Alaska sentinel., 1902-12-18
might do much as she pleased till the

might do much as she pleased till the Colonel came home, he said; he was a beginner himself, and his correspond | ence was very light-as yet. He even helped her make ready her desk, show ed her the little closet where she might hang her hat, and then he tried to think of some unanswered letter or some business unattended. some excuse for trying out" the new stenographer. A letter to his father furnished the only chance he could think of, and he coughed two or three times, tidgeted with his collar and-actually blushed before he could summon nerve enough to say: "Will you take a letter, please, Miss Blaisdell?' He asked 1t as if he were asking a favor, and he felt that he was. It seemed tritie presumptu ous for him to thus command so beauti ful a creature. She came over with her paper and pencil and looked Into his eyes with almost feyerish interest, watching his lips as he spoke the hesi- tating words, smiling delightfully."- at the little jokes and banterings with which he interspersed the letter to his father In Boston.
 It wasn't very long letter, but the noon bell was ringing before It was fin ished, and he bade her go to her lunch and don't hurry back" As for him, he went to club, as usual, and at o'clock, when he returned, Miss Blais- dell was sitting in her place, cooler handsomer, more gracious than ever The typewriter letter and addressed envelopes were on his desk. He picked them up with no intention of severe criticism, but he could not help admir- ing the perfect workmanship, the taste full spacing, the accurate punctuation. She had even changed. and he thought improved, his style and manner of ex- pression.
 He looked up and smiled when he saw that she was watching him with anxious curiosity.
 Do you think I'll do?" she asked. with blush that seemed to enhance the perfect beauty of her animated face.
 "Do?" he answered with pleased sur prise. Its perfect. We're lucky to get you, Miss Blaisdell."
 And so matters went while Col. Houghteling was abroad, though Frank transacted little business, and half of the letters he dictated were wholly un- necessary. Try as he might. he was al ways finished with his dictations in the forenoon. and in the afternoon his let ters, always an improvement upon his own language, were ready on his desk. But the very first day after the Colo nel's return the idyllic charm of Miss Blaisdells presence was disturbed. He bolted to her desk and hurriedly die tated letter. Give me the typewrit- ten copy at once.' he blurted, rushing out. When he was gone Frank stole glance at the girl. There were tears in her noble eyes, her hand was trembling and the quiver of a suppressed sob was about the matchless mouth.
 Dent mind him, Catherine-Miss Blaisdell" he said: he doesn't mean to be rude; he's rushed, he's"
 "Ob, it isn't that" she said, coming over and whispering; T ought to have | was afraid you'd discharge me, but. Mister Dudley, I'm yery-I can't read my own shorthand. I-"
 How on earth did you do my letters, then, Miss Catherine? How"
 "I took them over to the shorthand school at noon, and-oh, know 1t was deceitful but 1 thought I'd learn fast enough to be ready for the Colonel, and now he'll find me out.'
 Her hand, that large, white, appeal ing hand was on the arm of his chair. and he took It III his, daring yet scared look in his eyes as he looked into hers. and said:
 "Catherne, live been intending to Ito discharge you for the last week; in fact since the first day I saw you"
 She stood up and let him hold her hands, smiling now through her tears, as he whispered:
 "I think can square things with the Colonel now, Kate."-Chicago Record Herald.