The Washington times., 1903-08-02
essential HIS secretary should b
ME author had decided that it was

az oOthOT nau OeClueQ LnlL II was
essential his secretary should be
unattractive. 1t would never do
for him to be confronted with feminine
charms which would lure his eyes and
thoughts across the desk and away from
his work; it would mean distinct
financial loss. So, heroically setting aside
his inclinations. he conjured up a vision
Of what his daily vis-a-vis should be.
and then proceeded to find a substance
to fit the vision. He had decided that
she should be as near 10 as might be.
but neither fat nor fair. No, indeed;
not a single allurement should she pos
sess.
He advertised. and the fair philoso-
pher was the result. She fulfilled all his
requirements. both positive and mega
tive-for she wrote a clear. rapid hand,
was willing and obnging." and not in
the least attractive, being of general
dun color as TO hair, eyes, complexion,
and clothes. and also. what especially
appealed to him. she seemed in des-
perate need.
She began work at once, and before
the end OF the week had become in
valuable. The chaos that had hereto
fore reigned in the authors Office was
reduced TO the most wonderful order.
She catalogued. indexed. sorted, and
waste-basketed so effectuaIIy that he
could lay his hand on anything he
wanted within half a minute. The au-
thor had had no occasion to look at her
during the first week. and no inclination
after the glance on the strength Of
which he had engaged her. He was con-
graduating himself on the advantages
of an unattractive secretary and turn
ing out vast deal of work with her
assistance. when suddenly his eyes were
opened and he discovered how grossly
he had been deceived. It was Daw-
son, the worst talker and best iIlustra-
tor in town. who brought him to the first
realization of his predicament
That gentleman burst into the authors
Office, without ceremony, as usual, one
morning. The latter. with a sigh. laid
down his pen. leaned back in his chair,
and. motioning his secretary into the
next room, prepared for a martyrs
death But after she had closed the door
behind her silence reigned for a full
minute. and, looking up 10 see the cause
of this phenomenon, the author saw Daw-
son standing trans1xed in the middle of
the room. his legs apart. his cigar bum
ing his fingers unheeded, gazing at the
4c1, h.
vanished.
by Jove, What beauty" he e1acu-
lated at last.
The author looked at him suspiciously,
knowing Dawson's convivial habits.
MY dear fellow" he said, visit down.
You'll be better in the morning"
But his visitor took no heed OF his re-
mark
Hail. ne said, coming up and laying
an eager hand on the others shoulder.
where did you find her? want her to
been looking for
Come. Dawson" answered the author
fnpatiently. stop this nonsense. I'm a,
busy man. Have you anything particular
to say to me? I've just five minutes at
your disposal" Ard he took out his
watch.
But Dawson continued to gaze at the
door.
Such rare type. too" he murmured.
The author waxed wroth.
Il know she's a rare type-of ugli
ness" he said shortly. st was for that
reason I engaged her. in order that L
and my friends" he added. meaningly.
should not be diverted by too distract
ing feminine charms"
Dawson looked at him IN blank as
for moment and then burst
into loud laugh.
You'd better have your eyesight ex-
amined, Hal" he recommended. why,
she's q beauty
"only as seen through the rosy-hued
winegless. my boy" the author assured
him. returning pointedly to his work.
Hang your insinuationsi" cried the |
other. Jumping UP and making for the
door You must have been pretty init |
mate with the wineglass yourself If you |
can't see that what say is true"
And with this parting shot he snatched |
up his hat and STROBE from the office, |
slarnuaing the door behind him or /
course. the man had been drinking. 1
There was no other explanation Of the /
matter. And yet, for all that, it was
with some trepidation that the author