Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1919-11-04

tion of affairs cannot exist. We are
here Tor business, pure and simple"
He regarded the girl with stern eyes.
"For the general efficiency and disci-
pline of the Office" he went on, "kind-
ly see that 1t does not occur again"
He bowed In n grandiose manner to in
dicate that the interview was at an
end and bent over his desk. That mat
ter was disposed of.
The color rose to the face Of the
girl, and for moment her eyes regard
ed him dumfounded, then without
word she turned and left the room.
Alone in his Office Henry Travers
tried to concentrate his mipd on the
business in hand. But he felt strange,
ly disturbed. The little incident that
had just occurred insisted on occupying
his thoughts, try as he might to put II
from him.
He was not sure that he had acted
rightly. He realized, too, that he had
spoken harshly, when he had meant
only to be emphatic; where coldness
and Indifference were intended the
throb of passion had crept into his
tones.
In the six months he had been man.
ager Of the Worthwhile Glove com
pany he had always found Julia Deane
q loyal and dependable lieutenant. he
had come to rely on her more than he
had hitherto realized. And the quiet
self-assured manner with which she
carried out her duties had made
powerful impression on his business
sense.
But there had been no other feeling
for her. In all his years he had never
allowed any lesser consideration to
blind the vision Of his mental activi.
ties.
Now, like distorting mirror, flash.
ed before his eyes, he saw and recog.
ntzed the leering face Of jealousy and
the canker had entered his being
Gladly would he have fired Halliday
but he could not sink to the humllia'
ton of letting his personal feelings
overcome his common sense.
As he sat at his desk. vainly trying
to concentrate on material things,
knock came at the door. He looked
w. The very man who was occupying
his thoughts was standing there. As
he advanced Travers noticed the look
of boyish gladness on his face OF
triumph in his eyes.
The older man steeled himself tC
meet young Halliday. 1t had been 9
rule of the Office for many years that
employees should notify the chief In
the event of an approaching marriage
A tradition duly observed. There could
he but one reason, then, for that look
of supreme happiness on Halliday's
face.
"The time has come" said the young
er man drawing himself up at the desk
"when in accordance with custom
have notification to make" he hes
itated. Travers nodded. Mechanical'
IL be reached out and shook the Others
hands.
"Congratulations, Halliday" he said
'I suppose now you and Miss Deane-'
He broke of. swell, one mans loss IL
another mans gain. I shall be losing
the best secretary ! ever had" He
dropped his eyes from the young mans
face. Halliday stared at him mysti
fed.
"Why, what's the big idea. Mr.. Iray
ers7 You won't be losing her through
me-"
'But Ill understood You were be
trothed," stammered the manager.
"Say, Mr.. Travers, what do you takt
me fora polygamistf" laughed HALL
day.
Travers looked at him sternly. d.
resented the fippant tone In the WORDS
II take you for nothing but an hon
orable man, Mr.. Halliday. With you
salary, presume you Will not expec
your wife to work."
II hope not, indeed" Yespopded IN