The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-04-12
THE EVENING STORY
Mr.. Meredith Learns.
(By stanly Barton.)

| at the sudden death of his father came
into possession of his fathers share in
this furniture mandatory. Young
Meredith knew about as much about
the making of this line of goods as he
did about the scientific production of
Cheshire cneeses. which was nothing at
all
Meridith, ST., an elderly. active man.
had not taken death into his scheme of
things, and his sudden passing found
n son and only surviving member OF
his family at a hunting lodge in Vir-
ginia with a number of his New York
friends. The youth took up the rein5
Of business with remarkable serious
ness.
The older Meredith had been a man
of many enterprises. He had kept, at
portunity, and availed himself of every
slip in the business methods of others.
When John Meredith, the obsequies
over, found that his father, without his
knowledge, had driven a wedge into the
firm of Moore, purveyors of furniture
to quality, he was interested.
He decided to let other enterprises
run along in the hands of the capa BILE
ones always to be found connected
with the Meredith concerns, while he
concentrated virile methods to bear
upon the unnatural lull in the sale of
the Moore article
The old superintendent, Craig by
name, who had been connected with
the establishment since his sixteenth
year, looked with grudging admiration
at the tall, strong jawed youth, with
the keen black eyes OF his father, and
the broad shoulders. swinging stride,
and 1.-THE carriage that comes from
life in the open. According to the
lights of this old man. the egotism of
this boy was nothing short of sacrilegc.
Where asked John Meridith upon
his first trip to the factory. lis S. NJ.
Tn New York city" answered the
old man slowly. "I would like to tell
you some things about your partner,
Mr.. Meredith, if you care to listen
.T wouldn't snapped the son of his
father II make it point never to
hear gossip. At your age, Craig, you
should be above such things
mans face wa sIEDriss or ON the fd6 old
flush of anger. He eyed Meridith Pc
culiarly. and bowed low.
You own three-fourths of this
plant, Mr.. Meridith. Your word is
law. 1 apologize for my iH-advised
words"
+ Well, don't let it hap ened again."
interrupted Meridith, half pacified. The
old craftsman bowed again, and left
Meridith settled Immediately into
harness. A letter of coincidence upon
the death of his father reached him
from S. M. Moore. but no mention of
IL
+ 'Too much blue blood in the veins
of these Moores.'' commented Meri-
dith.
. On the fourth morning after the be-
ginning of the youths activities he.
as usual, called in the stenographer
who always took down his letters.
The summons failed to bring the time
faded automaton with the accurate
pencil whose ability he had so ad-
mired. Instead came a young girl
with frightened blue eyes. She ap-
preached the mighty presence. st am
Miss Thomas. the new girl" she ex-
Meredith eyed her critically where
is Miss Nast?'' he asked. i
she is i'll I believe can take your
dictation accurately
Meredith rapidly began on his let
tiers. Occasionally he favored the girl
with an analytical glance, Her calm,
classic profile was ice cold, as she in
terested herself in the business at
hand
''Is that all. sir?"
"It is" answered the youth. "and
I wish to congratulate you on your
rapidly. Hereafter you will take nv
letters. Please remember"
He turned quickly to resume his
work: so quickly, in fact, that he did
not catch the scornfu1 little smile that
touched for passing second the per-
feet lips of Miss Thomas.
A bright memory of the pretty
young man. This irritated him. Il
tm getting sentimental he ruminat-
ed. But, by Jove. that girl Certainly
has all the hall marks Of thorough
Meridith's egctism received 4 hard
jolt in his dealings with the CUSTOM
ers of the Moore Meredith product.
Instead of increasing business by his
new ideas. trade lessened. Old Gus
always gond for a sub
stantial order each Notwithstanding
cut Moore-made stuff from their buying
list, nor could the concerns statesmen
win a reason from them.
AS time went on. Meridith's interest
in his stenographer increa sed. She was
a dainty maid. calculated to win the
regard CT any and every one She won
more than this from her employer, but
as yet he was unconscious of it,
On a morning several months later
the girl appeared, as usual, and seat
ed herself opposite her employer. The
first letter dictated was to a we'll
known jobbiDg house in New York
city.
I'M. Groin & Co.." began John Meri-
9th. 1--WE can't understand this sud
den severance of business relations ex-
listing between our firms. We havs Rad
no order from you for two months.
Will ic be against the ethics of your
house to furnish us a reason7'
A startled exclamation caused him
to look up at the transformed face of
the girl.
''And so you have lost Cronfn. too2'
stormed a thoroughly angry Mttie
V oice. will you never learn your les
son?" Tho maid drew herself to Ter
full height and stamped Indignantly
from the room.
John Meredith wondered why he did
Tot become angry with this ridiculous
girl, AMI again rrobed for a reason fo-
her sudden rage. MeriditT's aduirjnr
eyes had noted the superb Queenliness
If In
touch. At last John 3feridith, million
aire and young business man. realized
II at he loved. He reached out and
touched the button.