The spectator., 1918-08-13
DANIEL WELLS
By AGNES c. BRoGAN.

great manufactory. How dare the press print such an article, and who had been their secret investigator?
 Here, now, upon his return from a much needed rest, the proprietor of Rogers Ready to Wear Industries" was greeted in black print by daring exposure of bad conditions said to exist in his own great plant. The conforming article appearing under the heading of "City Notes" was signed by the well-known writer of terse editorials--Danlel Wells.
 Even without his bold signature the brief written sentences of Daniel Wells were unmistakable, with q call and conviction all their own. James Rog- CTS decided furiously to call up Will Hams of the Press and inquire into the matter, prompt contradiction must be demanded. But irresolutely the old mans hand rested upon the telephone.
 Would Daniel Wells brook contradic- tion? His assertions were backed with proof. Rogers rang for his son in- stead, and presently Jim, happy-eyed and smiling, entered his fathers pres ence.
 "Well, dad?" he cheerfully inquired.
 The older man thrust the days pa- per before him. "Read that" he said irately.
 Jim, with serious nod, dismissed the article. "I have read it," he re- piled. "The worst feature of the case Is the truth of the statement"
 Truth" James Rogers wheeled about toward his son. "What would you have for factory workers glass sun rooms to sew in, or afternoon tea served in the work room? These new health notions make me sick Col lege, I suppose, has imbued you with the same ideas. We'll the place has run along pretty well during the past, and I guess 1t will in the future. The question Is, you're manager here now" he tapped the written article, "What are you going to do about thisr'
 His son sank easily into chair. Benefit by it, dad" he answered crisply.
 The old mans eyes bulged-"What"
 Benefit by it." young Jim repeated, "cut out the things disapproved, and begin new order"
 The father stared at his son as though he were stranger. "May I ask" he said sarcastically, "what has made you so agreeable to new order of things?' Do you realize that 1t would entail the expenditure of large sums of money-my money-which later will all be yours? That it would lessen ma terially the profits of our businessT
 Young Jim came close and looked frankly back into his fathers face. "Yes, I'll tell you what has changed my point of view, dad," he replied. Its girl, just q little brave, sweet sort tory. She has talked to me about 1t all"
 During working hours?" his father interrupted.
 Jim shook his head. "No." he said; "there was no time then. It was as walked home with her evenings, that she brought me to see things as they are. and as they should be-"
 James Rogers jumped furiously to his feet. "You dare to tell me that you have been walking home nights with one of your fathers factory girls" The millionaire choked. There was a significant pause. "I have also asked her to marry me-" young Jim quietly responded.
 James Rogers turned and pressed an electric button. "We will settle this foOlishness here and now" he muttered. "What Is the name of this glrl?"
 Jim's face flushed. "Joan," he spoke the name gently. "Joan Graves"
 When the office door opened a girl stood for moment framed in the ma- hogany casing, then swiftly she came and waited, before the two men. She was little girl, as Jim had said, her blue eyes unafraid.
 "You sent for mel" she asked.
 "To tell you," he burst out, "that your services here are no longer re- Quired. And to impress upon you the fact that any silly affair between you and my son will mean his prompt dis missal from my family. Neither now nor at any time may he expect any thing from me or mine, unless abso- lutely and finally you agree to give him up.
 'I do not know how much trouble your agitating remarks may have caused among the workers, but hence forth 1t will be useless for you to seek employment in any of our stores. As far as we are concerned, you shall be forever silenced."
 "I am afraid" said the girl, her voice was low, that will not be pos sible. Because" withsquick concern In her face she went over to the young CT man. "Jim." she murmured. for give me, dear, for deceiving even you. Because, Mir. Rogers" she continued, uI hava yaraly baap x.nrIipy hnra ac