think that
is all"
Il, is a liberal sum, I am sure" said
John Winter
Il was not referring to the salary" she |
said little coldIy. Are you married |
man.
Not in the least" replied John Winter |
hastily. THAT is. l mean not at all"
Good" she said. Il do not believe in |
early and ill-advised marriages. You may |
send for your baggage when you please. |
Your duties will begin in this room at S |
D clock tomorrow morning. Breakfast at |
: sharp. l will see you at dinner this |
evenings o'clock. Celeste will snow you |
to your room.'
And she rang the belll.
John Winter told himself in the |
pleasant room to which Celeste guided |
him that he NEEDED a rest aad that here |
was the chance to secure it. He assured |
himself that he was quite competent to /
fill the position that the lady had vol |
unfairly rendered him, and that he need |
have no conscientious qualms about ac-
,epting 1t. Besides. she was a delightful |
study. so self-willed. so imperious, so ad-
withal so charming. John
Winter sat down and wrote for his clothes
Then he sought the beautiful garden and
'troNed about a little, and finally found
his way to the home of Colonel Denton.
md left a package OF manuscript that
was to be forwarded to the colOners
'lorida address in company with certain
'upplies. Then he glanced at his watch
md retraccd his steps. 1t was close to
he dinner hour and he knew he must be
It ;nc dining-roOm door exactly at 6.
John Winter fell in with his now du-
les in a manner that quite amazed him.
ie had no trouble In adapting himself to
he ways Of his alert and active mistress.
Ie knew that she looked down upon him,
'ut the thought didn't worry him in the
n ~ + n IT IJII mn