The Forrest City times., 1904-02-26
~ > The Manager DOrneSticated N By BELLE MANIATES ~
Copyright. is0o, by Daily Story Pub. Col

THE Union Wheel company wara - building new offices in front of the factory. During the process of erection an unoccupied dwelling house Was rented and the manager. the cashier, draughtsman and Mae Nei,- | son, stenographer recently added to tss o'l of the company, were in | stalled therein.
 The latter derived much amusement from the novelty of pursuing office duties amid such domestic surround ings. She insisted on referring to the rooms by their original names, and the other employees soon followed suit. After a few days it did not cause laughter to hear that the draughts- man was in the kitchen, the cashier in the parlor and the bookkeeper in the hall The dining room was re- served for the manager. who was ab- sent from the city when the offices were moved
 Mae Nelson was assigned to the pantry, an unusually large one with window looking on flower garden The shelves made convenient recep tacles for office supplies
 When John Alberts, the manager returned from his trip he immediately asked the bookkeeper where the ste nographer was.
 She is in the kitchen" replied the bookkeeper, abstractedy
 "Where?" asked the astonished manager. Then suddenly compre hending the plan of the house, he grinned and passed on to the last room, where he found his stenog- rapher engaged in making crock of lemonade. For on the first warm day, she had organized a lemonade fund box and contributions thereto had been generous.
 She looked up expecting to see the cashier, but when she saw the "un- approachable boss" as the bookkeeper called him. she was covered with mo- mentary confusion As for Alberts. himself he had scarcely glanced at the new stenographer before. During the few times he had dictated letters to her he had not been conscious of what manner of woman might be bending over the notes, and at the close of the dctation he had always quickly walked away Now he critically scanned the dark curling lashes, the delicate skin, the scarlet lips and the beautiful eyes.
 Would you not like a glass of lemonade?" she asked, courteously, re. covering her self-possession.
 He would. It was very warm day and he was thirsty.
 T know its out of hours" he said, after finishing a second glass of the refreshing drink but could you take letter now. Miss" He failed to recall her name.
 Certainly" she replied Come into the pantry and she led the way to her office
 Little wrinkles of mirth crept into the corners of his eyes
 So you work in the pantry! I'll sit here in the window" he said, as he looked about Tor a chair
 He mechanically di lated the letter while he kept his eyes and attention riveted on the golden-crowned head so daintily poised over the book As he rose to leave the room a little bunch of spring blossoms on her desk caught his eye and he found himself wonder ing whether the bookkeeper or cashier had presented them.
 The manager came down early to the office the next morning, but his stenographer was already there. he saw her gloves and parasol in the pan try He went into the kitchen and, chancing to looK out of the window, hor loosenng the earth and removing weeds. He was quickly at her side
 Let me do that he said, taking the trowel from her. Do you engage in this kind of work ofter?'
 Ever Since we came over here I discovered these fiowerbeds and it seemed pity not to take care of them"
 There!" he said, presently rising This is the first field work I've done In years. You have gathered quite a bouquet, I see"
 Yes; I have had one every morn ing since we've been here'
 Did the flowers on your desk yes terday come from these beds?"
 Yes" she replied, surprised at the question
 While the manager was opening his mail 1t suddenly occurred to him that he would like to know his stenog- rapher's name. In a few moments campbell, the cashier, went into the pantry.
 Mae" he d, here are the en- closures for the Dixon letter"
 The manager scowled his displeas- < ure. Was she the kind of girl to let men. especially men whom she met in business, call her by her first name?
 Presently he took his letters and went to her desk. He did not sit on the window this time.
 What do people call you when they