The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1903-12-31
BENTON, LOUISIANA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 81, 1908.
HIS WIFE HELPED.
She Was Her Husbands Clerk, 9th
crwise This Tale Could Never
Have Been Related.

Mr. Hartley is dealer in old and
rare books, youthful in countenance,
good looking and polite, especially to-
ward women. Mrs Hartley is demure
little body who brushes her hair straight
back, after fashion not many women
dare attempt, and looks out upon the
world with sweet, clear eyes. Until
few months ago Mrs. Hartley acted as
her husbands amanuensis, and 1t was
a real deprivation to her when ill health
robbed her of this pleasure. This sum-
mer when Mr.. Hartley went abroad on
his annual business trip, Mrs. Hartley.
with health restored, again filled her
place, and the young lady who had
taken it temporarily was released, re-
lates an exchange.
One morning, after Mr.. Hartley's de-
parture, Mrs. Hartley was seated at his
desk, when clear, rather imperative
voice addressed her from the doorway.
is Mr. Hartley in?''
"He is out of the city" Mrs. Hartley
arose. do you wish to leave message
for him?''
A look of vexation clouded the face OF
the girl in the doorway. She was pref
ty in babyish fashion, and had appeal
ing blue eyes, at is too perfectly pro-
voking!" with little pout. Il wanted
particularly to see him.
sIf it is anything can" Mrs. Hart
ley began politely, onlyto be interrupt
ed:
But you can't 1t is something that
has to be just between Mr.. Hartley and
me. We are such dear, dear friends. I
am Miss White"
"Yes?" A slightly amused smile crept
into the clear, sweet eyes. Matters were
becoming interesting.
''If only the other clerk were here
you have taken her place, | suppose?"
Mrs. Hartley nodded and the smile
dimpled her cheek.
IL suppose I might leave my mes
! sage with you-but, when will Mr.. Hart
ley be back?''
'It is uncertain
''Then | will write Good morning"
A day or two later as Mrs. Hartley
was opening her husbands mail she
came across family pink
tinted note, which began: my dear,
dear Mr. Hartley" and was signed:
Ever faithfully yours, Margaret
White" The writer informed him that
| she was sending for his perusal little
| love story, and that nothing short Of a
sympathetic bond between them had
/ led her to do this. with the belief that
! he, and he alone, was capable Of judg-
i ing her art as writer.
| Mrs Hartley read the note with
! amused eyes, then forwarded it to her
husband. A week later Miss Margaret
! White made her appearance with ra-
diant eagerness which Immediately van
! ished when she was informed that Mr.
:, Hartley had not yet returned.
But l have sent your letter to hin
and placed your story in the safe te
await his coming" Mrs. Hartley ex
planned.
/ my letter! 1t was marked private
thought did not know that Mr.
>Hartley's clerk opened his private
=, uldil, IHlSS w lltC CliCu,
Ordinarily she does not" Mrs. Hart
lev answered, quietly. But l happel
to be Mr.. Hartleys wife as well as hi
amanuensis.
For an instant the baby eyes wavered
then faint smile crept into them
"How very delightful" said their own
er ambiguously. "And will you pleas
say to Mr.. Hartley upon his return tha
| will come in when find leisure to re
ceive his verdict of my poor little story
Good morning" and with bow Mis-
Margaret White fitted away.
/ II don't think she will find leisur
soon," Mrs. Hartley laughed to hersel
as she went back to the desk AS TO
Walter. he'll either have to be less mic
to the womenfolk who come in here
or else he'll have to sent out another ID
of announcement cards.