The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1915-11-06
MARJonE's VACATION
BY LOUISE OLIVER.


must start right away to save
for my vacation! Two months with
out lunch and walking. home in the
evening will help. Besides, l think
I'm safe now in asking old Mr.. Dodge
for raise of IS a month"
She got up and went to the door OF
the Office marked Private"
A masculine voice called Come In!
to her knock.
Mr.. Dodge was not there. In his
place at the desk was young man
in outing clothes. Marjorie decided
he must be a son of her employer.
There was a resemblance-yet dit.
ference. In the gray eyes was an ex'
preston that made Marjorie smile in
voluntarily.
Il thought Mr.. Dodge, ST., was here.
said Marjorie simply. turning to go.
We'll, IL you knew me better, / am
sure you wouldn't waste time talking
to the old man." The twinkle in his
eyes deepened.
Marjorie flushed, yet she couldn't
t9el9 sPother smile.
pockefbook. might have a prefer
'epce," she returned. I'm after
money"
G:what! You. too! Poor pops! So
am IL"
''I-perhaps I had better not wait.
I thifiK I'll come again."
Il say. Miss Brown" he pleaded,
don't go. I'll slip out myself and leave
you a clear track. Good afternoon. I
wish you luck" And before Marjorie
could stop him he was gone.
But Dodge, ST., had eaten lobster
for his lunch and 1t was troubling
him. Marjorie met an emphatic re-
fusal. However, the following morn
ing folded typewriter letter on her
desk brought an excited flush to her
cheeks. Silas Dodge repented of his
hastiness and would give her not five
but ten dollars q month in addition to
her regular salary.
Two months passed. II was late Sep
TENDER. Marjorie, by marshaling
every cent she could spare, counted
enough for her trip. Everything was
ready but few unfinished letters at
the Office. II was Saturday afternoon.
q half holiday. The outer Office was
empty when she went in, but she heard
voices in the private office beyond.
: What do you mean by giving Stew.
art ten dollars every payday to put
in Miss Browns envelope?"
Il mean" spoke up the voice of
Silas Dodge. Jr, that you underpay
your employees. The girl honestly
earns more than she's getting" =,
But why should you undertake to
pay her? II you would quit spend
ing my money and make a living for
yourself, perhaps could afford to pay
more to others"
You won't have to give me any
more money, dad. I have been work
ing. ! earned that money myself.
Moreover. have a splendid chance In
the country to demonstrate my knowl.
edge Of scientific farming. / leave to.
day"
Marjorie rose. She took $40 out of |
her purse and knocked at the office
door. It was only the matter of an in.
slant or two for her to lay the money
on the desk before the two astonished |
men and 90 out.
She went home and unpacked her
trunk, counted the little money she
had left and did some hard thinking.
The two weeks ahead were hers. Why
should she stay in q baking hot city
when the whole green world stretched
wide around her! She was a good
walker and she could pay for simple
meals at farmhouses on her way.
Therefore. dressed In a plain linen
suit and carrying very light grip,
Marjorie started forth on her travels.
One afternoon. as it was warm, she
matted under big oak tree near q cool
little stream. For q while she read
and munched at stick of candy she
had bought at country store. But
she got very drowsy. and, making q
pillow Of moss. she was soon asleep.
When she opened her eyes she
lmelied tobacco smoke. It came from
he other side of her tree. Moreover.
} smart little fire was burning near
her and she smelled bacon frying. She
'nilsd enviousiy.
I hope you feel better" said a voice
around the tree. 1t was oddly familiar.
Then she knew.
At first she frowned; then she
lmiled.
Il do. thank you"
That's good" came the voice. viii
'ou have some supper"
III you'll only cole around and let
ne see my host"
Silas Dodge. Jr.. came around.
Then you don't bear. any grudge?-
For being kind to me? MOI"
You're good sport. Miss Brown.
knew you'd understand"
Thank you. But isn't THE bacon
urning!" anxiously.
He jumped for the pan. mo. inst
ght. Do you like bacon?"
Love It."
silas junior sighed. II wish I were
pan of fried bacon :
Marjorie laughed in spite of herself.
,illy!"
Why silly? i love you. / may as
ell tell yon now as in six months
ON now. II I'm very good and work
nd. do you think YOU could ever
re . littlef"
81 mi4ht trv" confo,.od AZ.