The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1906-03-02

l.
be if she could get a substitute. But
substitutes are likely to hold on to
| good places themselves"
well, Norah, don't fret. I'll think
what can be done"
And Norah went to her little room
comforted Miss Leslie had a way
of comforting people, and Norah felt
as if her load was shared, especially
when Leslie looked after her with
CHEEKY wave of the hand and a
bright smile.
The next day Leslie put on her
plainest black gown, WITH severe
linen collar and cuffs, and looked
over her hats to see which was the
simplest AS soon as breakfast was
over she called Norah.
"I'm going to the Office of the La
dies Friend" she said, ito see about
Delia's substitute"
She did not return until six o'clock.
Then she called Norah.
81 have dinner engagement" she
said, land / shall want the carriage
at quarter past seven"
Norah lowered about, laying out
| the dainty garments for Miss Les
lies toilet. She did not ask the ques-
ton that was trembling on her lips,
but her pleading eyes were fixed on
Leslie's face. Presently Leslie looked
up, smiling.
You must brush that serge dress
well, Norah, and see that / have
clean collar and cuffs ready for to-
morrow, and, Norah, bring my break
fast to my room. | have to leave
home at eight o'clock. You see,
Moran, couldn't arrange very well
to find the right substitute for Della
she's so clear-headed and deft that
just anybody wouldn't be accepted
so l thought the best thing could
do was to substitute for her myself.
l had no trouble. l said l was a
friend of Delia's and competent, and
/ asked the editor to try me for a
week | didn't know Office work took
SO much out of body, Norah. It's
harder than examining at college, but
| it's interesting, too"
You don't mean it, Miss Leslie!
You can't mean it! What would
Mr.. Sherman say if ne knew?"
my father? l don't think he'd
mind it, Norah. He'd like me to
know the practical side. But he'd
tell me / couldn't work all day long
and go to dinners and dances after
ward. I've always wondered at the
settlement how girls could endure
working all day and having fun, as
they call it, in the evening. shall
know better how to talk to them after
this"
Norah was sobbing by this time.
Miss Leslie Sherman. young wo-
man with everything earth had to
give, substituting for Della Conway
in an office! 1t disturbed Norah's
sense of the fitness of things AID
hurt her more than it pleased her.
Leslie cut short her sobs with firm
tone that was like sharp command
to refractory child.
stop crying at once, Norah, and
fasten my gown. Understand That
l wish to do this, and that you are
not to cry about it. I am going to
be Virginia Leslie at the Office till
Della gets well, and all you have to
do is to keep my secret here"
miss Sherman, may l present Mr..
Willoughby - said the hostess of the
or Mr
loughby will take you in to dinner,
my dear"
Mr.. Willoughby was tall, thin,
clea1-shaven man, with somewhat
ceremonious manner, and very near
sighted eyes, which were aided by
| spectacles.
Leslie had her hand lightly on
his arm as they walked into dinner.
Her spirits were gdlly effervescent,
but her manner was demure. She
had been taking dictatibn from Mr..
Roger Willoughby all that day.
Several of the women present were
| interested in settlement work, and
were engaged in preparations for
bazaar which was expected to net
large sum for favorite CHARITY.
You'll serve at my flower booth,
won't you, Miss Sherman" said one.
Thank you, Miss Montgomery,
you'll have to excuse me. My par
ents are away, and my winter will
be busy one. But I'll come and
buy flowers"
Are you going to live at the set
| tlement?"
Part of the time" Leslie replied.
''You are one of those benevolent
young women who leave home and
live at settlements, are you?" in
quired Nj. Willoughby, with a per-
functory air
Occasionally do" replied Leslie.
you II never do much good in that
way" he answered. THE working
girl sees through the sham and re-
sents it. A girl who lives as a lady
at home cannot understand the alph-
abet of what the real working girl