The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1917-07-17
DISCHARGING BETTY
BY ISABEL FROST.

Curzon had definitely, positively
made up his mind to discharge Betty.
If discipline was to be maintained in
the office at all, that was the first step
toward it. In the first place, she never
should have been employed In such "a
place as the Benzinger Iron works. She
had walked through the outer gates
one early spring morning, the last OF
a line Of applicants, and had asked the
first worker she met what the superin-
tendent's name was.
Frank Curzon," she was told. There
fore, instead of waiting her turn, Betty
had marched valiantly up to the book
keepers desk and had asked for MIR.
Curzon quite as if she were paying a
little afternoon call. And she got the
position.
The salary was only 50 a week, but
there was no ~carfare to pay, and the
factory lay just across the railroad
tracks from the pretty suburban neigh
bOrhOod where she lived with her ia
Their and the four boys, all younger
than herself.
IOu hluSth nlhus ShC So'N o
evening, beaming on her docile home
circle at the supper table. I'm a ter
rible cook, and this way | al hire dc
Mrs. Ransom to come in and work for
us by the day for 81 a week. That
leaves me five for myself. / am Mr..
Curzon's private secretary"
"What does he look llke?" demanded
David, the eldest brother.
"Well, he's rather tall, and possibly
thirty, more or less" Betty dished the
preserved cherries thoughtfully. And
very, very b~usinesslike and short
spoken"
But" said Dave sarcastically, "wait
till he's Bettifed."
1t took about four weeks to Bettify
the whole Office. 1t began with the
strike at the gray iron foundry across
the street. After the reserves had
been called out and the fight in the
yards was over, Curzon came back,
looking rather tense and angry.
"Why didn't you keep out of range
when those fellows were firing at usf'
he demanded of Betty.
81 wanted to see" answered Betty
haughtily. 1T was very interesting"
1t was the end of the second month
that Curzon began to make up his
mind. In the first place, he vas am
bilious and had put all thoughts of
love or marriage Out of his scheme OF
life. The foundry was his life. And
still 1t was June, and Betty wore the
most enhancing, fluffy gowns to work,
absolutely unbusinesslike.
Likewise, at the lunch hour, Betty
had a tiny electric contrivance which
she calmly applied 10 the company's
switch, and on which she managed
somehow to concoct the daintiest and
most unexpected of luncheon dishes,
since there was no good restaurant in
a radius of a mile. And then she would
invite him to partake.
So one night toward the end of June,
when she had worked overtime, he
stood by the window of the Office that
overlooked the gray iron building and
spoke gloomily, Enthusiastically.
"Of course, you know this can't go
on much longer"
Are you trying to discharge me, Mr..
Curzon?"
I've got to-" answered CurZon slow
ly, returning her look with unswery-
ing intention. I've either got to fire
you or marry you. This can't go on
| can't think of anything under the
light of heaven but you, day or night,
and i want to work"
'Then. of course, l must leave" said
Betty, with her very incest, her very
kindest manner.
Betty" said Curzon, in a curious
voice, a voice of accusation and APP
peal, too. Betty, why did you ever
come to work here? didn't want you.
You know perfectly well you've seen