The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1920-03-18
A
CLEVER GIRL
~
BY T. B. ANDERSON

~>$>~~~~$$>~~
copyright. 1920. Western Newspaper Union)
When Aston & Co. arranged for an
efnciency man to steer their business
Dark upon the sea of business the
latter, Gregory Hall, started in as a
ored-in-the-bone disciplinarian and de-
Veioped into an autocrat. Hall was a
practical economist. He introduced
rules and methods that cut out waste
OF both time and money.
Cyril Blake, nephew Of the rich
manufacturer, was somewhat nettled
at the superior airs Of this domineer-
Ing tyro and the rapidly with which
ne won business distinction. Hall &C.
cepted recognition as to his ability, but
uld not flare or fash as to manner of
attire. A cold. unsympathetic being,
he pursued the even tenor Of his way,
his calculating eye ever on the alert,
lived modestly, had no bad habits ap-
parently and kept exclusively to him
self.
Cyril was anxious to win the favor
OF his uncle. He was one of half
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
love with Miss Ethel Mason, his ste
nographer. 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 inf1amed IL he
learned that his nephew was wooing a
young lady outside Of the family set.
Nearly every Saturday afternoon
Cyril met Ethel at public park and a
stroil or an auto ride resulted. One
Gay 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
mad 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 4
Plot he had formed. Its success in a
way depended on the elimination of
both Cyril and Ethel from the estab-
fishment, for, in a measure, they were
check On his operations. He had al
ready advised Mr.. Aston of his
nephew's attachment for thet pretty
stenograpAer and she had been
promptly discharged. Cyril, suspect
Ing the tslebearer. passed him with q
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 serviceT
Il guess / had better tell you the
truth" responded Mr.. Aston. 81
learned that you were all but engaged
to her. 1 can't have that, you know.
II you have not sufficient respect for
me to marry in your class I am
through with you"
you are indeed through with me,
and with you" cried Cyril. indis-
nantly. Miss Mason is worthy of any
mans regard and / love her dearly.
II 1t is question Of giving her up or
remaining in your good graces / shall
say good-by."
Cyril had no doubt that he would
find his missing love. but at the end Of