The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1920-06-04
A
CLEVER GIRL
By T. B. ANDERSON


Copyright. 1870. Western Newspaper Union)
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 4
observation-disclosures disciplinarian and de-
veloped into an autocrat. Hail 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 domineer-
Ing tyro and the rapidity with which
he won business distinction. Hall &C.
cepted recognition rs 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 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 inflamed II 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 q
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 .
plot he had formed. It's success in q
way depended on the elimination of
both Cyril and Ethel from the estab-
lishment. for, In measure, they were
b check on his operations. He had al
ready advised Mr.. Aston Of his
nephew's attachment for the pretty
and she had bees
promptly discharged. Cyril, suspect
Ing the talebearer, passed him with
look of undisguised dislike and con-
tempt as he made his way to the Of
dee 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
II guess I had better tell you the
ruth" responded Mr.A Aston. Il
earned that you were alkbut engaged
% her. can't have that you know.
# you have not sufficient respect for
ne to marry in your class l am
through with you" a
You are indeed through with me,
ind / with you" cried Cyril, indig.
lantly. Miss Mason is worthy of any
mans regard and ! love her dearly.
+ 1t is question Of giving her up or
in your good graces shall
ay good-by."
Cyril had no doubt that he would
ind his missing love, but at the end Of
wo days gave up the quest In despair.
He decided that Ethel had left the
ity. He passed wretched week. At
is end he received letter, evidently
osted on train.
Dear friend" 1t read, you shall
Don hear from me, and probably in
yay that will clear the situation. Trust
nd believe IN me-"
Cyril found employment at new
ource. Twice he met his uncle on the
treet and bowed courteously, but the
litter refused to recognize him. Then,
ne day. glorious sunburst of joy IL
Imlned his lonely, longing soul. He
let Ethel OF the street. There were
MUTUAL greetings, such as only loyal,
wing hearts can experience.
II have just come from your uncle"
aid Ethel. '1'he day was discharged
rom his service l overheard enough
etween himself and Hall to know that
ne latter had brought about our trou.
lie. Then i remembered somethlngl
or some months he had been handlinRI
,e new account with Robert Lull.
pringfeld, and several times noticed
in that account. Do you
now what he was doing? Shipping
ouble consignments to Lull, who was
is accomplish. and billing oily one.
he thought came to me to 60 to
and seek employment with
ull, which / did. An hour since ]
roved to your uncle that Hall had
oen thousands Of dollars worth Of
,ods from him."
"And my uncle?" queried Cyril anx.
usfy.
said l was too valuable an en-
oyee to lose. Said, too, he would
<s~1~ L. III L..