Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-06-16
DAHY'NOYELETTE
BLUE MONDAY
BY GRACE e. RILEY

l
L can't prod my feet along over the same
path to the same Office and the same
work that 1 have done for the pas,
eight years."
Nov, Norma, you haven't lived your
life yet; and as for life being always
the same, there never was new day
born but opened new possibilities for
| happiness. That's far better attitude
for a Monday morning than the one
with which you are starting out"
81 suppose, mother, / suppose; but
the everlasting round does get monoto
nous at times"
Well might she speak Of the well
worn path to her Office. For eight years
she had Travelled that same path for
eight years had been stenographer for
real estate firm of considerable repute
in her city.
Jack Greer, who had been manager of
the office ever since she came to Donald
& Co. and who had on rare occasions
shown her little personal attentions,
looked up with smile as she entered
the Office, and then dilIgently piled his
pen once more. Sally Lane, bright,
pretty Sally, came in flashing a dia-
mond, and all gathered about her, an
admiring circle, quick to disperse, how
ever, when warning Hist, the boss !"
came from one of the group. The hum
of conversation ceased, and the morn =
ing's work began. "Blue Monday" it
was Somehow Norma could not settle
to the pile of circular letters awaiting
her. Her thoughts reviewed the years
since her advent into Donald & Co. s
office. Her mental processes were
broken up by a buzz, buzz"-her call
to Mr.. Donald's office.
Miss Grey" Mr.. Donald began as
soon as she had seated herself for die
tation, I'VE have come to the time when
our business needs some changes. New
brooms sweep clean (Norma's heart
sank), and we are going to try new
girl in your place." (Why did he feel
he must smile like that when pronounc
ing such a sentence? His smile broad
cned, and before she could calm her
self to speak he continued: "Now,
don't think we have not been pleased
with your work. Fact is, Miss Grey,
you are not the only one who is going
to vacate, for /, too, am giving up; and
that is what 1 want to talk about with
you.
II have decided to retire from active
business; but, as you know, large
part Of my time here has been taken
up with my private affairs. Many OF
these you have handled for me. Here
after they must be taken care of al
my home, and I shall need a private
secretary. Would you care for the
position?"
For the first time since coming into
his Office Norma spoke.
"This morning, Mr.. Donald" sht
said, "I will admit I came to the of
fee with tagging feet. I seemed to fee
that I needed a change-not because
was dissatisfied here, but every one,
think, requires change of scene if he il
not to become machine. So cannot
tell you how pleased I am with your
offer"
Before you decide, Miss Grey,
ought to tell you that as soon as we ar'
all adjusted to the new condition Mrs
Donald and expect to travel extensive
ly. MY affairs, however, are such thai
they persist in following me, no matter
where I may go, and for that reasor
we shall want you with us. In view
of this would you still feel like accept,
ing?"
would I, indeed? Why, Mr.. Don
aid, I don't believe you comprehend
what you are offering. shall, Of course
have to talk first with my mother be-
fore making any decision, but an
proud and happy that you should Civ,
me this chance, and I hope II I TAX
the position I shall fill it to the salts
faction of both you and Mrs. Donald. ;
"Then we will wait until tomorrow
before going further into the matter
Miss Grey, but hope your answer will
be favorable
With a nod he dismissed her, and t.
say that she "trod on air." aside from
being a hackneyed expression, would b,
putting it altogether too mild. Sh,
did not tread at all-she sailed through
the air until she reached her desk.
"'Blue Monday Who said it wa,
Blue Monday? she would like to know
And circular letters-what were they
A mere hours work-nothing mattered
nothing!" Her sky had lost its leader
clouds; the world had suddenly taker
on rosy hue. Her feet henceforth wer,
to walk streets unknown to her before
"And," thought Norma, mot for tn,
best man and the biggest diamond il
captivity would I renounce what is be.
fore me-"
No one appeared to notice her smiling
happy face all through that day, ant
it was indeed surprise to Norma t.
hear voice behind her as she walked
homeward that night, saying, MAY
walk way with you, Miss Grey?"
Turning, she saw Jack Greer hurry
ing to overtake her.
"Why, surely, Mr.. Greer. How is il
you're going my way tonight?"
Curiosity, just curiosity. Miss Gre,
all day I've been consumed by i
every time I've looked at your shinin,
face; and / hope that our eight years
association may perhaps be sufficien
excuse for my intrusion tonight"
Could this be "Silent Jack" as tn
girls secretly called him in the office