The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1920-02-05
A
CLEVER GIRL
~<N
By T. B. ANDERSON

When Aston & Co. arranged for an
efficiency man to steer their business
bark upon the sea Of business the
latter, Gregory Hall, started in as a
bred-in-the-bone discipliuaran and de-
veloped into an autocrat. Hall was
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 domlncer-
Ing tyro and the rapidity with which
he won business distinction. Hall &C.
cepted recognition as to his ability, but
did not flare or flash 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 modcstly, 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 "A
dozen relatives Of the manufactures
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,
oil NH
social circles. The manufacturer was
= great stickler as to social ethics and
Cyril realized that his irascible tenn
per might become innamed if he
learned that his nephew was wooing
young lady outside of the family set.
Nearly every Saturday afternoon
Cyril met Ethel at 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
MIR. Alstons 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 Its success in a
way depended on the elimination of
both Cyril and Ethel from the estab-
lishment, for, in measure, they were
a check on his operations. He had al
ready advised Mr.. Aston of his
nephew's attachment for the pretty
stenQgrapher and she had been
promptly discharged Cyril, suspect
ing the talebearer, passed him with a
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 I had better tell you the
truth" responded lIr. 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 | am
through with you"
you are indeed through with me,
and | with you" cried Cyril, ihdig-
nantly. Miss Mason is worthy Of any
mans regard and | love her dearly.
If it 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
two days gave up the quest in despair
He decided that Ethel had left the
city, He passed wretched week. At
its end he received letter evidently
posted on a train,
Dear friend" 1t 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 new
source. Twice he met his uncle on the
street and bowed courteOusy, but the
latter refused to recognize him. Then,
one day, a glorious sunburst of Joy H.
iumined his lonely longing soul. He
met Ethel on the street. There were
mutual greetings, such as only loyal,
loving hearts can experience.
81 have just come from your uncle"
said Ethel. "Thc day was discharged
from his service | overheard enough
between himself and Hall to know that
the latter had brought about our trou-
bic. Then | 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 accOmpllCe, ana billing only one.
The thought came to me to 20 tn
Springfield and seek employment with
Lull, which | did An hour since
proved to your uncle that Hall had
stolen thousands Of dollars worth Of
goods from him"
"And my uncleY querled Cyril anx-
lously.
said | was too valuable an en-
ployee to lose, Said, too he would
trust only his own kin in his business
after this, meaning you. lie wishes to
see you at once"
Eyes, Ethel will dc" were the cheer.
Ing words OF John Aston, after
reconciliation with Cyril. "She has
won my admiration and regard, as she
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