Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1905-01-03

II Copyright 1904. BY A. S. Ri-hapdsoa
Hardey almost chuckled aloud as be
recalled his mothers words: mo good
will come of your starting in the BUSH
ness as a common employee, Your IA
sher should take you in as member
of the firm,
That was what she had said when,
fresh from the trip abroid, which bad
Followed his last year at college, Tom
Harley had started iii his fathers
publishing house as clerk in the stock
room. Mr.. Hardey had two objects in
view in making Tom start at the bot
tom Of the ladder. lie wanted him to
know the business, aud he wanted him
to know the people with whom he was
to work for the first few years and
over whom he would be placed in the
years to come. AS for Tom himself.
he didn't give a rap where he started
While he didn't inherit all Of his ia
Tiers sociological theories, he did take
a mighty pride in the business his ia
Their had built up. and he meant TO do
his part in keeping tile family name to
the fore in the business world. But he
had also a keen sense OF humor, and
that was why he cnucbled when he
pictured the dismay of lis mother on
learning that he had beer requested to
act on the committee selected to buy a
wedding present for the bookkeeper
One of the stenographers had asked
Tom to act Oh the committee. She was
watching him now in some anxiety.
certainly I'll be very glad to help
buy d present for the old chap. Who
else is on the committee?''
s.Just Miss Peinberton. Having a
number would only make it more con
fusfng-'
1T certainly would. And where will
find Miss Pemberton?'
In the circulation department.
thought every one knew Miss Pember-
ton. She's such a perfect lady. If you
don't mind going to the circulation
room, will introduce yoa."
She was carrying d little box filled
with bills and coins. the result of the
collection, and Tom followed her to
the other side Of the building.
Miss Pemberton. this Is Mr. Har-
dey, and hes been kind enough TO say
he will help you buy the present
4 slender figure clad iilvgray turned
from tie desk. and a pair of gray eyes
exactly the shade OF the dress were
raised to meet his. Tom murmured
something about the Kindness being
on the other side He had been pic
turing Il struggle over the present
This perfect lady, he imagined
would select something in plush al
buns with celIuloid decorations or d
silver piece with impossible colored
glass lining Now he was wondering
whether in all the shops they could
find anything which was delicate
enough to please her taste While this
was galloping through bis mind well
modulated voice. remarked:
"Your father has suggested that We
take an hour or two Off III the morning
before the shops are crowded. Ii con
venient, I'll meet You at McGrath &
Murray's at 8 o'clock tomorrow"
I'm sure that's the very best ar
rangement,r He would have said the
same had she suggested their making
a trip to Alaska to buy orchids.
She returned to her work, and be
sauntered bac. to his own department
wishing that she would be clever
enough to wear gray furs with thai
gray dress. He felt oddly pleased thu
next morning on entering the jewelry
store to find himself following in ths
wake of nuttering gray fox boa.
They looked at siTrerware. hollow
and fat They gravely discussed ths
virtues Of candelabra and pudding
dishes. Then she turned to him sud
denly.
Il suppose we are expected to buJ
something in silver. but really tllini
the bride and groom deserve bette
| treatment Her eyes weie twinkling
Il have known so many people to ge
wedding gifts Of silver that cost nlors
than the rugs on their floors. The,
would really very much rather have
had rugs
All right" said Tom promptly. I'VE
| will get rugs.
| "No. no., said the girl. laughing. g
was not speaking literally. but tile CIR
! he is to marry seems sensible. and shl
says they are going to hive iivinl
room instead Of a parior. ! think sh
means to make the home comfortable
first and fancy afterward. Let's &c
them something perfectly restfuI TO
that living room.
~Just the thing, assanted Tom
where shall we gos''
/ sTo Santine's. They have such rea
| things. and I think his little brid
would simply hate limitations
Tom wanted to shake hands wit
himself. 1t was just what girl witt
gray eyes and gray fi'oek should say
| To sanfine's they went. They wan
dered from the Turkish room, with 10
] heavy hangings. its queer. foreigl
smells and its dim lights. to the Japa
nese room. with its gay colors, it
4 lacauers and Its soft. liistrous silks
4 and wound up IN the room where tn
mission furniture was en- exhibition
j They sat down III quiet corner Z
Il discuss the natter Tom leaned bacl
n luxuriously In great armchair, am
/ Miss Pemberton sat severely uprlgh
Il In d short, ssubby rocker.
III Il don't think re could improve q
4tff.