The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-11-11
BE7HJ CAREER
By RUBY DOUGLAS

story was good took her farther and
1arther from Forrest. He read 1t again,
and as he finished the last page a light
dawned on his face. -
urning to his stenographer he dictated
tuslnesslike and still somewhat friend
~ letter to Beth. He told her the story
was not bad, yet it was not available for
puhlt:atlon. He refrained from enclosing
the usual printed slip, he said fearing that
II might discourage her. He would keen
the manuscript and she could If she de-
sired, submit others to him for his criti-
cism.
When the letter was signed the editor
wore more hopeful expression than
had been on his face since his return. He
saw way out Of his own unhappiness.
He would win Beth yet
After that his letters were ALWAYS die
tated to her. Less and less of the lover
was suggested in them and more of the
| critical editor. One by one her manu-
scripts came to him, and one by one thew
were folded and placed in the drawer re-
served for them. Each one brought back
| to Berth letter saying there was an i'm
| provement, but that they were still ..un-
| available" -. -.--
The stories came frequently for months.
and very few little blue letters came to
Forrest The manuscripts were better
| than any he was printing monthly in his
magazine, but he must gain his end He
| was not an editor in this case. g. He was
determined wooer.
Fewer stories and more blue letters be-
gan to arrive from the little home town.
Could he read between the lines that dis
enlargement was dawning in Berth's
| heart? 1t was with difficulty that the ed
| ltor Kept within the limits of New York
when each letter now said plainly, Il
am tired Of my career" But he would
wait.
| n oil i,,p
| taxable style arrived at the office. 1t
was her first attempt at editorial writ
| Ing, but 1t was success. Women and
| Careers it was headed and it dealt
| harshly with the woman who gives I'D the
| opportunities to possess home and hus-
band for career, especially a literary
career. "a woman" the editorial writer
stated, "is not intended for careering,
but to help man in his"
II 1t had not been for the picture of a
probably tear stained little face some
miles from New York and a detected lit
| tie figure, Editor Harwood would have
laughed at the strenuous manner in
which the editorial was written.
AS it was, he closed his desk early
that evening. giving orders that he would
not be at the office for a day two.
He also sent to the printers before leav-
ing the office the first of series of short
stories to be published in the maya zine
Beth he said when he had held her
hand in greeting longer than was absolute
ly necessary for an editor to- hold his
contributors hand, 1.-The editorial on
Women and Careers was so good I had
to come and tell you about it,
A pretty pink suffused Beths cheek
as she drew her hand away. Did you
know I wrote it. Forest" she asked.
Yes" he answered, possessing himsel!
again Of her hand. But Beth. have
you not changed your views since last
summer?' He looked into her acs
scrutinizingly.
Yes Forrest; I'm SO tired and dis
, couraged. I can't write anyway" Betf
: did not sem to mind when he took hel
, other hand and gently drew her head or
Z to his breast. But remorse mingled with
his plea sure.
: Little girl he said after awhile
1 could you forgive me if I confessed
D something. If Isaid 1 had purposey re
t fused to publish your manuscripts be
I cause I wanted to discourage you, if
told you they are all good and that thu
r first of the series has already gone to tn,
printer - could you forgive me, dear?'
!. | He looked down at her anxiously.
And Beth decided to have a husband Al
S we'll as a career. -,..@ :