The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-02-21

IaISe IL is, OF now Lrues no man can
know-but there is a tradition that
every woman expects every man she
meets to offer her an insult-that's
the technical term--as soon as they
are alone.
"That feeling is what women are
going to run into every time they try
to force their way into business. 1t
win die out. I suppose, to certain ex-
tent, as you crowd into our field. 1t
will be one of the last privileges
you'll lose. You're already permitted
to stand up in street cars and go out
after dark alone. BY and by you will
have to make your advances to the
men yourselves in the frankest man
ner, instead of subtly as now"
Daphne broke in coldly, "That will
be very welcome day to most Of US"
Somehow it did not sound convinc-
ing to her. There was grave convic-
ton, however, in his response:
ut will be mighty welcome day
to us poor men, Miss Kip. For most
men haven't the faintest desire to
spoon with women. It's hard enough
for some Of them to keep their own
sweethearts and wives sufficiently ca
ressed. Then there's another thing
if I'm not boring you'll haven't made
as long speech since was school
boy and recited 'Spartacus to the
Gladiators.'
go on, please" said Daphne. "a
woman doesn't often get the chance
of hearing man tell the truth about
these things"
Her sarcasm chilled him little, but
he went on:
Il just want to say this-it's an old
mans advice to young woman go
ing into business: when a man asks
for job he brings references, and
they are investigated: or he answers
a lot of questions, and he is given a
trial. Or when two men meet In a
club or elsewhere they shake hands.
That handshake itself is kind of in
vestigation Of character. They learn
each others politics and religion and
prejudices as soon as they can.
$50 when man meets a woman
he is apt to be thrown with good
| deal he is apt to say, What sort is
she?' But the thing that annoys a
man most about having to do business
with a woman is the fear that he will
either compromise her or disappoint
her. That's the first problem to get
out of the way; and there's nothing
easier for woman to do than to con-
vince man that she doesn't want him
to try to fiirt with her-if she doesn't"
Daphne cried, ''In heavens name.
tell me how it's DONE"
"The way to convince him is to be
convinced yourself. If you're sincere
he'll know it."
"But was sincere with you, and
you didn't know it,
II didn't know it at first, but I soon
did think-and now that's what I'm
driving at all this long while. If you're
going into business competition with
men. play fair. Every now and then
one of them, as soon as he finds him
self alone with you, will be polite
enough to insult you. But the average
man will let you alone if you'll let
him alone. Suppose he does make a
mistaken advance, If you could be
sensible enough not to get mad, not to
feel besmirched. but just take 1t as
matter of course and say frankly !:
No. thanks, I'm not interested. / un-
derstand you perfectly. but you needn't
bother or something like that, and
say it honestly, the rest would be plain
sailing.
/ "And now, if you'll forgive me for
talking your arm off and if you'll prove
1t by letting me help you. I'll promise
never to kiss you or try to till-till
T, you ask me to-"
Daphne laughed refreshedly at his
impotence, and he laughed, as well as
he might. And they shook hands with
comradeship.
"And may arrange for you to meet
Reben?"
II hate to ask you now. I've no
right to trouble you. But Pm terribly
anxious to get a job"
"And I'm terribly anxious to get you
one"
you're awfully kind" she said, and
led him to the telephone.
She felt that it would be indicate
to listen, and went back into the liv-
ing room Of the apartment. There
Duane joined her in few moments
with the terrifying news that Reben