The Spectator., 1915-11-19

all-itll do me good--you wouldn't ever have the likes of me, I know that ain't all of tits only want to do something for you. just to prove how I feel! If could only help you some way!-don't you understand how 1t is, Miss Fisher? Won't you give me a try sometime? That's all l want now!"
 Flodie, leaning against the table, | watched him with tears in her eyes. An. Flodie understood! How we'll she knew. She could no longer laugh at him. Kindly she stretched forth her hand; and the janitor who, in all his life had never known gallantry, reached for 1t, and kissed 1t as natu- rally as might courtier He touched Flodie's little hand as if it were a holy relic; and on it there fell a soft rain of tears.
 Flode bit her lip; she slowly shook her head. I'm awfully sorry, Alfred. really; but l don't see what 1 can do."
 Alfred's lips quivered, and his hands writhed as he replied: Why. all want you to do is to promise. Miss Fisher-ask me to do something for you. Something hard to do. The very hardest thing you know. Why, I'd do anything, Miss Fisher anything!" Alfred meant literally what he said. She put her soft hand in his. q know what you mean, Alfred" she said so- berly. You're so good! I'll call on you if ever I need you. I'll promise" She turned little sadly back to her desk.
 | All right" Alfred's look feasted on her. He paused by the door. Its really more than ever hoped for, Miss Fisher. what you just said, Thank you!" He left, almost with dignity.
 F'lodie turned to her work. From the telephone to her printing she vi- brated, and from that to her accounts, occasional inspection of Alfred's prog ress, and arrangements for the eve ning's refreshments. Meanwhile her busy mind was going over the problem of managing her trio of rivals. If she could only find Rosamund! Rosamund she had. from the first, disliked; she had always resented her appearance. Now she fairly longed for her to open the door. She thought and thought of some possible way to reach her.
 In a half hour, miraculously, as if summoned by Flodies mental demand, who but Rosamund did open the door! -Rosamund Gale. more patronizing, more assured and nonchalant than 1 ever.
 Hello she said coolly; Hall here?" She sauntered up to the mir TOT and poked at her golden ringlets.
 Why, no. Mr Bonistelle has just left said Flodie, suspiciously cordial. stopping her writing. But I'm expect ing him any minute. Went you wait?"
 Rosamund craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of her barrette. Those pictures of mine developed?"
 "No, Miss Gale. MT. Bonistelle had | to work on some of his customers. I'm sorry"
 Well, l should think he might get mine done first I was in an awful hurry to see 'em."
 Well, he has to attend to business | part of the time, you know, Miss Gale" said Flodie.
 "Oh, indeed," Rosamund gave her . ] long, cruel stare. Il don't see why he , bothers about his old business so much. He can afford to take it easy. we'll enough"
 "Wp1l of pnursa I wouldn't say aDy. thing about it to a customer, you know, but so long as you and Hall are such great friends, why,-well. the fact is, I'm rather worried"
 Flodie noted with glee that Rosa mund was losing color.
 Do you mean to say that Hall Bonistelle isn't doing as well as-well. as well as he says?" Rosamund de- manded.
 Flodie smiled with secret satisfac tion. "Oh. l wouldn't exactly say that, you know. but then-well, 1t costs . lot to run this place. Here. look at those bills! l don't think he'd mind. so long as it's you!" She handed Rosa. mund neatly folded parcel. T don't 1 hHOW HON iuc NOliu We It cNtT going to pay them!"
 Rosamund turned them over curl. ously, frowning Fl Hm." she said to herhelf. through frightened lips. Quite bunch of 'em. isn't there? Why. don't see how he can expect to-" she gazed anxiously at Flodie.
 Flodie. seeing her advantage, art fully receded. "Oh. MT Bonistelle Is optimistic you know. He always thinks he's going to come out all right. Just wee bit reckless. perhaps, but then. well, guess it'll be all right"
 Leaving this to sink into Rosa munds alarmed mind, Flodie walked into the stockroom and proceeded with her printing and washing.
 Say, Miss Fisher." Rosamund called out, how much salary do you get, anyway"
 (TO BE CONTINUED)