The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1910-02-24

phrases down on slip OF paper ana
pinned It to her calendar
BY the time John Dunn had been
away from the Office n week Helen had
several times had recourse to the two
watchwords he had given her
The task Of passing on manuscripts
was always hard one for Helen. She
knew a good article when she saw It.,
as the Sunday editor had said; but, as
he had also hinted her sound business
sense was too often overcome by her
Imagination.
If the copy she read was written
with well worn typewriter ribbon, If
the paper seemed cheap or the ink
looked watefed, Helen was always dis
posed in favor Of the article.
Il suppose she said to herself more
than once, "that a really good editor
like Mr. ID nn for instance-doesn't
pay a bit of attention to anything but
the story itself"
And with the desire always before
her to discharge her added responsible
ities In way that would please the
absent editor Helen read the articles
submitted to her In her most profes-
Eional manner and submitted them all
to the tests of human interest" and
personal appeal"
As the week passed Helen found
that her desire TO please the grave and
dignifed Sunday editor was not only a
desire to do her work well With some
annoyance she realized how much she
had grown TO depend On his friendly
Good morning" and Good night"
She called herself foolish, for she re-
membered that from the time she had
begun to work for the Star Mr.. Dunn
whole hearted friendliness he showed
every one who worked for him
"Well," she said TO herself one morn
ing as she looked into his empty room
hes been gone just a week. ! don't
know whether Id rather have him
come back or stay away. Anyway. I'm
a silly goose"
She went resolutely back TO her desk /
and sat down before the pile Of let. /
ters and manuscripts addressed to 'Mr |
Dunn"
Among them were a few letters for
herself. She put these aside and tao
kled the manuscript first. After
couple Of hours reading she had two /
piles, one labeled Rejected" and one /
labeled Accepted" Between them
was long envelope
I'm not sure about that one"
thought Helen. She reread the brief /
note accompanying the manuscript. /
"'Please wire If you do not find II
available. ! have a duplicate, and
think can place 1t here Well" she
added TO herself, "I'll think about II
while read my own letters, aud then
III wire
She began mechanically to read and
file her own mail-recipes, fashion
notes. inquiries and requests the same
kind Of thing that came every day.
Suddenly she stared as she hurriedly
tore open an envelope bearing Mr..
Dunn's handwriting.
"What can he be writing 10 me for.
/ must have made some absurd blum
der about a story, but don't see how
he'd know yet"
AS she read the letter her eyes spar
kled and her cheeks glowed with pleas
ure.
Il have often thought Of telling
you,p said the last paragraph, but
always felt that II would be unfair TO
LEI you know, for Of course | know
that you regard me simply as bust
ness associate, and | know also that
you would not want to work with an
editor you knew wanted 10 marry you
SO you leave the Star, aud I'd be alone
Something, that last night when
came 10 say 'goodby,' gave me an idea
perhaps you did care. after all Any
way must know. and II you don't !
,an 60 west 10 o paper that has made
me an offer out there.
That's what came here TO see
lbout, Il may seem strange-lfe walt
ID so long. but now I'm impatient.
Please wire me- just word OF two, 10
hat may know"
Dear. stupid, digni1ed John" smil
u Helen 10 herself after she bad read
be letter through again Jimmie
he called please, Jimmie, come here.
DO you think that you could send
iway any one who comes 10 see me ID
he next hour: i01 see ! well, you
zee. Just don't want % be bothered
And. Oh, Jimmie, please bring nae two
eiezraph blanks"
ssure. Miss Bradley said Jimmie !
;ood nature from the tip n bis snub
~. freckied nose 70 the tips of BIZ
tubby boots.