River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1903-10-08
AWise Mother
Copyright. 1908, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
BY Ex-CONGRESSMAB
WIN. n. HINRICHSEN


X ERTRUDE LANSING had been
IT carefully reared by sensible
mother and, in spite of the fact that
she was naturally romantic, the sue
cess of her training was shown in her
acceptance of the proposal OF mar
rage made her by Horace Gaylord at
the end of her second social season.
True, sentiment had caused her to de-
cline several good offers during the
seasons, or until she became convinced
that Albert Winturn, whom she
thought she loved, would never sug-
gest marriage, though he was profuse
in his expressions of devotion.
Albert was poor, though of good
family, and Gertrude, one of several
daughters, could not expect from her
father, who was only rich and not of
the rich rich, more than moderate
dover or inheritance. Albert was
handsome and his manners were per-
feet, and, being wise in his genera
ton, saw the necessity of marrying
wealth, although, as he told himself,
it was a great sacrifice to give up the
beautiful Gertrude.
The situation became apparent to
both of them during her second sea-
son. and SO she accepted Mr.. Gaylord.
the head of the great banking house
of Gaylord & Co., and they were mar
ried after an engagement of the usual
length Horace Gaylord was 45 and
Gertrude 20, but he was very rich,
belonged to her set and was present
able man of whom no wife need be
ashamed Yet Mrs. Gaylord tried to
think of herself as martyr to cir
cumstances and strove to thrust aside
the happiness which her husband
fairly forced upon her.
Albert still remained her friend and
was one of the most frequent callers
at the Gaylord residence, and while
his devotion to her was marked, it did
not reach that point where scandal
could use it.
1t was a year after their marriage
that Mrs. Gaylord noticed that her
husband appeared to be growing very
fond of Mr. Winturn This pleased
her and flattered Albert. The friend
ship of a leading man in the business
world was valuable to a young man
with his fortune to make, and, being
wise, he carefully cultivated that
friendship.
Il think l shall offer young Winturn
a position in our bank" said Mr.. Gay
lord to his wife. There is a vacancy
that is being sought by the sons of
Some of the best names on the street,
but | think I shall offer it to Albert
before considering other applications !"
"You are very good" said Mrs. Gay
lord, and she began unconsciously to
like and respect her husband, who was
powerful enough and kind enough to
be of use to her friend.
Winturn gladly accepted the prof
fered position, for it was one not only
to aid him in securing a rich wife, but
to render his footing in the social
world more substantial and to identity
him with the leading business group
of the city. The duties of the position
were light. the salary good and all con-
cerned seemed well pleased with the
progress of events.
1t was only month later that Mr.
Gaylord called Albert into his private
room at the bank and asked him to be
seated. "My young friend" he said,
your services in this house up to this
time have been a test only, and l am
now ready to announce that the trial
has been satisfactory"
Thank you, sir" said Albert
The banker continued: You know
that Smith, my confidential secretary,
has been given charge of our branch
business in San Francisco and has de-
parted to assume his new duties"
The young man bowed, his heart
beating.
81 have determined" said Mr. Gay
lord, Ito offer you the position vacated
by Mr.. Smith.
Albert could hardly conceal his joy.
The position of confidential secretary
TO the head of this great establishment
was one of which any man, young or
old, might be proud. He murmured
his thanks and said: 1.-THE duties of
the position are strange to me, sir,
but hope to please YOU"
Well" said the banker. your
duties will be fairly easy to learn
They will consist mainly of your at
tendance at the bank, the entertain
ment of visitors of distinction while l
am busy or absent, and a general
supervision of affairs as you become
acquainted with the details of the bust
ness. There is also social side to
the position. From your knowledge
gained here you will assist Mrs. Gay
lord in preparing her list of guests for
the entertainments we shall give, for
you know We have to certain degree
30 combine social and business affairs,