The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-03-22
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
Loves Shadows.
BY GRAHAM LINeFIELo.
Copyright, 1919, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndlcate)

udPPeueo 10 the maSterful man.
For years Henry Travers had re-
sarded himself as the hard, colo,
analytical business man TO whom the
sentimental side of life did not ap-
peal. This morning in his private
Office he was facing bare facts.
Arriving at his office and cross
Ing to hang up his coat a spot from
which corner of the outer office
could be glLmpsed-he had seen a
sight that had thrown down te bar.
riers Of his self-deception and shown
him an unccnpromisJag truth. 1t
was nothing but a triviallty, perhaps
but Il was sufficient 10 make clear
to him more than he wanted to
know.
Presently he rang the bell and his
private secretary stood before him
He did not speak at first, but sat
at his desk moving the different OBJ
Jets from place to place. At last ne
looked up.
Miss Deane", he said, 81 wish to
speak with all restraint and defer.
ence, but / must be frank. This
morning, by mere coincidence, 7
happened to see something take
place between you and our Mr.. Halli-
day on which only one construction
can be put-that you are engaged
to him. OF course, that is no con-
Germ OF mine; but you must realizt
that during office hours such condi-
ton OF affairs cannot exist. We arr
here for business pure and simple"
He regarded the girl with stern
eyes. For the general efficiency and
discipline Of the office" he went on,
kindly see that it does not occur
again" He bowed in a grandiose
manner to indicate that the inter
view was at an end and bent owe.
his desk. That matter was disposed
Of.
The color rose to the face Of the
girl, and for a moment her eyes re-
sarded him dumfounded, then with
out word she turned and left the
room.
Alone in his office Henry Travers
tried to concentrate his mind on the
business in hand. But he felt strange
ly disturbed. The little incident that
had just occurred insisted on occupy
ing his thoughts, try as he might to
put 1t from him.
He was not sure that he had actea
rightly. He realized, too, that he haa
spoken harshly. when he ad meant
only to be emphatic; where GOODNESS
and indifference were intended the
throb of passion had crept into his
tones.
In the six months he had been man
ager Of the Worthwhile Glove Com
pay he had always found Julia Deane
q loyal and dependable lieutenant.
Ha had come to rely on her more
than he had hitherto realized. And
the quiet, eelf-assured manner with
which she carried out her duties had
made 9 powerful impression on his
business sense.
But there had been no other feel
LhS Tor her. In all his years he had
HeVer allowed any lesser consider
rtion TO blind the vision Of his mental
activities.
Now, Hike q distorting mirror flash
a before his eyes, he saw and recog-
hfzed the leering face of jealousy
aud the eanker had entered his being.
Gladly would he have fired Halliday,
but he could not sink to the humilia-
don Of letting his personal feelings
overcome his common sense.
AS he sat at his desk, vainly try
Ing to concentrate on material things
! knock came at the door. He looked
up. The very man who was occupy
ing his thoughts was standing there.
AS he advanced Trayers noticed the
look Of boyish gladness on his face,
Of triumph in his eyes.
The older man steeled himself to
meet young Halliday. 1t had been a
rule Of the office for many years that
employees should notify the chief in
the event Of an approaching marriage
A tradition duly observed. Theirs
could be but one reason, then, for
that look Of supreme happiness on
Halliday's face.
'The time has come, said the
younger man drawing himself up at
the desk, when In accordance with
custom have a notification to
make" He hesitated. Travers nod
led. Mechanically he reached out
md shook the others hands.
Congratulations, Halliday" he
laid. II suppose now you and Miss
peane" He broke off. "Well. one
aan's loss Is another mans gain.
hall be losing the best secretary
syer had" He dropped his eyes from
he young mans face. Halliday star
d at him mystified.
tfWhy, what's the big idea, Mr..
PRAYERS? You wont be losing her
through me-"
But I'LL understood you were
setrothed," slammed the manager.
"say, Mr.. Travers. what do you
axe me fora polygamist?" laughed
Halliday.
TFayers locked at him sternly. He
words.
II take you for nothing but an
honorable man, Mr.. Halliday. With
our salary, I presume you will not
xpect your wife to work?"
Z hope not. indeed" responded
be younger man, "but in any case,
r don't think It Is likely to effect
ou. came to inform you that yes
srdsy I married Miss Julia Deane's
ister."
With a very heartfelt handshake,
hitch caused the young benedict to
ondeF ct It's intensity. Travers
isiied his junior the best luck and