The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1920-02-20
A
CLEVER GIRL
(aED
BY T. B. ANDERSON

'Sopyrlsht. 1920. western Newspaper Union)
When Aston & Co. arranged for an
enlc!ency man to steer their business
bark upon the sea Of business the
latter, Gregory Hall, started in as Il
bred-in-the-bOne diSciplinarian and de-
Veioped into an autOcrat. Hall was Il
practical economist. He introduced
rules and methods that cut out waste
OF boil time and money.
Cyril Blake, nephew Of the rich
manufacturer, was somewhat nettied
at the superior airs of this domineer-
ing tyro and the rapidity with which
he won business distinction. Hall ac-
cepted recognition as to his ability. but
did not flare or fash as to manner OF
attire. a cold, unSympathctic being,
he pursued the ever tenor Of his way,
his calculating eye ever on the alert,
lived modestly, had no bad habits APP
parently and kept exclusively to him
self.
Cyril was anxious to win the favor
OF his uncle. He was one of half Il
dozen relatives of the manufacturer
who had been taken into his service,
and he alone had stayed. Just now,
after a year at the grind, Cyril was
particularly anxious to stand well with
the stern old millionaire, for he was in
owe with Miss Ethel Mason, his ste
uographer. She was poor and humble,
and all that, and unknown in accepted
social circles. The manufacturer was
a great stickler as TO social ethics and
Cyril realized that his irascible tenn
per might become inflamCd if he
learned that his nephew was wooing a
young lady outside of the family set.
Nearly every Saturday afternoon
Cyril met Ethel at a public park and a
stroll or an auto ride resulted. One
day they passed Hall. Cyril noted a
sly, crafty smile illuminate the sinister
features of his unCle's manager.
The next week Cyril was called into
Mr.. Alston's private office. The latter
had been surly and disagreeable for
several days. He Informed Cyril that
he wished him to spend a week in an
other city for the house. Cyril dis
liked being away from Ethel, but de-
parted on his mission.
During his absence Hall perfected a
plot he had formed. It's success in a
way depended on the elimination OF
both Cyril and Ethel from the estab-
ilshment, for, in Il measure, they we're
a check on his operations. He had al
ready advised Mr.. Aston OF his
nephew's attachment for the pretty
Stenographer and she had been
promptly discharged. Cyril, suspect
ing the talebearer, passed him with Il
look of ~undisguised dislike and con-
tempt as he made his way to the Of
flee of his uncle. The latter was ready
to congratulate Cyril on his successful
business trip, but his nephew's face
was stern and accusing as he asked:
"Uncle, why has Miss Mason been
discharged from your service?"
81 guess l had better tell you the
truth" responded Mr.. Aston. 81
learned that you were all but engaged
to her. ! can't have that, you know.
If you have not sufficient respect for
me to marry in your class l am
through with you"
You are indeed through with me,
and l with you!" cried Cyril, indig-
nantly. Miss Mason is worthy Of any
mans regard and | love her dearly.
If it is q question Of giving her up or
remaining in your good graces l shall
say g%ood-by."
Cyril had no doubt that he would
find his missing love, but at the end Of
two days gave up the quest in despair.
He decided that Ethel had left the
city. He passed a wretched week. At
it's end he received q letter, evidently
posted on a train.
Dear friend" it read, "you shall
soon hear from me, and probably in a
way that will clear the situation. Trust
and believe in me-"
Cyril found employment at a new
source. Twice he met his uncle on the
street and bowed courteously, but the
latter refused to recognize him. Then,
n day, a glorious sunburst of JOY IL
lumined his lonely, longing soul. He
met Ethel on the street. There were
mutual greetings, such as only loyal,
loving hearts can experience.
II have just come from your uncle"
said Ethel. "The day l was discharged
from his service | overheard enough
between himself and Hall 10 know that
the latter had brought about our trou-
bic. Then l remembered something.
For some months he had been handling
the new account with Robert Lull.
Springfield, and several times | noticed
discrepancies in that account. Do you
know what he was doing? Shipping
double cOnsignments to Lull, who was
his accomplice. and billing only one.
The thought came to me to 90 to
Springfield and seek employment with
Lull. which | did. An hour since l
proved to your uncle that Hall had
stolen thousands Of dollars worth Of
goods from him."
"And my uncle?" queried Cyril anx
iously.
"Said I was too valuable az en-
q