The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-25

10y a desperate effort Arthur Tar
- rlngton succeeded in regalning
his self-control.
Gradually his features relaxed.
lie smiled pleasantly and hastily dotted
his hat, as though noticing for the first
time that there was a lady in the room
How do you do?" he remarked cor
daily, addressing the girl. i suppose
you are the new photographer? My
brother told me yesterday that he had
engaged one. 1 did not, however, give
him credit for possessing such excellent
taste"
1t was very well done. Wilbur noted
that there was not a trace of embar-
rassment or agitation in the junior
partners voice. He was once more
fully himself. graceful, smooth, de-
bonair, boyishly impulsive. speaking in
the soft winning tone which he always
assumed when addressing the other sex.
At his compliment the girl blushed
wildly, and Wilbur, with a pang of
jealousy. saw that she glanced admir-
irgly at the handsome young man who
stood smiling before her
Women. generally, couldn't help be-
slowing admiring glances upon the
junior partner Of harrington & Sons. In
the eyes of the fair sex he had a man
ner and an address which were we'll
nigh irresistible.
Il suppose you are Mr.. Arthur Bar
rington,' said the girl
AT your service, replied the other,
with courtly bow that would have
done credit to matinee idol Might 1
waive formality to the extent of taking
the liberty of asking you your name?''
This question greatly puzzled Wilbur
Was ii possible that Arthur harrington
really did not know the name Of this
girl? Why, then. was he so much in
terested In her picture. and why had he
been so agitated when he first beheld
her in the Office "A few minutes previ-
ously.
II was more than probable. Wilbur de-
cided. that the junior partner was dis
sembling in asking this question. It
suited his purpose to pretend to be I'M
acquainted with the name Of the girl
If such was the case, however, ap-
parently no suspicion Of the truth en-
tered the girls mind, for she replied
simply: Il am Miss Laura Hamilton,
sir
Miss Laura Hamilton. L am very
pleased 10 meet you" replied Arthur,
almost revedently. Allow me to repeat
Miss Hamilton, that I did not give my
brother credit for possessing such truly
admirable taste May I ask how ne
happened to get hold OF such a charm
ing acquisition to our office staff? How
did YOU land this position, I mean?"
The words were SPOKEN lightly enough
but Wilbur noted that there was an
intense and anxious look upon the
junior partners face as he put the ques-
ton and he seemed TO await her reply
with great eagerness.
Wilbur was also impatient to hear the
girls answer. He. too, was very desi
rous OF knowing just how Frank Bar
rington had come 10 employ the origina
OF the mysterious photograph
Was II due to a mere coincidence OF
had Frank harrington. for purposes OF
his own. deliberately sought this girl tC
Nil the position left vacant oy the resig-
nation Of Miss Winters
II am afraid l can't answer that
question satisfactorily" replied the new
ssenographer. with an embarrassed
laugh. 1T is really something Of 3
mystery to me how Mr. Frank Bar
TingtOn got hold Of my name.
He wrote me letter telling me thai
the position was vacant and that l had
been recommended TO him for the place
The letter said that If I wished the
position / should write him q formal
letter of application. telling in full my
qualification, references, etc.
u wrote him to that effect and theI
ne sent me another letter, requesting
me to call today. ! can't imagine how
he came TO write TO me in the frs
place I supposed. at first, that 1 had
been Recommended to him, by the bust
ness school from which 1 have JUS
graduated; but / inquired of them and
they told me that such was not the
case"
An" exclaimed Arthur harrington
dropping his suave and careless man
ner and speaking quite harshly, SO
that's how you happen to be here il
it? Ny brother wrote you letter, eh -
lie paced SgitatedIy I'D and down the
room and glanced al the closed door o
the private office wherein Frank Bar
rington sat
Wilbur saw that there was a darl
scowl upon the junior partners feat
UreS.