Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1919-11-06

But if Arnold Bennett supposed
that here was the opportunity of his
life to make an impression upon the
only child and sole heiress Of the rich
merchant, he was woefully mistaken.
Florence allowed no intimacy. She
was all business, went over the books
and daily reports, and simply treated
the manager politely.
One day a young man called at the
Druse home, sending in his name as
Wendell Gordon, and word that he
wished to see Miss Druse in connec-
ton with office business. Florence
was quite impressed with the modest,
manly bearing of her visitor.
II was introduced to Mr.. Druse by
the colonel of the regiment l was In
abroad" Wendell Gordon told her,
land your father seemed to take lik-
ing to a returned soldier looking for
employment. He said position would
soon be open for me. Today ! called
at the office to be Informed by the man.
ager in a rather cavalierly way that
there were no vacancies"
Florence's eyes flashed She resent
ed instantly the autocratic behavior OF
the manager. Tt might have been her
innate dislike for Bennett or natural
regard for zone Of the soldier boys"
but she said quite determinedly:
II shall be at the office tomorrow
and will speak with Mr.. Bennett about
this matter. In any event, you can go
to work as soon as you are ready"
Wendell Gordon bowed low and he
regarded this positive and evidently
willful young lady with genuine adj
miration. OF course, Bennett was all
agreeable and Sinking when Florence
directed him to place the new man at
work. He servilely explained his for
mer attitude by citing the fact that Cor
don had presented no credentials or
evidence Of an engagement with Mr..
Druse, and that there were many inn
posters around
II fear for the present, the best we
can do for the young man is to place
him in the stock room," said Bennett.
''There happens to be vacancy
there" and so the matter was settled.
Then fate cast those two harmOni-
Gus souls into closer contact. Unex-
pectedly Florence met Gordon at a
military reception where he was one OF
a favored score who were being hon.
ored for exceptional bravery abroad.
That was a delightful evening for both.
and Florence kissed her aunt fervent-
ly and the latter did not disapprOve OF
her inviting the young man to the
house.
He came, but not as Florence had ex-
pected on certain set evening, but
at the grewsome hour of midnight and
with story that brought into the sit
uation almost an element Of tragedy.
Florence and her aunt were just
about to retire when taXicab ratified
to a halt in front of the house. Hur-
ried footsteps sounded on the steps
outside. Mrs. Wayland opened the
door timorously. Florence, peering
over her shoulder, recognized Gordon.
At his feet were two suitcases. He
looked anxious and excited. "You must
pardon this unceremonious CALL" he
said, "but a vital matter of business
requires immediate attention, and then
he poured forth q truly sensational
story.
He had discovered that a number OF
cases invoiced as containing watch
Jewels, springs and other like utilities,
limited of bulk but representing some
thing like $4,000 in value, were
empty. He had made secret inves.
tigation and suspicion as to Arnold
Bennett led to remarkable discovery.
In his room, packed away ready Tor
shipment to confederate were the
missing goods, and everything pointed
to the belief that the unfaithful man.
ager was just about to disappear with
them, and possibly other assets OF the
firm.
At once Florence telephoned for the
firms lawyer. There was no sleep for
these active workers the rest OF that
night. A detective was sent after
Bennett and he was forced to disgorge
the rest of his plumber.
1t was strange situation-Florence
giving her hand to Gordon in warm,
good-by clasp in the garish light OF
the new day. A reflection Of the far
off reddening hues of dawn was upon
her fair cheek, her glance expressed
something more vivid than interest,
and, as their eyes met, their depths
showed mutual love light that time
would glorify into full radiance.