Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-01-09

N III EA-NW H1LE the l"o auui'io
NE weeks that / had agreed to WORK
ANA at Silberstein's, so that they
would not be left without competent
help in their busy season, had elapsed
Temporarily at least had ceased TO pc
a working girl. 1 told myself that TINS
had come about at a most opportune
mornent And 1 thought with pleasure
that 1 was rid of Mr.. Levy as Wen
When L had dined with him | caretully
had avoided letting him know that my
labors in the store were so soon TO
cease. Evidently Miss Berger, the head
of nv department had not acquainted
him with the fact. told myselI
would make my escape with the gown
he had given me without having MIN
ask me to dine with him again But
was completely. mistaken IN my man.
I was not to get off so easily.
At first there came a letter from Mr..
Lew telling me that l had not treated
him fairly in not letting him know that
l was going to leave Silbersteln SO
soon. He said he would forgive me II i
would dine with him again. The letter
was signed ABE" With wry race, l
tore it into bits and threw 1T in the
scrap basket. 1 was having very good
time at home, sleeping late and having
NV coffee while l was dressed in my
nightgown and kimono-a luxury that
had been denied me many months now.
Then Mr. Levy began calling ME on
the telephone. Several times L an
swered myself. I was in difficulties to
think of some excuse why L could NOT
take dinner with him on the night he
would mention. At last L instructed the
servants that when Mr.. Levy called me
on the telephone was mot in He
began to leave somewhat impertinent
messages for me. Almost he made me
nervous / knew there was nothing
he could do to me. Yet plainly he
meant to pursue me, and l began to feel
that sooner or later he would make 1t
uncomfortable for me in one way. or
another.
..- At last Mr.. Levy evidently took his
courage in his hands, for one night he
called upon me. had never asked him
to come to my house. Somehow it had
not occurred to me that he would APP
pear unlimited. But, while my mother
was yawning and talking to me in a
desultory manner and l was stretched
in a great easy chair, our maid an
nounced Mr.. Levy.
F. Mr.. Levy?'~ repeated my mother.
who is hep" ---.:s F.. a. s.--.
But before / could answer her the
gentleman himself appeared in the door.
1 saw my mother sweep him with one
swift, shrewd glance. l saw by the
expression of her face his stay would
not be long, For once 1 was completely
in accord with her. / was glad of her
greater worldly wisdom coming to my
assistance. For a while after my per-
functory introductions we three talked
of nothing in particular. Then Mr..
Levy came to the point.
Aren't you ever coming to dinner
with me?" he asked me. I've called
you up often enough. You can't side
step forever, you know"
1 opened my mouth to speak. My
mother cut in quickly and calmly:
Il do not allow Diana to dine out
unchaperoned," she said.
Mr.. Levy stared at her
She's already had dinner with me!'
he said, and then, evidently his rage
getting the better of his judgment, "She
has had dinner with me and she has
got a dress I gave her!"
My mother arose at once from her
chair. '
Il bid you good evening"" she said
II know perfectly that Diana has never
disobeyed. You could not make me be-
lieve she has had dinner alone with
you or accepted any such gift as you
tell me. 1 bid you good evening"
Mr.. Levy was evidently unaccus-
toned to being treated in this way.
Unconsciously obedient to my mothers
will, he arose also. But he began to
buster. Without another word, my
mother walked to the door and held it
wide.
Good evening"" she said with mean
ing. He went. We heard the front
door slam after him, and then:
"Oh, Diana! said my mother. How
could you take things from that nasty
little man? Didn't you know he would
come shopping back again trying to be
paid for them? My dear, the fine art of
getting what you want is always to get
it from gentlemen. They are too proud
to insist upon payment"