The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-22
THE EVENING STORY
His Plain stenographer.
(By Ella Randall Pearce.

SIS announced young Barclay; but
you'll have to get yourself up to look
like a trump"
He tossed his hat unerringly to its
peg, and sat down at the table, en-
joying the chances Of establishment
that assailed him from both sides.
Mrs. Barclay indu1gently shook her
head. but her daughter spoke with
Now, Floyd Barclay, just explain
yourself. Is my beauty of such a
demoral LIKING nature that 1 must dis
guise myself before invading the in
dustrial worldo''
''Sure thing-this particular corner
of it. Mr.. Knowles won't have
good locker in his place, Mr.. Milton
knowles-office in our building
head of a transportation syndicate.
He's a crank, but he needs a stenog-
rapher; and you need a job
Don't I know?'' sighed EVE, re-
calling several recent disappointing
experiences. But I'm sure I'm not
startling vision as 1 am
Nothing doing.' said her brother
positively Crank Knowles is rabid
on the subject of the modern young
woman-hates 'em all Says pretty
girls fool; and nothing but an
educated scarecrow can come into
his office-or words to that effect
Mother, L think I'll do it!' de-
clared EVE, .eXcitedly, an hour later.
Floyd means-and do want the
work. L needn't look like a trump;
just plain, you know
Just plain Evie Barclay walked
into the office of Mr.. Milton Knowles
on the morrow, end walked out again
engaged. She met Floyd her
way through the lower corridor; he
passed without a recognizing glance,
and she hesitated, smiled to herself,
and went on. What laugh at him
she would have later,
She was of Il type that needs fluffy
feminine accessories; and she had
put on dark cloth gown, shorn of
all it's frills. A high, straight linen
collar encircled her throat, secured
by an old-fashioned black bow. Her
hair, naturally wavy, was brushed
down over her ears in the most un-
becoming couture possible, and
twisted into an unCompromising knot
az the back. She wore a round hat
that belonged to her mother, and a
pair of spectac1es.
Thus, with several years added to
her appearance. and a serious mien,
she was plainness personifed.
Mother, she CRIED as she entered
her home. I've got the position; but
there's no danger of my friends MAX
ing any comment. Why, my own
brother didn't know me, Of course.
after I've proven my worth. Mr..
hair or leave off my glasses. 1 shall
be careful to keep up the role of a plain
Stenographer."
Miss Elvie Barclay was an intelIi-
gent clerk, and in a short time had be-
come helpful assistant to her busy
employer. Neither old nor crank did
he seem to the young girl whose mind
had always been appreciative of mental
power and ambitious accomplishment
Mr.. Milton Knowles was forcefuI can
able and we'll poised. She admired his
stern dignity, his authoritative manner.
his crisp. certain delivery. AS she sat
taking his fluent dicta ton. she would
watch his sharp, dark profile some
times, and wonder how it would seem
to find his deep-set eyes fixed atten-
lively upon her. He always seemed TO
be looking at her impersonally.
Evie felt like smiling suddenly at
him: and then she knew she would
never dare to do it. She did not even
dare to assume her natural appearance.
once While dressing, she had pushed
back her hair and turned down her col
lar; but her frivolous aspect sent her
into a panic
After awhile. Elvie began to feel re-
sentful Working side by side with a
man whom she admired: a man to |
whom she would have chosen to an
pear at her best. it was rather irving |
for the young woman to know that she
could not possibly seem less attra ctiye. |
Il would drop it all. if it We're lust |
a matter or losing my position"
thought EVE, passionat ely, one dav |
But what would he think of me? II |
would end our friendship foreverp'
so EVE moved about the office. in
iustrious and prim; alert and smiIeIess
a mere automaton in appearance while
she was inwardly raging.
One warm day, when she had dreSsa,
in white linen. and the heat had move,j
her to thrust back her fiat. low drawn
slde locks, she caught her emn1over
looking at her with contracted eve
or rows. frowningly, it seemed
hose spectacles?'' wen
hi,esi, oh yes; at work. said Eva with
II should think eyeglasses would be
lander He kept looking al her. and the
:iasses Thep don.t look Tar, me c, see those
The other kind won't stay on nv nose,
altered EVE.
The man looked at the clumsy spectacles
Don't you know You can
iamage your eyes by. wearing improper
Evie reluctantly lifted her eyes. real
ling a with thrill of mingled fear and
gssed hsF 9 fss ,6 6eatrn
'lue depths he started visibly. What
light light lad plain stenographer to have
lark trimmed iris and long curling iashese
The lids dropped demurely. and the girls
MOUTH dimpled at the corners.
Il don't believe you need glasses at
Ill. Mr.. Milton Knowles spoke almost |
Sometimes thinl. it may be a habit"
nurmured EVE; Perhaps ii better try
O do without them for WHILE
Yes: it's a shame-I mean you ought |
o be sure. And. Miss Barclay. 7 think
white is quite appropriate for office wear
his hot weather.
The next day Mr.. Knowles asked his
tenographer how her eyes were feeling.
nd EVE looked at him frankly. that he
night for himself. while she replied
hat they felt quite strong. few days
alter after dictation. her employer re-
marked that he thought women were in
onsistent in their attire.
Look at yourself. for instance-a blaz-
Ink IL a a collar, n L