Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1911-02-10
THE REASON

Francis Delaney. editor Of the
Western Magazine. sat in his office
lost in a maze of manuscripts. He
did not hear the door open and was
unaware that he was not alone, until
a timid voice broke the Stiffness
Good morning, SIR"
The editor raised his eyes with
slight start. Before him stood tall,
young girl. timidly awaiting his re-
ply.
What can l do for your" De-
laney asked, brusquely, and his gaze
returned 10 the manuscripts before
him. She answered him hesitating.
ly.
IT have some stories. would be
SO glad to submit something. p
Nothing today" he answered.
without lifting his eyes. You can
see We are overcrowded with new
manuscripts, now"
The girl cast at him one look OF
sorrowful abashment. He did not
see the look, nor did he see her az
size turned with an embarras.e ed
flush upon her fee and left the room
But the girl did not forget.
Ten years later the good fortune
of Francis Delaney, once editor OF
the Western Magazine, had changed
A long illness had forced him 10 re-
sign his lucrative position. Time
and money all had gone in the recu-
peration of shattered health, broken
down by the earnestness of the mans
work. At last he had been restored
to his normal physical condition,
but then he faced new difficulties.
He began search, long fruitless,
for a position equal to mis- ability.
Months passed and he found nothing
he could bring himself to accept. At
last he determined fiercely to secure
something-he cared not what
1t was in San Francisco that De-
laney made his last stand. He en-
tered the office of the large magazine
he had chosen for his attempt with
an air of desperate determination.
Then, from the manager of the pub
lication came the same verdict-they
could not use him at present.
Delaney turned almost fiercely.
What is talent worth?' he cried
bitterly. What are education, ex-
per1ence and trustworthine If there
is no demand for them? Surely in
this establishment there is some po-
s..Ion l can hold"
AS bis broken voice filled the room.
door opened and a woman entered
He did not notice her, but she gave
a start of surprise and her face
flushed when she saw him. She
paused, as she heard his words
And as Delaney turned to 90, the
woman's voice broke in.
II would wish you TO give this
, gentleman a position in the editorial
department" she said to tie man.
ager. Il know he has ability"
Certainly" answered the latter,
coldly. Then to Delaney: "Ccne
this way. We will arrange terms
In a private office Delaney was
employed at a lucrative salary Then
he asked the identity of his benefsc-
tress.
Il thought you knew" said the
manager. chat this periodical is
owned by woman-the one you
saw
A month had passed ard Delaney
had made good in his new position.
He Was now regarded as a permanent
and valuable member of the staff
He had regained his old self-respect
and prosperity was on the way. He
had not seen the proprie.ress of the
magazine again since the day she
had befriended him. He had not
recognized her, and burning within
him was great desire to know the
reason for her action a month before
At last he determined to wait nc
longer.
IF you wish to see her." the man
ager told him, 81 could make an ap-
pointment for you at her home. She
seldom comes here. You know she
is an authoress and her time is much
occupied. She is a talented woman
and you will enjoy meeting her."
And so it was arranged. The
next evening Delaney called at the
home of his benefactress. She re-
ceived him graciously and they talk
ed long together. Then he asked her
the question that had filled his MIND
for weeks.
why did you help me?' he asked.
"Why did you interfere in my be-
half?"
Il will tell you. One day, when l
was 10 years old, took to you my
manuscripts and asked you to ex-
anime them. You refused, without
even a glance at me Or my work.
Had I not been forced to earn my
living. l should never have written
again. But l did, and l succeeded.
When saw you applying in vain for
a position on the magazine l now
ca, l thought of my own feelings,
IS i stood before you years ago.
lad wanted to save you from
thcm. That was ALL
I1voIuntarily Delaney shrank from
her. Then, quietly he roe. With
the briefest of courteous words he
left the house.
The next day Delaney resigned his
position. He was again a wanderer.
Breach OF Etiquette.