The Delta independent., 1920-07-23
THE
AFTERMATH
By cENEvIEvE ULMAR.

ne was pale ana agl1ateO anu actcu
like man who had received a heavy
blow.
mot because of any dishonesty, Nor
ma" he said, bravely attempting a
smile. "Since l was given charge of
the securities cage my salary has been
raised and seem to have pleased both
Mr.. Wardell, the president of the bank.
and the directors with my services.
Today 1 carried all the Liberty bond
packets to the desk of Mr.. Wardell for
him to check up. He returned them
an hour later. Then l was called to
the cashiers desk on some business.
| When returned to assert the packets
one was missing-No. %. Mr.. War
| dell's schedule showed he had checked
| it, with the others. It was for $1,000.
1t was gone, and the only fault found
with me was that 1 had left the pack
! cts on my desk when hurriedly called
by the cashier, instead of first placing
them in the vault"
"Then-"
Somebody on the watch, 1t is as
sumed, reached through the wicket and
extracted the $1,000 packet"
"And Mr.. Wardell?"
Consulted the directors. he was
kind enough and just enough to vouch
for my integrity, but said that ! was
getting old, that l needed,less respon-
sible work and has offered to retain
me at a reduced salary, but in an In
ferior position. 1t Is hard lines r. and
the voice broke. my pride-my
pride"
Norma came up to her father and
twined her arms about him. Dear IA
ther," she said tenderly. II shall give
up my preparations to become a teach
er. You have had me help you SO much
with bank work you have brought
home evenings that l have practically
learned the business, as you may say.
At all events we are responsible for a
loss of $1,000. Together we will make
1t good"
That was the amazing proposition
Norma Drury made to stern, systemat-
ic Martin Drury the next day. II the
old fnancier was secretly moved by
the fllial act and sacrifice of the loyal
young girl. he did not betray the fact.
In his cool, methodical way he accept
ed the proffer, and one quarter Of the
Joint compensation Of father and
daughter was each month to be re-
tanned and credited on the loss ac-
count.
II Mr.. Drury felt humiliated by his
reduction in working rank 1t was more
than made up for in having Norma for
company in the bank. He grew a lit
tie more gray, little more bent, but
he was proud of his daughter and their
mutual work for noble object filed
both with high sense of duty sturdily
faced.
David WardelI's health failed and he
was ordered to sanitarium for per-
manent treatment. A month later he
died and his only son, Sydney, was
summoned from college to take charge
of the affairs of the bank. He was
bright, intelligent fellow and from the
start Norma attracted him. When he
learned all the details of her connec-
tion with the bank there appeared
high order of respect and admiration in
his manner toward her. He never al
luded to the loss of the bonds, but
twice In the ensuing year he advanced
Mr.. Drury in position and salary. He
came to Norma one day, later.
"Miss Drury," he said, "you have done
such faithful, helpful work during the
past year, that the bank has decided
to send you away for months vaca
ton, bearing all expenses and your sal
ary to run on the same with 25 per
cent raise for next year."
"You are very kind, but do deserve
itT spoke Norma.
1--WE think So" declared Sydney
heartily, and Norma felt that he was
genuinely sincere. 1t was a rest she
craved and enjoyed. The happy four
weeks ended In a surprise. The day
before setting out for her return she
received note from her father that
considerably mystified her. 1t Informed
her that young Wardell would be at
Leevllle the next morning on an auto
mobile trip, and that he would call for
her and drive her home. 1t was not
strange that Norma fiuttered and mar
veied when the young man arrived
next day.
It was late afternoon when the car
reached her home town. Young War
| dell drove around to the bank and halt
ed In front of It.
There has been something Of
change in the personnel Of the insti-
tuition since you went away. Miss
Drury," he told her, and he pointed to
newly emblazoned window bearing
the two names: Sydney Wardell.
President: Martin Drury. Cashier"
Norma stared, bewiidered.
| 1--WE were moving my fathers old
desk last week." said Sydney, land be.
| hind one Of the drawers we found that
/ O..