The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1921-07-01
THE "SNOB"
KATHERINE NEWELL.

70, 1921, by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.)
Shirley Disnay was a newcomer to
Smethbro'. After the detached air of
New York, the interest which the Of
fee girls took in the society set'' of
the town amazed her. So far she had
found the small oil town about as ex-
citing as mill pond, and she herself
as lonely as goldfish in a bowl of
stagnant water, under the gaze of Gu
rious eyes. They knew her as 1.-THE
new systemizer" to "The Merrett Re
filming Co."
Robert Merrett had frankly stated
in letter to Shirley's firm, that she
would not be received with open arms
by his office employees; they had mud
died along for over thirty years with
out any System" and looked on it
as more or less of a fad
Eyes, he has perfectly wonderful
voice, goes to Paris to have it trained
Too bad he has an idea that women
like him only for his money" purred
Lucille Wilmer, the head clerk in
Sales" as they We're eating lunch.
Shirley pricked up her ears and
found that it was Robert Merrett un-
der discussion.
Il suppose it's true, thought" said
Shirley, with a wise smile. I'D love
to meet this wonderful rich man."
my goodness, Miss Disnay, do you
think Robert Merrett would look at
one of his office clerks?'
So Shirley fibbed day after day, let
ting out hints of peachy car rides, din
ners, dates, and of future meetings in
the gay city on her return.
The scenery around Smethbro' was
consolation to Shirley. She would
pack lunch and wander away into
the woods and hills.
One Saturday afternoon she decided
to take her supper in the woods and
build fire to make coffee, another
new experience in her city-bred life.
Shirley had just managed to coax the
fire into flame and wondering how cof-
fee was made without burnt fingers,
when she was startled to see the fig
ure of big man at her side.
Don't you know the danger of for
est fires?' he demanded, in angry ac-
cents.
Don't you think you could have
warned me without soaring me almost
to .death?" Shirley blazed back. Il
had an awful time getting the fire to
burn, too," she added, wistfully.
From New York;" He smiled now,
with friendly eyes.
Eyes, and the first fire I've ever
made"
"a little lonely camping by oneself,
eh?" he went on, with glance at the
coffee pot and basket.
"It's lot of fun! l wonder if you
could tell me how to make coffee
without getting scorched"
Delighted, on the condition you
give me a cup?" he responded in a
pleased voice.
The moon was rising above the hills
as Shirley and the stranger gathered
the remains of the lunch together and
prepared to leave for the town.
Don't you think you would like
this beauty-sometimes?" the man
asked.
Il might" Shirley replied, with a
reserved note in her voice. Then with
grateful SMILE she thanked him for
his timely help and company. When
she arrived at her room and thought
the adventure over, she realized that
neither had asked the others name.
"And he was gentleman, too" she
sighed, little regretfully.
On Monday morning she was told
to report to the managers office.
"Miss Disnay, regret this has hap
pened, but a small town like this
Smethbro'-will talk" the manager
began in a distressed tone. "Mr.
Merrett is here this morning. He tells
me report has come to him that he
has been taking you around. You are
pretty little girl, and Mr.. Merrett
feels responsible for you-tO your
firm. the young ladies here started
the report. They tell me you told
them so yourself. Mr.. Merrett is anx-
ious to get this wrong impression
cleared up-for his sake and yours
He will see you in his Office"
Don't you know a small town is
dangerous for a pretty girl to rO-
nance in?" came in familiar accents
as she entered the office, and looking
up met the smiling gaze of the man
of the woods.
mo, or l should have shown more
sense" Shirley faltered back. "Oh, !
wish you would believe me, Mr.. Mer-
rett-I just made wrong impression
about knowing you, because-be'
cause"
Because what?" demanded Robert
Merrett.
Because they told me you would
not look at an office girl" she finished