The Mount Holly news., 1919-12-02
LOVE VS.. BUSINESS
BY HELEN IvERs.


Copyright. 1913. Mcclure Newspaper Syn.
dicate)
Joan felt strangely Insignificant as
she entered the once Of Weston &
Sons on her first day Of work. She
timidly glanced around and saw ut the
desk. which seemed, by the way, to be
miles away. middle-aged man writ.
ing diligently. She coughed discreetly
The man kept on writing, however
paying no attention to the newcomer
Joan remembered one Of the rules OF
her business course. 1t seemed to
stand before her now In blazing let
ters, BE respectfully self possessed. y
Oh. the futility Of all those years OF
learningl How often had she prac-
ticed that dignifled but demure walk
to her employers desk to be afraid
now, at the crucial moment.
But afraid she was, and without a
backward glance she rushed out Of the
ofiice directly into human figure, just
who or what she could not discern,
and only heard family some apparent
apologies.
A few seconds later Walter Curtis
entered his uncle's presence.
3Well, uncle" he greeted him with a
questioning look; rather unusual, isn't
1t, for you to so frighten your secre-
tary that she rushes blindly from you u
! don't think 1t is funny" he added.
as he saw his uncle's eyes twinkle.
Mr.. Weston. however. now broke
into q hearty laugh.
II didn't say word to her" he ex-
planned between times. "Oh, Walter,
am I as ferocious as thatf' And he
forthwith told his nephew Of Joan's
entrance.
Curtis had to laugh, though unwill-
ingly. 'Go on with your work, uncle" !"
he said
Mr.. Weston again pressed the but
ton for his new secretary and she en-
tered in few moments. looking at
him doubtfulIy. Mr.. Weston, how
ever, made no sign that he knew this
was not her first entrance, and after
q few directions started his dictation.
0OaA " - Tic Auakiukc Va q 6OOQ olC-
nographer and Mr.. Weston did not
fail to note this. AS he watched her
neat, well-kept hands fly over the pa
per, he inwardly congratulated him.
self that at last his regime Of untidy
secretaries was over.
Such things as were going through
his mind. however, were far distant
from his nephew's. Curtis, too, no.
ticed her hands, but took no note of
their secretarial capabilities. He llso
noticed the poise of her chestnut
crowned head and the wonderful eye
lashes that frfnged her cheek.
At last Mr.. Weston was through.
You may 60 to dinner at IL AS" he
said.
He looked up suddenly as his
nephew coughed rather feebly.
you want to take care Of that
cough, Walter" he said, his eyes
twinkling again.
Joan looked, too. II know Of q per-
fectly wonderful cough medicine" she
advanced shyly. Mother always
bought 1t for u.s."
go outside with Miss Lake." Mr.
Weston said. II am really worried
about you. Walter. This IL my
nephew, Walter Curtis, Miss Lake"
Outside they went, leaving Mr.. Wes-
ton to his own devices.
As the days went by Joan proved
her mettle, and Mr.. Weston declared
continually that he could never get
along without her. A stenographer
who could spell without the delaying
aid Of the dictionary, and whose pres
ence was an encouragement instead Of
a drslwback, was something new to
him, and he wondered how he ever
managed before.
His only cloud was his nephew,
which latter developed a strong and
sudden attachment for his hitherto
rather neglected uncle, and 1t was no
unusual thing to have that now detest-
ed one be present at his morning die
tation and to stay around for some
time after. He greatly feared that his
days Of peace were few and snubbed
hts nephew numerically.
One day on his arrival Curtis real
ixed his uncle's worst fears, and told
that long-suffering man that Joan hhd
promised to marry him.
Mr.. Weston rang his secretary's
bell and jumped up when that young
lady entered.
Miss Lake." he fairly roared. my
nephew has just told me of your
promise to marry him. Have I no
rights whatever7 Am / to be left in
the lurchT
Joan was surprised. why, surely,
there are plenty of other girls to take
my place. I did-didn't suppose you
would mind. Mr.. Weston"
"Mindl Am to lose the best secre-
tary have had for years just for the
sake Of that young mani" Mr.. Weston
cast look at his nephew.
Joan looked somewhat relieved.
"Oh, If that's all, Mr.. Weston" she
smiled. Il have sister-she Is much
better than l am as q secretary, for
she is more experienced by quite a
few years. Besides" her eyes
twinkled mischievously, "she is Just
now out Of work."
he grunted. well, bring her along,
young woman" he said.
Joan giggled as she turned to Our
tbs. 'Wouid another Of my sisters do
You for a wife, walterT