The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1908-05-12

"Why, Boy, l can't persuade you
against anything you have SET your
neart OH never could; I can't even
try until | know what you mean,"
said Minnie, trying to speak cheer
fully, although a sudden feaa' assail-
ed her that made her tremble and
turn pale. "Oh, Boy, do tell me.
Don't keep me in suspense. You are
not thinking of going on the stage7"
IN an awc-struck whisper. "Oh, sis
ter, don't tell me that! Don't,
don II"
"Well, no, not exactly. But I'm
going to act with a vengeance. Now,
Ducky, just fancy my settling down
to work as assistant secretary in
some large mercantile establishment
in the city, poring over my desk from
seven i'll the morning till nine at
night, probably, while My stands
here at home in his stable longing for
a race across the meadows and won-
dcring what has become of his mis-
tress; and the hens will be stealing
their nests, half dozen trying to
sit together, perhaps, and spoil doz-
ems and dozens Of eggs, and--but, oh,
beg your pardon, Ducky, forgot.
or course if you are going to raise
chickens for market you'll see after
all that.'
"ASSiStmt secretary? Are you 90
my t" fry For Il position of that
kind? But you said You were going
to @ct. Do exp!ain.'
Minnie failed to grasp the stua-
tim. Boy picked up the city paper
and pointed out the notice:
Wmtcd--A young man of eighteen
or twenty as assistant secretary. Ap-
ply the 2Sth between the hours of
nine and eleven. No. G3 Green street .
'l'an! Burton will apply for that
position mnd woe be unto him if he is
no: >urcrSSiul.' said Boy in Il low.
musical, masculine voice. Minnie
dropped the paper in aStonishmcnt.
"R"y. for heavens sake. You
don I mean t" tell me that YOU are
""ln" t" the city in that horrid male
attire and with that mustachc!"
Minnie paused out of breath
speech failed her: she could not find
words I" express her horror and dis
may over the revelation Boy sat
down with an infcxible expression
about her mouth that told Minnie
palmer than words That her mind was
made up and that il would be Il use
less waste Of time and breath to try
and persuade her otherwise.
"Now look here, Ducky," she said
Firmly. "I'vc been driven to this.
I've tried faithfully time and again
+" get work as a girl. and I've failed
every time. I'm desperate. I will
not be outdone or set aside in this
way. for know that my education
and business ability are equal to any
ones. Hear me through, Ducky, and
then make what remarks YOU choose.
and as many as will suffice to satisfy
. You that you nave done your duty,
then you cam help me pack my trunk.
want someone to confide in and I've
never had secret from you. You
know" continued Boy, with a sud
den change of tone, and tender
pleading look flashed into her beauti-
ful facc. 81 can't change my mind
Ducky dear. even for you: but T must
have your help and cooperation. -
Her voice trcmblcd slightly. After a
pans" she went on firmly. "You
know how hard poor papa has work
cd t" educate u$. lie has at last
broken down-hiS health is ruined
fear; he has sacrificed 50 much for
us. and | actually believe he would
sell Il horse any time to "ct eithc,
Of Us the mcrcst triflc. 7 tell YOU
Ducky. we must be very particular
to never wish for anything in his
hearing. He calls us his comforts and
treasures. but I tell YOU we've been
pretty expensive treasures so far
Oar farm is small and not overl>
rich. hut il : home. Our dear mother
worked faithfully TO help pay for il
and it, would kill papa to lose it. And
Oh. Ducky. it 5 mort"agcd Mortgag,
ed. | found it ont from Il few words
overheard between papa and
esquire James. Mortgagcd for the
pliifrl sum of five hundred dollars
= money that papa borrowed tt
dtfray our school expenses! 1t just
breaks my heart to think how papa