Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1911-12-07
Shephedstow Jefferson County, Virginia Thursday December 1911
The Successful Applicant.


waiting-room OF Campbell and Sons
Wholesale House" was almost filled
with girls who were applicants for the
position Of private secretary to Mr.. Hiram
Campbell, the senior partner of the firm.
It was splendid situation, and hence
many were eager for it.
There were all sort of girls in the
crowded room. Some were bright and
healthy looking, while others appeared
sad and tired. Many were gaudiIy dressed
in cheap limitations of the latest fashions,
while others were more becomingIy and
plainly attired. But they were all aiming
for the vacant situation, and were anx-
iouSly awaiting the arrival OF Mr.. Camp
bell in order that their suspense might be
ended
The clock in the waiting room struck
for fifteen minutes past eight, and Mr..
Campbell had not appeared. Half-past
eight arrived, and still the applicants
waited. Suddenly the door opened, and
the girls all looked in that direction, only
to be disappointed once more. She who
entered was little lame girl, who looked
scarcely more than eighteen. She had a
sweet, delicate face, with large blue eyes,
and she was we'll dressed, but her afflic-
ton was very noticeable.
AS she came into the room one girl
nudged another, as much as to say, "The
idea Of young, lame girl like that ap-
plying for such an important poSitionP
The newcomer did not seem TO notice
this, and, going up to tall girl near the
door, politely said to her, could you
please tell me if Mr.. Campbell has come
to the office yet2" The tall girl, i'm
patient with waiting, answered back in
anything but polite way, saying, "No,
ne isn't here yet, and when he does come
you'll be the last TO see him. First here,
first served"
Our lame friend merely lifted her eyes
and looked into the others face with
much the look Of another who is grieved
over her child. A twitter was heard
among some of the girls, and as no one
offered her seat, the lame girl turned TO
leave the room.
In one corner Of the room sat tall girl,
plainly dressed, with sad face and a
tired look in her eyes. She had not failed
TO see the Sights that the others had given
the lame girl, who was about to leave the
room. She was weary herself, yet she
felt that the newcomer looked very fa-
tigued. So she rose from her seat, and,
going over to her, touched her on the
shoulder and said TO her, "You take my
seat over there, and III see that you get
your turn all right" The lame girl smiled
her thanks and took the offered seat.
Then she took card from her purse,
wrote few words on it, and handed il
to Mary Hart, the girl who had so kindly
given her the seat, saying, "Read this
and when Mr.. Campbell comes, kindly
give il to him." With that she left the
room, amid looks Of surprise from the
other girls.
Mary Hart looked at the card, and
could hardly believe what she saw. On
one side was engraved the name, miss
M. Kathleen Campbell" " and on the other
these words were written. Father, when
you receive this | shall be downstairs in
your private office. Come TO me there
before interviewing any ofthe applicants.
Kathleen"
When Mr.. Campbell at last arrived,
Mary Fanded him the card. He read it,
looked curiously at Mary, but asked no
questions. Then he turned to leave the
room, saying to the girls, shall inter
view you in few moments"
Within ten minutes he returned, and
this is what he said to the applicants
"Young women, have interviewed none
OF you, but choose for my secretary the
only girl in this room who had kind
word for my afflicted daughter when she
was here few moments ago. You all
know who she is, and may this be les
son to youp'
The other girls shamefacedly left the
room, and our friend Mary stood dumb
founded. But she did her best, and proved
competent secretary. Over her desk
today hangs the Golden Rule, "Do unto
others as you would have them do unto
YOU"