The Washington herald., 1907-02-03
BY FRANCIS A. COREY.

And this young giant from the woolly
West was her employer! Betty gave an
Involuntary gasp. He was so elemental,
so unlike any one with whom she had
ever come into close personal contact
before
I've dubbed him The Bear" Mr. Hen
derson. whose desk was next 10 her own.
cOnfided to her Hes straight from
the Rockies, you know. And then he is
so big, so british. 50 ungainly! Looks as
much out of place in a New York office
as a bull III a china shop"
Henderson himself was slender. hand
some. polished. immaculate Of attire.
Betty's glance rested upon his SNUG,
clean-shaven face approvingly. His we'll
bred tones were indescribably soothing
after the hoarse rumble Of Ir. Ster-
ling's deep bass. She was rejoiced to
find one congeniaI person IN this place
where the failure and sudden death OF
her father had left her stranded
There are reduced gentlemen as well
as reduced gentlewomen, she thought,
with a feeling Of womanly sympathy for
him that. later on, found expression IN
unexpected ways.
For Instance, although short TO curt
ness with her employer. she would linger
after hours for a friendly chat with Hen
derson. and even permitted him TO take
her out 10 dinner once or twice.
One day, when they were alone IN the
Office. Hendeson swung around in his re-
volving chair and said abruptly:
Miss Vandevere, did IL ever strike you
as a bit strange that The Bear should
have given you the best berth in the
Office? This is your first experience; and
good stenographers are as plenty as
blackberries.'
Are they?' Betty answered. 4 didn't
know"
DO you mind telling me how you hap
pened 10 apply to him?"
I received a marked copy Of his ad-
vertisement and wrote Immediately ask
ing for the place"
HIN, And got an answer by return
mail, saying you might report for duty?"
"Why-yes-so did. Is that 50 very
surprising"
'Oh. no. Henderson medirated a mo-
ment queer little spark flashing into
his eyes. See here! I'm going to tell you
something he announced. abruptly
The Bear Is In love with you"
Absurd Betty cried. reddening pain
fully.
Il know the signs. Watch him-youW
see for yourself. Can't come nigh YOU
without flushing and trembling. Genuine
case Of love al first sight guess he
knew what he was about when he took
you into ms employ"
How can you say such things?"
Betty was indignant. She realized for
the first time that there was vein Of
native coarseness under the mans We
ueer.
"A pile Of meney comes into this Office,
he said. after an interval. looking al her
keenly- The bear is beastly rich. That
counts for q good deal Youu marry
him for his wealth"
"A cowboy from the plains? Not II he
We're made Of gold.'
Henderson looked relieved. but before
he could reply Mr.. Sterling came into the /
Office.
Betty bent over her desk with a
scarlet face. When. presently, she ven
tured TO steal a glance at her employer,
she encountered his fixed gaze and knew
from the look IN his eyes that Henderson
was right
The thought that this UncOuth Westerner
dared aspire 10 a Eandevere made her
furious. Later on. when an GRAND took
her into the inner Office. whittier her en-
ployer had Withdrawn she made all posi-
5le haste. But he spoke TO her before she /
could slip back again TO her place.
Miss Nandeyere, one moment, please. /
You are looking pale. You are not used
to such close application You'll make
yourself Ill. l have box at the opera. /
but ] seldom 60. I'd be more than pleased
to have YOU use It
Bet-ys breath had stopped and she re-
covered il with difficulty.
Thank YOU very much, Mr.. Sterling"
she said. Jelly. But I must decline TO
take advantage Of your kindness"
She fed with hot cheeks But at heart
she was not so angry as she tried 10 make
herself believe. She knew iHtuitively that
the offer had not been prompted so much
5y desire 10 win favor as by real solicit |
tUde fer her welfare
Further proofs Of the big mans
thoughtfulness were forthcoming. That
same evening, on returning 10 her board /
ing place, she vas met 0y a smiling land |
lady
See what's come for you. Miss vande- /
vere," The woman tTiumphantly held up
q basket Of delicious fruit
who sent it," Betty asked. searching /
for card.
None was to be found. and Mrs Fryitt |
could only tell her that the basket had /