The Washington herald., 1908-04-02
CHAPTER xxxvII.
Max Barclay Is InquisItive.

Warner. the buyer.
Yes, sir. She left suddenly yesterday
morning" repeated the dapper little man
with the pen behind mis- ear
But this is most extraordinars-to
leave at a moments notice! I thought
she was so very comfortable here. She
always spoke so kindly of you, and for
the consideration with which you always
treated her"
1T was very kind of her. I'm sure, -
replied the buyer; but it is the rule here
"a moments notice on either side"
But why? Why has she left!"
Warner hesitated He. of course. knew
the truth, but he was not anxious to
speak IT,
Some little misunderstanding. I think"
with you?"
"oh, dear. no. She was called down TO
the counting-hOuse yesterday morning,
and she did not return
Then she's been discharged-eh?"
asked Max in hard voice.
Il believe so. sir At least, it would
appear So"
And are they in the habit OF discharg-
ing assistants IN this manner-throwing
them out OF a home and out Of employ
ment at moments s notice? Is Mr.. Gun
nlagton himself aware OF it?"
1T would be Mr.. Cunnington himself
who discharged her. was the buyers
answer. mo other person has authority
either to engage or discharge
But there must be a reason for her
dismissal" exclaimed Max.
Certainly. But only Mr.. Cunnington
knows that"
Can / see him?"
Well, at this hour he's generally very
busy indeed; but If you go down to the
cOunting-hOuse in the next building and
ask for him, he may give you a moment.
Thank you. Mr.. Warner" Barclay
said, little abruptly and, turning on his
heel. left the department
she hasn't told him evidently" re-
marked one girl assistant TO the other.
I'm sorry ROlfies gone She wasn't
half a bad sort She was old Warmers
favorite. too. or her young gentleman
would never have been allowed TO talk
to her in the shop. If you or ! had had
4 young man to come and see US as she
had. we'd have been fired out long ago"
4 wonder who her young man really
IS. remarked the second girl, watching
him as he strode out. 1.-THE figure in a
weli-cut suit OF gray tweeds
Well he's thorough gentleman, just
like her brother" Fenar'Ied her COM
panion. Il saw him ~ iii. nOtor-boat up
at Hampton the Sunday before last. He's
completely gone on her / wonder whatll
happen now. I don't think much Of the
new girl; do you? Does her hair awfully
badly"
Unconscious Of the criticism he had
evoked. Max Barclay descended the
stairs. passed through the long shops
crowded as they always were in the after
noOn--into the adjoining building. and
sought audience OF the tituIar head Of
the great firm.
After waiting for some time in an outer
Office he was shown in. The moment he
asked - question Mr.. CunningtOn
grasped the situation.
II very much regret. sir, that II is not
ny habit TO give information TO a second
party concerning the dismissal of any Of
my assistants. II the young lady applies
for her character, she IS perfectly entitled
TO have IT,"
But I apply for her character said
Max promptly.
You are not an employer. sir. She has
not applied 10 you for situation"
NO but I may surely know the reason
she has left your service?' Max pointed
out Her brother. who is abroad Just
now. is my most intimate friend"
Mr.. Cunnington stroked his dark beard
thoushtfully, but shook his head saying:
Il much regret Mr. Barclay. that I
am unable to give you the information
you seek. Would il not be better to ask
the young lady herself?"
But she has left. and I have no idea
Of her address, exclaimed Barclay
Can you furnish me with it,
The head OF Cunnington's. Limited.
took up the telephone receiver and asked
for certain Mr.. Hughes. of whom he
made inquiry if Miss Rolfe had left her
address.
There was a wait Of few moments.
then Mr.. Cunnington turned and said
The young lady left no address She
was asked but refused 70 give one"
Max's heart sank within him. She had
been dismissed at an instants notice,
and was lost to him. He turned upon
Mr.. Cunnington in quick anger and said:
SO am TO understand that you refuse
me all information concerning her?"
II merely adhere to my rule, sir Any
dismissal OF my assistants is a matter be-
tween myself and the person dismissed.
I am not called upon 70 give details or
reasons 10 outsiders. I regret that l am
very busy. and must wish you good
afternoon
Max Barclay bit his lip. He did not
like the brisk, business-ise air Of the
man.
Il shall call upon Mr. Statham, whom
/ happen to know he said. And I
shall invoke his aid"
You are perfectly at liberty TO do just
as you like, my dear SIR. Even Mr.. Stat
ham exercises no authority over the as
e ct NJ fr, btc
own department and I brook no inter-
ference"
Max did not reply. but left the Office
and strobe out into oxford street. push
ing past the crowd OF women around the
huge shop windows admiring the feminine
fnery there displayed so temptingly
Marion-his MarIon-had disappeared.
She had been dismissed-in disgrace evil
denuy; probably for some petty fault or
for breaking one OF the hundred rules by
which every assistant was bound He
had always heard Mr. Cunnington spoken
Of as most lenient, and even generous.
employer. yet his treatment of Marion
had been anything but just or humane.
When he thought of II his blood boiled.
Charlie was away. he knew He had
telephoned TO his rooms that very morn
ing, but his man had replied that his
master had left hurriedly for the Con-
tinent-for Paris. he thought
At the corner of Bond street he halted.
and glanced at his watch. Should he try
and End Charlie by telegraph or should
he take the buii hy che horns and 20 and
see old Sam Statham. His well-beloved
had disappeared. Would the old inancier /
assist him to discover the truth?
He was well aware that for a compare /
tive stranger 10 be received in that big |
WHERE TO DINE.