New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-05
PORTRAIT OF MY RIGHT
HAND
By Courtesy of 1.-The NeV Rebu6fc"


whether she will be at her desk at all. Dozens
Of times she has tclephoned me at noon, most
sadly regretting the sickness that kept her
from the office that day and almost weeping
over the inconvenience | was suffering. Sew
eral times found an early greeting on my desk
in the shape of her letter of resignation.
dispatched a messenger to Pauline's home,
bearing her letter and my statement scrawled
across the top, Come back and finish my die
.ation or I'll have you arrested" And Pauline,
caring more for my banter than for her job,
returned in charming meekness
Pauline knows | like her. but she has no
sentiment about me- Twice she resigned be-
cause she was offered 81 week more else
where. | taxed her with dsloyaty as | re-
sponded to the hold-up, but Pauline said de-
fensively II need the money" and that set
tied it. Once our general manager suggested
promoting Pauline to higher post suddenly
made vacant. hated to lose her, but after
all. what right had to stand in the way OF
her promotion? So, with supreme self-abnega-
ton. I apprised Pauline of her great oppor-
tunity. TO NY amazement she absolutely de-
cIined the promotion. My heart leaped at this
evidence of loyalty to me, until Pauline re-
marked. very matter-of-factly, 81 sure would
like the salary that goes with the job, but |
don't want the worry and responsibility" but
think Pauline" urged, that's one of the best
Jobs in the company for girl. If you behave
yourself and learn how to come in early in the
mornings"-Pauline shot look of scorn at
me-"you may be earning $40 week in two
or three wears" Pauline stuck a sheet of
paper in her machine and began to typewrite
slowly. 81 guess ! won't need job in three
years from now" she remarked compacently.
Pauline has a chidlke habit of expecting to
happen the things she desires to happen. She
looks to life only to provide her with what she
calls "a good time She expects not to con-
tinue to work, because she dislikes business.
She expects to be married, because that seems
the pleasant, comfortable thing to do. And
vet she has ideals about marriage.
She appeared at noon one day, explaining
her morning absence by the remark that her
sisters wedding occurred the night before. us
sister marrying a nice man." asked. Pauline
snorted. 'Nice? Yes, awfully nice. He's so
mad about Lillian that he's perfect doormat
for her. But don't see how she chloroformed
herself into marrying him. She's told me time
and again that she hates him and couldn't bear
him around if it wasn't that he shows her such
a good time The only reason she married him
is that she's been out of work and got tired
looking for a new job" "Wel, Pauline" |
asked seriously wouldn't you prefer noble
wifehood to a job?" "Of course, I'm going to
marry some day." returned Pauline with no
uncertainty, "but it will be a long, cold day
before | marry for meal ticket"
am curious to see the young Lochinvar to
whom Pauline will yield her heart. Evidently
from the one-sided telephone conversations
| overhear-she produces the same impression
on her men friends socially as she does on me
in business, alternately stimulating, interest
ing and aggravating them. Anything is an
excuse for perpetrating joke and no one Is
sacred from her sharp and fippant tongue.
Love and marriage are charming Elysian fields
wherein she intends to spend her time being
adored as no other woman has been adored be-
fore, but know there isn't thing she expects
to do for man.
understand the high signs when new
young man hovers over Paulines horizon.
There is hasty preparation of new amnruni-
ton. Pauline wants clothes, more clothes, with
which TO overwhelm the unfortunate victim.
She sends me typewriter slip requesting my
o. X. NO, Pauline" / announce positively,
"you know there's a rule against !. o. US from
employees unless in case of great need" But
can't have my dress FOR Sunday if | don't get
an advance" she protests tragically. Have
no morals? Would | shatter loves young
dream for petty rule. and bow her down
beneath our juggernaut of red tape? There
special reasons why she must have the frock
by Sunday (this said very significantly.
capitulate of course with qualifying, Very
well Just this once, them" and Pauines sm-