The Springfield herald., 1916-01-07
MARJoRIE's VACATION
Dy LOUISE OLIVER.


&aa;::::::::::::.:::.:.:
Marjorie looked up at the blue sky
between the housetops and sighed
ecstatically, "Oh, for the country"
Il must start right away to save
for my vacation! Two months with.
out lunch and walking home in the
evening will help. Besides, think
I'm safe now in asking old Mr.. Dodge
for raise of IS . month"
She got up and went to the door Of
the once marked Private"
A masculine voice called Come I'M"
to her knock
Mr.. Dodge was not there. In his
in outing clothes. Marjorie decided
he must be q son of her employer.
There was q resemblance-yet . DIFF
ference. In the gray eyes was an ex-
preston that made Marjorie smile in
voluntarily.
II thought Mr. Dodge. ST., was here" "
said Marjorie simply. turning to go.
We'll. II 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
help another smile.
"If l thought you had the family
pocketbook, might have prefer
ence," she returned. I'm after
money!"
What You. too! Poor pops! So
am II"
"1-perhaps had better not wait.
think I'll come again."
Il say, Miss Brown" he pleaded.
don't CO. I'll slip out myself and leave
you a 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 1t was troubling
him. Marjorie met an emphatic re-
fusal. However, the following morn
ing folded typewritten letter on her
cheeks. Silas Dodge repented of his
hastiness and would give her not FIVE
but ten dollars a month in addition to
her regular salary.
Two months passed. 1t was late Sep
tember. Marjorie. by marshaling
every cent she could spare. counted
enough for her trip. Everything was
ready but few unfinished letters at
the office. 1t was Saturday afternoon.
half holiday The outer once was
empty when she went in, but she heard
voices In the private once beyond.
What do you mean by giving Stew
art ten dollars every payday to put
in Miss Browns envelopef"
II 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 . living for
yourself. perhaps could afford to pay
more to others"
you won't have to give me any
moro money, dad. have been work
ing. earned that money myself.
Moreover, have q splendid chance In
the country to demonstrate my knowl
edge Of scientific farming I leave to
day"
Marjorie rose. She took $40 out Of
her purse and Knocked at the ONCE
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 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 a 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 a very light grip,
Marjorie started forth on her travels.
One afternoon, as it was warm, she
halted under big oak tree near a cool
little stream. For q while she read
and munched at Q 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
smelled tobacco smoke. 1t came from
the other side of her tree. Moreover.
a smart little fire was burning near
her and she smelled bacon frying. She
shifted enviously.
II hope you feel better" said . voice
around the tree. It was oddly familiar.
Then she knew.
At first she frowned; then she
smiled.
II do, thank you"
That's good" came the voice. Will
you have some support"
"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 met Nor
You're . good sport, Miss Brown
knew you'd understand"
Thank you. But isn't the bacon
burning" anxiously.
He Jumped for the pan mo. Just
right Do 700 IKE baooaf
Love IT,
0ilas juniof sighed Z wish I wore