Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-05-02

ploy, SIR
"Left-left Cunnington's?" gasped
Max Barclay, staring open-mouthed at
Mr.. Warner. the buyer.
Yes, sir. She left suddenly yester-
day morning. repeated the dapper
little man with the pen behind his
ear.
But this is most extraordinary-to
leave at moments notice! | 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, l
think"
with you?"
ooh, dear no. She was called down
to the counting-house yesterday morn
ing, and she did not return
"Then she's been discharged-eh? ?"
asked Max in hard voice.
II believe so, sir. At least, it would
appear So"
"And are they in the habit of dis
charging assistants in this manner
throwing them out Of home and out
of employment at moments notice?
Is Mr.. Cunnington himself aware of
it,"
"It would be Mr.. Cunnington him
self who discharged her" was the
buyers answer. mo other person
has authority either to engage or dis
charge
"But there must be a reason for her
Dismissal" exclaimed Max
Certainly. But only Mr.. Cunning
ton knows that
Can see him?'
We'll, 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 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 Rolfie's gone. She wasn't
half a bad sort. She was old Warmers
favourite, too, or her young gentleman
would never have been allowed to talk
to her in the shop. If you or I had
had young man to come and see us
Rs she had, we'd have been fired out
long ago. 5%
wonder who her young man really
is" remarked the second girl, watch
Ing him as he STROBE out, a 1.-THE
figure in well-cut suit of gray tweeds.
Well, he's a through gentleman,
just like her brother remarked her
companion. 81 saw him in his motor
boat up at Hampton the Sunday before
last. He's completely gone on her.
wonder whatll happen now. | don't
think much of the new girl; do you
Does her hair awfully badly
Unconscious of the criticism he had
evoked. l-csx Barclay decended the
stairs, passed through the long shops
crowded as they always were in the
afternoon-into the adjoining building
and sought audience of the titula1
head of the great firm.
After waiting for some time in an
outer office he was shown in. The
moment he asked his question Mr.
Cunnington grasped the situation.
not my habit to give information to a
Of any Of my assistants. If the young
lady applies for her character, she is
perfectly entitled to have it."
"But l apply for her character
said Max promptly.
sYou are not an employer, sir. She
has not applied to you for situa
ton
NO; but I may surely know the
pointed out. "Her brother, who is
aboard just now, is my most intimate
friend"
Mr.. Cunnington stroked his dark
beard thoughtfully, but shook his head
saying:
II much regret, Mr. Barclay. that
am unable to give you the informa
ton you seek. Would it not be better
to ask the young lady herself?"
But she has left, and | 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 ant
asked for certain Mr.. Hughes. O.
whom he made inquiry if Miss Rolfe
had left her address.
There was a wait of a few moments
then Mr.. Cunnin gton turned and said
1.-THE young lady left no address
She was asked, but refused to giv'
one."
Max's heart sank within him. Sht
had been dismissed at an instant'i
notice, and was lost to him. He turned
and said:
$50 am to understand that you re
fuse me all information concerning
upon Mr.. Cunnington in quick ange
her?''
Il merely adhere to my rule. sill
Any dismissal of my assistants is
matter between myself and the persol
dismissed. | am not called upon t
give details or reasons to outsiders.
regret that l am very busy, and mus
wish you good afternoon"
Max Barclay bit his lip. He did no
like the brisk, business-lille air of tn
man.
81 shall call upon Mr.. stathan