Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1913-05-16

MISS SoWell. But Sne nearu IL "hhS
at lunch and came back trembling
Judge Reed has advertised for an
other private secretary" a."
Miss Sewell had been the Judges
private secretary for ten years. She
had always seemed satisfactory, but
now she was to be usurped.
Miss Sewell, in spite Of the agoniz-
ing shock, made excuses for the judge
He probably wants younger per-
son." she decided. But she ate no more
lunch, and her hands were not steady
as she sat near the judges desk to take
the afternoon dictation.
He noticed the shaking hands, and
leaned back in his chair, and asked:
Aren't you well? Or has somebody
hurt your feelings?"
The Judge had such wonderful intui-
tions. He always seemed to know
when things went wrong in the other
room, where a half dozen clerks-a
little Jealous of Miss Sewell's infiu-
ence with the judge-ignored her gen.
tie efforts at peace-making. and prick
ed her with their comments.
But now 1t was the Judge who had
hurt her, so Miss Sewell said steadily.
Perhaps it's the weather. 1t was so
warm in the lunch room"
"And I'll wager you didn't eat any
thing" The judges tone was accus-
ing. ...
tt ordered a glass Of milk" said
Miss Sewell, but didn't drink it."
THERE knew it." said the judge.
He picked up the telephone and be-
fore she could stop him, Miss Sewell
heard him ordering chicken sand
wiches and tea from an adjoining tea
room.
IT haven't had my lunch" he insist
ed, when Miss Sewell protested.
When the lunch came, Miss Sewell
was aware Of the curiosity and envy
Of the other clerks. The thought de-
pressed her. She had tried to make
them like her. She had tried to be
faithful to her duties, and to please the
Judge. She knew that she was thirty
five, and very little and quiet, but she
had hoped that she had made little
and quiet place in their hearts. But
now 1t was all over, and she must seek
work elsewhere, must encounter strang-
ers, sit at new desk. And thinking
thus she forgot to eat. ...
Now" the Judge said, you haven't
touched that sandwich, and your tea is
getting cold. You've got something on
your mind, Miss Mary" .
It was only now and then that he
called her Miss Mary, and Miss Sewell
always liked 1t when he did. 1t seemed
to indicate that he had a friendly in
terest In her, and she had always been
glad to feel that she was his friend.
Yes" she said ,'T have something
on my mind. But II can't tell any
body about it-please don't ask me, u
her lips quivered, "please-don't."
Surely not" the judges keen eyes
were upon her dropping figure. But
you're not going to work any more to-
day. I'm going to send you home In
my automobile, and If you don't feel
better tomorrow you'd better not come
down."
Miss Sewell felt that her death knell
had been sounded. If she didn't come
down he would have some one else to
do her work He didn't need her. No
body needed her. She rose and took
up her pencil and notebook with shak-
ing hands. Il guess I'll go home" she
said. II can't stay here"
He opened the door for her as she
went out, and Miss Sewell. hurryins
past the glances leveled at her in the
outer office, put on her hat in a little
alcove and crept downstairs to find the
Judge before her. "Tony will take you
home" he said, and helped her into the
great red car; "and don't you come
back till you are feeling better"
She held out her hand to him. "Thank
you so much" she said, but maybe
won't come back at ALL"
The judge stared at her. why not?
he demanded, imperiously.
Miss Sewelrs head was held high. A
sudden courage had come to her. If he
wanted to get rid of her she would save
him the trouble. She might be meel
and quiet, but she had some spirit
left.
Il think, Judge Reed" she said
that you'd better get some one in my
place" Then she spoke to the chauf-
feur. Il shall have to be getting home,
she said, leaving the Judge to stare af-
ter her
Miss Sewell curled up comfortably ir
a corner Of the car, felt strange sense
Of triumph. She didn't dare look into
her future, but she had, at least, met
the present proudly.
But when alone in her room, she
felt all her elation oozing. She won
dered what the judge would think. II
the tiny hall ed-room Of her boarding
house she accused herself Of many
things.
About 8 o'clock she was called to th'
telephone. The judge at the other enc
was peremptory. Il shall want you II
the morning"
You'd better get some one else,
said Miss Sewell. Il shan't be down.
With a hasty ejaculation, the judg'
rang off.
The next morning the big red ca
stopped in front Of the door.
Il want you to take ride with me-
said the judge, when Miss Sewell en-
tered the shabby parlor, "and tell mt
what you mean by leaving me lik'
this"
"I'll take the ride" said Miss Sewell
but I'm not sure that shall explain.
They went in direction opposit'
from the office.
TITS nice in the country" said thu
Judge. "All the old gardens are IL
bloom, and we can have lunch befor'
we come back"
"Please-no," said Miss Sewell, "af
Tor y,a hove taILed q little 7 shOuld lik