Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-09-13
DAILY NOVELETTE,
BETTY'S VACATION
BY Marion G.. Leesam

DEITY Saunders listened %enviously
~ while two of the other stenographers
of the little firm of Brown & Co. talked
eagerly about vacations. One of the
girls was going up on the cool Maine
shore, while the other was anticipating
spending her two weeks on the edge of
a beautiful lake at the foot of the New
Hampshire hills.
Her mother was an invalid. 1t had
been a hard pinch for Mrs. Saunders
TO let Betty go through school, but she
was now rcaping the benefit, as Betty,
having studied hard, now held the po-
sition Of private secretary to the
president. She earned a fairly good
salary and she and her mother got
along quite comfortably so far as
everyday living was concerned, but a
vacation meant money, if only away
for a week, and Betty dared not sug-
gcst it.
Her thoughts were suddenly inter-
ruptcd by the sound of u buzzcr sum-
muuing her to the presidents office.
She hastily wiped away all trace of
tears. and. taking her notebook, walked
across the hall into the private Office.
Seated beside Mr.. Brown was n tall,
fair-huired chap im khaki. lie arose as
Betty entered and Mr.. Brown intro
duc"d him.
Miss Saunders, this is my son, who
has just returned. having spent eight
cen months in France. Instead Of
going back for his last year at college
he is going to start in here and learn
the business. You will take his dicta.
ton 10Y and any inside lines on the
work that you know about l will trust
YOU TO make clear to him."
As the days passed On Betty spent
much more of her time in the Office of
the young Mr.. Brown and realized
more and more how Mr.. Brown, ST.,
was relying on his son and by degrees
relieving himself of some of the bur
drns he had been bearing alone. The
time passed very quickly to Betty. and
before she knew it the time came when
she was to close up her typewriter and
leave for two long weeks. Usually
Betty had Il half holiday on Saturday,
but today she worked overtime in order
to get things ready for the girl who
was to substitute for her. Jack
Brown, although he didn't show it,
was quite annoyed, at the thought Of
her being away, from a business stand
ppint. and then he couldn't quite pic
turc any one else sitting in her place.
1t was Il very warm, sultry after
noon. and as Betty worked she felt
happy at the thought of n vacation.
Even though she couldn't go away, She
could at least rest in the shady ham
mock at home away from the rush and
turmoil of the city.
While she was getting ready to go
home Mr.. Brown, Jr., anne over and
wished ncr n pleasant vacation.
"Where are You going, Miss Saun-
dcrs. seashorc or country"
Betty flushed and quietly told him of
her mothers illness and how she was
unable to go away. She was too proud
to let him know she couldn't afford to
take her mother away.
"That'S n shame" said Jack, in
wardly kicking himself for being the
cause of her embarrassment. you
work so hard here in the Office you de
serve a little recreation"
After Betty had gone he thought
over the situation and his face light
ned as he thought of a plan. At 7:3O
that evening the telephone Mt Betty's
house tinklpd and Mr.. Jack Brown was
on the line.
Il thought YOU might like to take n
littI" motor, ride, it's such a warm
night that is, if you have no other
c~ugagcmont.'
Bctty's heart jumped. II would just
love to. but
'.And, of course. your mother viii
accompany us. | think Il ride along
the saashorc would do her good"
That settled it for Betty, and Mrs
Saunders was just as pleased, for ;
change for her away from the hous,
was a rare treat.
Many happy times followed durini
the two weeks. There were picnic par
ties and drives through the cool greer
country or another time along the shore
and when Betty returned to the ofic
she was a very happy girl.
The following spring came with al
its brightness and soon vacation tim
was again being discussed at Brown &
Co. Betty listened to the chatter o
the girls and thought of all the change
that happened in one year.
That night she and Jack took a lon
ride. When he stopped his ear q
Betty's house, on their return, he ten
!. derby took her hand.
"Well. little girl, where are 20
going on your vacation this year,
Il don't know" said Betty, he
thoughts far away.
II do" said Jack. You're goin
to marry me and we're going on
months honeymoon He slipped
sparkling ring on Betty's finger an
then kissed it reverently.
How is that for a vacation
Betty was too happy to answer bu
Mr.. Brown, ST., did a good deal c
idgeting while his son was away ths
/ month, and quietly mourned the los
Of his secretary forever.
The newt cnmnIete nOVelette-Th