The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1915-07-15

The last sentence, to which John
Barton's brain.
1t seemed to the women just the
sort of letter calculated to appeal
psychologically to Quincy. They said
so and John was forced to agree.
He watched Hart narrowly the next
morning. Somehow he felt as if a
vast load had been lifted off his mind.
He no longer feared Hart, he no longer
dreaded to go into the little booth
where he had his desk. Threats would
leave John unmoved. He dreamed
away the morning, in fancy seeing
himself at the altar with Cynthia, and
in his pocket the price of an extended
honeymoon tour through the South.
AT lunch time the office boy told
John that Hart wanted to see him.
When John entered there was frown
on Harris forehead that BODIED i'll.
"Mr Darrell, we have been thinking
of making some changes in the office"
said Hart. 81 have been under the
impression that you were not alto
gether satisfied with your position
here"
mo, sir" said John.
"Eh? What's that?" snapped Hart,
looking at him menacingly. you
aren't? Why didn't you tell me?"
81 think l am worth more money.
sir" said John, respectfully. "In fact,
IL am sure of it,
"Then that is the explanation of this
letter which received from you this
morning." said Hart, flinging Johns
missive down on the table.
John felt his blood run cold. 1t was
one thing to leave Hart triumphantly,
to go to Quincy; it was another to be
kicked out before he had secured an
other position.
"Of course, if you are not satisfied,
Mr.. DARRELL" continued Hart, more
blandly, you are at liberty to leave
us. But we are enlarging the depart
ment, and wanted to get another man
as assistant preparatory to advancing
you to a higher position at $125."
Which was not strictly true. Hart
had advertised for another man, but
he had intended to keep John in the
same position at the same salary, and
all his expressions of discomfort on
previous days had been directed to-
ward frightening John lest he should
make demand on him. The new
man was to have superseded John.
'If you like to take the position it
is yours, DARRELL" continued Hart.
John looked at him in stupefaction.
1t seemed too good to be true. He
was appreciated, then. His employer
had recognized his years of service!
Hart turned on the reproachful tap.
eff only you had let me know that you
wanted more money, Darrell" he said.
"Why, sir, doesn't everybody want
more money!" asked John.
"They do. But those that get it
ask for it. Not that intend to advance
you further-for year, at least" he
went on, hurriedly "But If you would
like to start in at $125 next month
you may"
81 want to ask for a couple of
weeks vacation first, sir" said John.
"You see, I'm going to be married"
"Why, certainly certainly, Darrell"
said Hart, hastily. Congratulations,
I'm sure. -good-morning then"
When John was gone he leaned back
in his chair and smiled. He would
give the new man Johns salary. And
John, married man, would never
write such letter as the one that had
terrified him that morning.
Harris reasoning was sound enough;
only he did not reckon on Johns
mother-in-law. For wise mother-in.
law is mans good providence.
Copyright, 1915. by w. G. Chapman)
AS Usual.