The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-06-05


 to see you, too" She advanced, although her first intuition was for a nasty re- treat There was something so unctuous about his manner and handsome figure, as he bowed to her, that a vague misgiv- ing stirred her.
 Even in this first glance, his well-tail- ored suit his ruddy complexion, the flashing scarfpin and the enormous dia- rrond ring on the plump hand which he gayly waved toward her somehow or other suggested an exaggerated attempt at the appearance of prosperity.
 And yet, in his laughing, smooth -shaven face and in his blue eyes there was an infectious magnetism; the girl stepped toward him, she hardly knew why.
 It seemed hopeless for her to seek a po- sition with so many applicants. and knowing her unfamilarity with New York ways and methods, Jane now mistrust- ed herself. Yet somehow there was a look in his eyes as he sent a keen glance at her, taking her full figure in from head to foot, that caused little thrill of hope.
 Here was her first chance in the great city of her dreams! What if she could capture a position on her first applica- tion. It would be justification to her self, to the months of hard, lonely study with pencil correspondence lessons, note book and typewriter, and it would make the sacrifices of the past all worth while!
 So she walked into the sunny offices, in which all the other women applicants had promptly occupied seats wherever possible. It was a roomy place, and as she turned toward the window she could see far over the housetops to the broad blue of the lower Hudson.
 The other women must have Ssnsed the flickering expression of interest with which the man regarded her Tor they looked sourly at her, as she tlmidly sought corner of the room.
 To add to her further embarrassment he walked toward her and addressed her with:
 If you will step into the private office I will ask you about your experience and references" he said quietly.
 why I've been hangin around in that hall for an hour" snarled 8 girl dressed in cheap imitation of the latest modes, and adorned with some jewelry which un- dcubtedly came from the counter of a ed-fronted and 10-cent store.
 What's the idea? You wait your turn. '
 The man turned quickly with a scowl, and all his amiability gone from his voice as he snapped out sharply:
 'Ths is my office and I do the en- gazing here, young woman. It won't do you any good to wait your turn. Don't let me delay your'
 He turned and directed Jane toward the door marked private" Jane's cheeks were scarlet, and she dropped her eyes before the mans look, as she turned about to fare him. He shut the door of the of flee and sat down in the mahogany desk chair. Jane was silent until he spoke Then his questions came thick and fast.
 Her whole story her unfamniarity with New York, her inexperience with actual secretarial work, her school teaching and -even-her isolation, with no family in the world were soon out under his Shrewd ross-examination.
 Finally he noddedehis head and smiled.
 "1'll look no further Miss Brown" he said with finality: 'I believe that with little brushing up on a few details you will just answer my purpose. I may tell you that I am a stock broker, and have just opened up in business for my self, this being the first day on which all my furniture is in the place. Nice furniture, isn't it?'
 He loked around with reasonable pride, as Jane nodded and murmured a low Yes" It was indeed, a magnificent out fit, with handsomely framed pictures on the walls a Kermanshah rug underfoot, and a great brass bowl filled with fresh cut flowers, sitting on a broad mahogany table near a window.
 ''Yes, I expect to be very busy from now on. I'll have one clerk ana an oIllce boy as well: they are hired already, and will arrive for work tomorrow You will be especially good as my secretary, be- cause you are familiar with people from the smaller towns. 1 will start you with s15 a week and raise it next week if you make good. How is that?"
 He was walking toward the doorway, looking sidelong at her with curious smile. Jane arose, but he motloned her back.
 'sWait until I shoo these chickens away he said at the door. He looked at her again with that disturbing keen ness, and Jane shivered, she knew not why "Yes, you'll just answer my pur- pose" he said. as he closed the door be- hind him. Jane, waiting nervously, groped for some explanation of the mys- terious phrase.
 (Copyright, 1919, Thompson Feature
 Service.)
 (Continued Tomorrow)