The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1920-04-09
A
CLEVER GIRL
~0
By T. B. ANDERSON

~" uPoH VIC STA OI business the
latter, Gregory Hall, started in as a
bred-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
manufactures. was somewhat nettled
at the superior airs of this domineer-
ing tyro and the rapiGity with which
he Won business distinction. Hall ac-
cepted recognition as to his ability. but
did not flare or flash rs 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 APP
parently and Kept exclusively to him
self.
Cyril vas anxious to win the favor
of his uncle. He was one of half IA
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
s'-AiCd W SNdlId Y W u
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
Cyrli realized that his irascible tenn
Per might become infamed il he
learned that his nephew was wooing a
young lady outside of the family set.
Nearly every Saturday afternoon
Cyrll met Ethel at a 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
Mr.. Alston's private Office. The latter
had beer 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
iked being away from Ethel, but de-
parted on his mission.
During his absence Hall perfected a
plot ne had formed. Its success in a
way depended on the elimination of
llshinent, for. in a measure, they were
q check on his operations. He had al
ready advised Mr.. Aston of his
nephew's attachment for the pretty
steno-rapher and she had been
promptly discharged. Cyril. suspect
inc tho tnlDhnarn. ,,ccnl hin, ,,s+h 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 serviceY'
Il guess | had better tell YOU the
TRUTH responded Mr.. Aston. Il
learned that you We're all but engaged
to her. | can't have that. you know.
If YOU have not sufficient respect for
through with you"
You are indeed through with me,
and | with you" cried Cyril, indig-
nantly. Miss Mason is worthy of any
mans regard and | love her dearly.
II it is a 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 a wretched week. At
posted on a train.
Dear friend" it 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 a new
source. Twice he met his uncle on the
street and bowed ~courteously, but the
latter refused to recognize him. Then,
n day. a glorious sunburst of Joy IL
lumined his lonely, longing soul. He
met Ethel on the street. There were
mutual greetings, such as only loyal,
loving hearts can experience.
Il have just come from your uncle"
said Ethel. 'The day ! was discharged
from his service l overheard enough
between himself and Hall to know that
the latter had brought about our trOu-
BILE. Then l remembered something.
For some months he had been handling
the new accOun 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 accomplish, and billing only one.
The thought came to me to go, tt
Springfield and seek employment with
Lull, which | did. An hour since I
proved to your uncle that Hall had
stolen thousands of dollars worth of
goods from him."
"Aud my uncle?' queried Cyril anx-
iOusly.
"Said | was too valuable an m
rlo-no - lncn Coid t0n hi u,nlpsN