Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1919-11-14
LOVE VS.. BUSINESS.
By HELEN IvERs.

Joan Iclt strangely insignificant eS
she entered the Office of Weston &
Sons on her first day of work. She
timidly glanced around and saw at the
desk. which seemed, by the way, to be
miles away. middle-aged man writ
Ing diligently. She coughed discreetly.
The man kept on writing. however,
paying no attention to the newcomer.
Joan remembered one OF the rules of
her business course. II seemed 10
stand before her now Ia blazing let
tiers, "I3e respectfully self-possessed."
Oh. the futility Of all those years Of
learning How often had she prac-
ticed that dignified but demure WALL
TO her employers desk to be afraid
now, at the crucial moment.
But afrsi1 she was. and without a
backward glance she rushed out of the
office directly into human figure, just
who or what she could not discern,
and only heard family some apparent
apologies.
A few seconds later Walter Curtis
entered his uncle's presence.
swell. uncle" he greeted him with
questioning look rather unusual. isn't
1t, for you to so frigAten your secre-
tary that she rushes blindlv from your
/ don't think 1t is funny" he added.
as he saw his uncle's eyes twinkle.
Mr.. Weston, however, now broke
into hearty laugh.
Il didn't say a word to her." he ex-
planned between times. "Oh, Walter,
am / as ferocious ais that?" And he
forthwith told his nephew of Joan,s
entrance.
Curtis had e laugh, though unwill-
ingg. Go on with your work, uncle"
he said.
Mr. Weston again pressed the but
ton for his new secretary and she en-
tered in few moments, looking at
him tSoubtfully. Mr.. Weston, how
ever, made no sign that he knew this
was not her first entrance. and after
a few directions started his dictation.
Joan was the markings of good ste
nographer and Mr.. Weston did not
fail to note this. AS he watched her
neat, well-kept hands fly over the pa
per, he inwardly congratulated him
self that at last his regime Of untidy
secretaries was over.
Such things as were going through
his mind, however, were far distant
from his nephew's. Curtis, too mo-
ficed her hands, but took no note Of
their secretarial capabilities He also
noticed the poise Of her chestnut
crowned head and the wonderful eve
lashes that fringed her cheek.
At last Mr.. Weston was through.
"You may go TO dinner at II 49," he
said.
He looked up suddenly as his
nephew coughed rather feebly
"You want to take care Of that
cough, Walter" he said, his eyes
twinkling again.
Joan looked, too. Il know OF per-
fectly wonderful cough medicine" she
advanced shyly. Mother always
bought it for u.s.
go outside with Miss Lake" Mr..
Weston said. II am really worried
about You, Walter This is my
nephew, Walter Curtis. Miss Lake"
Outside they went, leaving Mr.. Wes-
tan 20 his cw;t uevices.
AS the daVs went by Joan proved
her mettle,. ard Mr.. Weston declared
continually THAI he could never get
along without her stenogs 'apher
who could spell without the t!elaying
aid of the dictionary, and whose pres-
ence was an encourag cement instead OF
drawback, was something new to
him, and he wondered how he ever
managed before.
His only cloud was his nephew.
which latter developed a strong. and
sudden attachment for his hitherto
rather neglected uncle, and it was no
unusual thing to have that now detest-
ed one be present at his morning die
tation and to stay around for some
time after. He greatly feared that his
days OF peace were few aud snubbeG
his nephew numerically.
One day on his arriysl Curtis real
that Iong-suffericg man that Joan hid
promised to marry him.
Mr.. Weston rang his secretary's
bell and jumped up when that young
lady entered.
MISS Lake" he fairly roared, ''my
nephew has Just told me Of your
promise TO marry him. Have no
rights whatever? Am to be left in
the lurch7"
Joan was surprised. why. surely.
there are plenty of other girls to take
my place. / did-didn't suppose you
would mind. Mr. Weston.
.'Aiindl Am l to lose the bess secre-
tary l have had for years just for the
sake of that young mang' Mr.. Weston
cast look at his nephew.
Joan looked somewhat relieved.
"oh, If that's all. Mr.. Weston" she
smiled. Il have sister-she is much
halter fhon I am ac a SaeraforV for