The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-10-16
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THE IDLE AMANUENSIS.
H..

and free from interruption while l
tell you that little story promised.
II seems good to be sitting with you
once again. after so long separa-
ton. Calls to mind the times we
used to have in '76, when you were
shaving for Boynton e. Blackman, and
was learning the rudiments of the
business that | followed until about
year ago. Now | am independently
situated owing to certain fortuitous
circumstances which happened to
come my way; yet feel old and care
worn and my hair is tinged with gray.
Let me see; It was in 81 that left
Syracuse to take position in 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 a 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 a small one. In
the rear of the principal offices. and
lighted from court. The solitary
window reached TO the floor, and
opened out upon balcony which en-
clrcled 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 a
young lady, evidently employed as
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
| always possessed a fondness for
feminine beauty. In addition to that
fact, 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
book in her hand. Only on rare oc-
casions would | see her doing any
work and then for few moments at
| time. | could not comprehend the
reason for this, inasmuch as the con-
! cern employing her (the eastern agen-
cy of large beef house). seemed to
transact good business. | marvelled
that any man should pay a salary to
and reserve a room for a clerk, and
fha,, oil kAr 10 fritt :,
| all of the time II 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 sticlller 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. | re-
sponded with alacrity, and soon felt
that a personal interview was on the
cards. We did meet in the elevator
once or twice within the first week,
but others were present on each oc-
casion, and | made no advances.
Doubtless the girl was of a similar
mind. for she offered no active en-
couragement, merely nodding and be-
slowing on me one of her charming
smiles. These smiles were sufficient
| ly dazzling to captivate any man who
was not already happily married or
engaged.
+, 1t was during my third week that
events began to draw in toward a TO-
Gus. While working at my desk one
afternoon. | heard light tap on the
window pane. Looking up | saw that
the girl was standing on the balcony.
She smiled and pointed to the bal
cony 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
herself. The wording of the COM
munication was brief but to the point
and it set my heart to beating wildly.
Dear Sir-Here's to our more inti-
mate acquaintanceship. Shall be at
home this evening, at No. West
Forty-second street. Please indicate
|
CALL Sincerely, Ethel Thompson"
Would | call? | gave series of
most emphatic mods and had the sat
isfaction of seeing that their meaning
was evidently understood.
| called on Miss Thompson that
very evening. She bore herself in an
intelligent and vivacious manner, as
her appearance had led me to expect;
and her demeanor was characterized
by a refinement not in keeping with
the unconventional nature of her in
vitation.
During our conversation she in
formed me that she was glad her Of
flee work was light, as she disliked
the duties of an amanuensis.
Il have noticed" said to her, that
you are not often busily engaged. How
is it that so large a concern conducts
SO small a correspondence"
This query provoked laugh.