Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-04-08
Copyright. 1889. western Newspaper


"As it comes along, surely. have
no property to protect from fire haz-
ard, however. already carry some
fair life insurance. BY the way,
though, some of my friends have ad-
vised me that coming out of my busi
ness shell and essaying the society
role l may become a victim Of de
signing mother-in-law prospective.
say, you don't insure against marriage,
do you7"
ION the contrary" replied Porter
with perfect serenity. 1--WE take Lloyd's
risks on anything from mans can
didate choice of election to an air
ship trip around the world. Love in
surance? Oh, dear, yes! and ms you
are non hazardous in that respect a
thousand for year will cost you
mere pittance"
Book me INSTANTLY" ordered Bor-
den, joining in the whimsical raillery
Of the moment. "And, by the way,
expect 1t will be some time before I
definitely settle as to my permanent
place Of habitat. In the meantime
I have some business to transact.
Would you indulge me enough to let
me sort Of make your Office here my
headquarters, dropping in once in a
while when have an appointment
"You will oblige and honor me by
considering the Office your own" re-
piled Porter ccommodatingly. 81 am
going East for two weeks and you
can use my desk freely. Miss Trum-
bull-a moment please"
The stenographer was at the side
Of her employer in an instant.
"My friend. Mr. Borden" went on
Porter. and Miss Trumbull directed
mere casual fitting glance at Porter,
in recognition of the Introduction, and
then concentrated her attention solely
upon her employer. "You will see
that my friend has the full use of
the office until my return"
Miss Cleora Trumbull bowed silent
ly and was back at her typewriter
with the diligence of a well-trained
employee, all business, and SO oblivi
GUS to Borden that he looked slightly
nettled.
"There is jewel" spoke Porter
enthusiastically. mo Sinking work,
no wasting time, no chatting or flirt-
ing with the young men in the next
Office, like her predecessors. And, by
the way, Borden, half believe she Is
your prototype. You are woman
hater; she acts like a man hater."
"You put me in rather ungraceful
category" resented Borden. some
/ what piqued. "The young lady is GER
tainly an agreeable contrast to the
general run of simpering, made-up CO.
quotes 1t has been my fate to meet"
Porter left the city the next morn
ing. About noon Borden came into the
office. Miss Trumbull received him
with pleasant nod. but went on
strictly with her work. After attend
ing to some correspondence Borden
requested her to take some dictatiOn.
Lightning quick in her work, and
/ no waste" ruminated Borden, a tritie
disappointed, however, for Miss Trum-
bull offered no excuse for chat. His
respect for the young lady increased
! and he realized that idleness after
years of close attention to work was
I making life drearily monotonous. One
day her mother visited the Office, and
/ he invited both to assuage his gloom
/, by forming theater party.
/ At the end OF two weeks Porter re.
I, turned. Borden met him at the depot
! Ills face was 80 Jubilant, his manner
so spirited that Porter wondered what
caused his excessive exhilaration.
II say, Porter" he observed, as they
! proceeded toward the Office, you Will
have to dispense with the services OF
Miss Trumbull."
"Why. what do you mean" In
| qulred the astonished Porter
"And you had better cancel that
love insurance. or you may have te
pay It."
Cancel it?" repeated Porter
vaguely.
"That's It," nodded Borden, all Joy
GUS smiles 81 don't want goot
friend like you to lose thousand dol
lars. I'd Ike to make you present
OF ten. for you have been the mean.
of showing me a new road to happi
ness. When we get to the office con
gratulations will be in order, fol
Cleora has consented to become my
wife"
The Office -,,s Trouble.
The office bog I'd been sitting fol
hours at typewriter, gazing vacantly
into distance, and the force was becom
ing worried. Hes SICK" suggested the
kindly, old, grav-ho red bookkeeper
but the blonde stenographer insisted
there must have been some tragedy al
home. The suspense ended when the
lad suddenly tuned to the fat claim
clerk and inquired: "Say, Mr.. Jones
lhow do you spell Thelma7'
y .-- --- -------<. lEs