Deming graphic., 1919-12-16
BETrrs VACATION



while tive Of the other stenographers
Of the little nrn Of Brown Z 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.
Betty's eyes Allied with tears as she
tried hard to concentrate her mind on
the transcribing Of her notes and, as
her fingers SKINNED lightly over the
typewriter keys. she pictured the kind
OF vacation she was going to have.
Her mother was an invalid. II had
been a hard pinch for Mrs. Saunders
to let Betty 60 through school. but
she was now reapIng the benefit, as
Betty. having studied hard, now held
the position of private secretary.
Being young and pretty. good times,
appealed to Betty. but many an invita-
tion had been turned down with re-
gret, rs she dIsliked leaving her moth,
or alone.
Her thoughts were suddenly inter
rupted by the sound of buzzer sum-
moning her to the presidents once.
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 a tall.
fair-haIred chap In khaki. He arose a.
Betty entered and Mr.. Brown intro
duced him.
"Mflss Saunders, this Is my son who
has just returned. having spent eight
cen months in France. Instead Of 60
Ing back for his last year at college he
Is going to start In here and learn the
business. You will take his dlctation
now, and any inside lines on .he work
that you know about I will trust you
to make clear 70 him."
Jack Brown, Jr., was so interested In
watching Betty he hardly heard what
his father was saying, and as she left
the room he seemed q little more In
tercsted IN the idea of starting his bus
mess career than he had few hours
before.
Az the days passed on Betty spent
much more OF her time In the ONCE OF
the young Mr.. Brown. acd realized
mere and more how Mr.. Brown. sr..
was relying on his son and by degrees
relieving himself Of some Of the bur-
dens he had been bearing alone. The
time passed very quickly to Betty and
before she knew II the time came when
she was to close up her typewriter and
leave for two long weeks. Usually
Betty had a half-holiday on Saturday,
but today she worked overtime In or
der to. get things ready for the girl
who was to substitute for her. Jack
Brown, although he didn't show II. was
quite annoyed at the thought Of her be-
ing away, from a business standpoint,
and then he couldn't quite picture any
one else sitting In her place.
II was a very warm. sultry after
noon and as Betty worked she felt
happy at the thought Of vacation.
Even though she couldn't 90 away. she
could ut 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.. came over and
wished her pleasant vacation.
"where are you going, Miss Saun-
ders, seashore or countryT
Betty flushed and quietly told him OF
her mothers illness and how she was
unable to 20 away. She was too proud
to let him knew she couldn't afford to
take her mother away.
, 'That's a shame" said Jack, inward.
J ly kicking himself for being the cause
of her embarrassment. "You work SC
hard here In the office you deserve g
little recreation"
After Betty had gone, he thought
! over the situation, and his face light
ened as he thought Of plan. At 7:sC
that evening the telephone at Betty'i
house tinkled and Mr.. Jack Brown was
/. on the line.
Q 'T thought you might like to take
r little motor ride, it's such a warn
D night, that IL II you have no other en-
+ gagement"
Betty's heart jumped. II would Jus
love to. but"
sand, Of course. your mother VIII &C
company us. / think a ride along thu
seashore would do her good"
That settled II for Betty. and Mrs
Saunders was Just as pleased, for
change for her away from the hous'
was great treat.
Many happy times followed dprini
the two weeks. There were picnic par
ties and drives through the cool greer
country or other rides along TIL
shore, and when Betty returned to tn
| Office 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.'S. Betty listened to the chatter o
the girls and thought Of all the change
that happened in one year.
l That night she and Jack took lon
ride. When he stopped his car at Bet
tvs house. on their return, he tenderi
1 s.o,< h.r hand