The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-09-02
HIS WoMAN-PROOF SECRETARY
BY CECILIA A. LoIzEAUJ.

BY CECILIA A. LOizEAUJ.
 T think it is the craziest advertise ment I ever saw. and I've seen some pretty crazy onesl'' Dr. Jared Miles paIe blue eyes peered over the top of the paper at his friend, the Author, who paid no attention to the <remark Any one who would write such an ad. as that should have a guardian, con- tinued the doctor, slamming the paper down on the desk and pointing to the offending line in the want column.
 wanted" he read aloud, jeeringly, ''by author. private secretary, who must be woman-proof; references re- quired: call mornings"
 well, now, what is the matter with that7" demanded the author That IS just the kind want"
 Matter with 1t? It's crazy! Wanted. a secretary; wonan-proof' Iou--you--- it's an insult to your daughter, that's what 1t Isl 'WomanproofF as If sne could break into secretaryf
 Perhaps If you were Roses father and had to go through with what do with secretartes--and Rose--youd be little a1mer," said the Author. why, man, I've had four in a year. Four All of 'em capable. bright fellows. Ana here am with none at alis and this book already overdue"
 'T presume that is your daughter faultF' sneered the doctor.
 Maybe not; but it's nay misfortune.
 If I were you I'd shut her up. Some day she might fall in love and be mar ried."
 sRose7 Oh, no! No such luck. I'd be glad if she'd marry any one of the young fellows she fools with but that s not her way. She insists that she fell In love with fellow over in Paris and doesn't even know his name. and until he turns up she won't marry any one else. She's flirt. that's all there is to It. and a good one, too, if know one. Why don't you take her on my handsT
 to me, I know was an old fooI but l gave up all thought of winning her when she told me of the man over in Paris. For her sake hope he turns up"
 though I'm not fool enough to believe there is such a person. There's another applicant! Whewl He isn't bit afraid to ring the bell, is he? Stay and see me examine into the condition of his heart, Miles" But the doctor was roll ing toward the door, and turned back.
 .It's painful spectacle to me, sir to see an old friend make a fool or him eelfp' he shouted, and disappeared by 
 ed at the other
 "Cood morning, sir" said the Author. looking sharply at the visitor. The young man bowed. but did not speak as he came forward and placed visiting card on the desk. MT; Jerome "ef ton" read the author, aloud.
 ssYes, sir, and should like to become your secretary"
 "sSo have nine others this morning. l presume you have provided yourself with first class references
 For answer the applicant placed little packet of envelopes on the desk The Author waved him to a chair and opened all the letters one after the other Very good" he said, when he had finished, ''as to character and abil- ity. I don't see any reference as to the other requirements"
 "As to my being woman proof? can only ask you to believe me when say that the only girl I ever wanted or thought wanted I--lost suddenly. l have not found her yet, nor recovered. That is all I can say"
 'Of course 1t was indiscreet of me to take him merely on his own word" the Author explained to Dr. Jared that evening, but I believe In the fellow; and by the set of his jaw Miss Rose will have a good time all by herself, and no one to notice 1t"
 Rose watched at the front window for the arrival of the new secretary tba next morning, but he walked up the hath quickly with his head bent ana A soft hat pulled well over his eyes so that she could not see his face at all Nothing daunted. she ran Into her fathers study, stopping short when well inside with an admirably simulated "oh!" of surprise. Then she said T beg your pardon" and retired slowly The secretary, who sat with his hack to her, did not turn his head, and her father grinned.
 Rose was interested In the advertise ment and what 1t might have brought forth. Only the night before she had been talking it over with Fanny Cros- by: ,.o,, .s." ,ba had said with an engaging frankness which was one of her best weapons with the men, but Ivbich failed to move Fanny, you see that the mighty must fall I don't want to seem egotistical, Fanny, but really. when a young man appears and ia indiscreet enough to announce him ~a,f as woman proof. must show him that he isn't, or shame my sex"
 s'Maybe he won't be young" suggest Al Fanny whose father chose hls as- sistants with care Maybe he'll be short and fat. and wear side whis- kers." .,...s Rose. and Fanny was forced to admit 4hat a mans foolishness was not limi- ted to his years.
 Dad thinks" continued Rose, hug ging her knees. that if man says he Is woman-proof no smile may enter or curl distract. He-has such unlimit- ed confidence in people and things. There's his old safe. for instance. He thinks that dinky little safe is fire proof and thief proof. and that's anoth- er thing I must show him he's mistak- en about. I'm going to get into 1t some night and take out some of my trink- cts and things and keep them until he misses them"