St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1904-01-02
ELS WIFE HELPED.
She Was Her Husbands Clerk, Oth-
erwise This Tale Could Never
Have Been Related.

Mr.. Hartley is dealer in old ane
| rare books, youthful in countenance
good looking and polite, especially to
ward women. Mrs. Hartley is demurt
little body who brushes her hair straight
back, after fashion not many wome1
dare attempt, and looks out upon tht
world with sweet, clear eyes. Until {
few months ago Mrs Hartley acted as
her husbands amanuensis, and It was
real deprivation to her when ill health
robbed her Of this pleasure. This sum.
mer when Mr.. Hartley went abroad OF
his annual business trip, Mrs. Hartley
with health restored, again filled he1
place, and the young lady who had
taken 1t temporarily was released, re.
lates an exchange.
One morning, after Mr. Hartley's de.
parture, Mrs. Hartley was seated at his
desk, when a clear, rather imperative
voice addressed her from the doorway
us 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. s1t Is ooperfectly pro-
voking!" with little pout. Il wanted
particularly to see him.
IF 1t is anything can" Mrs. Hart
ley began politely, only to be interrupt
ed:
"But you can't It 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 might leave my mes
sage with you-but, when will Mr.. Hart
ley be back?"
ut is uncertain" II
''Then I will write. Good morning"
A. day or two later as Mrs. Hartley
was opening her husbands mail she
came across faintly-scented, 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-
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 q 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 him
and placed your story in the safe to
await his coming" Mrs. Hartley ex-
planned.
my letter! 1t was marked private.
I thought did not know that Mr..
Hartley's clerk opened his private
mail" Miss White cried, Indignantly.
Ordinarily she does not" Mrs. Hart
ley answered, quietly. But l happen
to be Mr.. Hartley's wife as we'll as his
amanuensis."
For an instant the baby eyes wavered.
then faint smile crept into them.
''How very delightful" said their own
err ambiguously. and will you please
say to Mr.. Hartley upon his return that
I will come In when find leisure to re-
ceive his verdict OF my poor little story.
Good morning" and with bow Miss
Margaret White fitted away
II don't think she will find leisure
soon," Mrs. Hartley laughed to herself
as she went back to the desk "As for
Walter, he'll either have to be less nice
to the womenfolk who come in here,
or else he'll have to sent out another lot
of announcement cards."