The Spectator., 1915-11-02
MARjORIE'S vicATlON
By LOUISE C. R.

m safe now Tn asking old MT. Dodge for raise of s a month"
 She got up and went to the door oi the office marked Private
 A masculine voice called Come in.' to her knock
 MT. Dodge was not there. In his place at the desk was a young man in outing clothes. Marjorie decided he must be a son of her employer There was a resemblance-yet diff ference. In the gray eyes was an ex. pression that made Marjorie smile in voluntarily.
 T thought MT. Dodge, Sr., was here said Marjorie simply, turning to go.
 Well. if you knew me better. I am sure you wouldn't waste time talking to the old man." The twinkle in his eyes deepened
 Marjorie flushed, yet she couldn't help another smile.
 If I thought you had the family pocketbook. I might have a prefer. ence." she returned. 'I'm after money,"
 What! You, too! Poor pops! Sc am T."
 "I-perhaps had better not wait. I think I'll come again.
 T say. Miss Brown he pleaded don't go. I'll slip out myself and leave you clear track. Good afternoon wish you luck" And before Marjorie could stop him he was gone.
 But Dodge, Sr.. had eaten lobster for his lunch and it was troubling him. Marjorie met an emphatic re fusal. However. the following morn. ing folded typewritten letter on her desk brought an excited flush to her cheeks. Silas Dodge repented of his hastiness and would give her not five her regular salary.
 Two months passed. It was late Sep tember. Marjorie, by marshaling every cent she could spare, counted enough for her trip. Everything was ready hut a few unfinished letters at the office. It was Saturday afternoon. a 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?"
 T 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? If you would quit spend ing my money and make living for yourself. perhaps could afford to pay more to others
 You won't have to give me any more money. dad. l have been work ing. I earned that money myself. Moreover, I have a splendid chance in the country to demonstrate my knowl- edge of scientific farming. leave to- day"
 Marjorie rose. She took s20 out of her purse and knocked at the office door. It was only the matter of an in stant or two for her to lay the money on the desk before the two astonished men and go 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 baking hot city when the whole green world stretched wide around her? She was a good r. ho fpr -iy,1p pl meals at farmhouses on her way.
 Therefore. dressed in plain linen suit and carrying a very light grip. Marjorie started forth on her travels.
 One afternoon. as it was warm. she halted under a big oak tree near a cool little stream. For while she read and munched at a stick of candy she had bought at a country store. But she got very drowsy, and, making pillow of moss, she was soon asleep.
 When she opened her eyes she smelled tobacco smoke. It came from the other side of her tree. Moreover. a smart little fire was burning near her and she smelled bacon frying. She sniffed enviously.
 q hope you feel better" said a voice around the tree. It was oddly familiar. Then she knew
 At first she drowned; then she smiled.
 q do. thank you"
 That's good" came the voice. Will you have some supper?"
 If you'll only come around and let me see my host"
 Silas Dodge. Jr., came around.
 Then you don't bear any grudge?"
 For being kind to'me? No!"
 You're good sport. Miss Brown. | knew you'd understand"
 Thank you. But isn't the bacon burning?" anxiously.
 He jumped for the pan. No, just right. Do you like bacon."
 Love it.
 Silas junior sighed. '1 wish were pan of fried bacon
 Marjorie laughed in spite of herself.