Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1921-12-07
Hilda Becomes
Engaged
By WILLIAM FALL.

business, and many girl would con-
slider herself lucky to receive the At
tentions he has shown you"
Mother, his attentions are more
than distasteful to me. / cannot bear
to even have him speak to me-"
'aThere are q good many reasons
why you should encourage him." de-
clared Hilda Mason's stepmother.
The girl put on her wraps and left
her humble home for her daily work.
The worldly advice Of her stepm0th-
er had made little impression upon
Hilda. James Armitage was practi-
cally her employer. He was in full
charge of the silk factory of Meserve
& Co., one of several operated by that
wealthy firm.
Armitage had come to the plant
about a year previous. From the first
Hilda had felt repealed by him.
Armitage had seemed to take q
fancy to Hilda, as the thoughtless Mrs.
Mason put it in her shallow way.
When on two occasions recently he
had asked permission to take Hilda to
places of entertainment, she had not
enjoyed his company, and was glad to
get home again.
Hilda evaded Armitage, and twice
when he called managed to get out
of the way. Hence her stepmother's
advice.
A new interest came into the life
of Hilda one day. Armitage passed
through the sample department accom-
panied by bright-faced athletic young
man. The latter seemed interested In
everything he saw. Something about
the neat, graceful Hilda held his
glance. She noticed it and flushed,
but his look was SO pleasant she could
not feel offended.
| HE is Mr. Harold Macy" COM
recommended to Mr.. Armitage, and Is
going to be kind of overseer."
Armitage was absent for several
days inspecting another mill. 1t was a
happy week for Hilda The new en-
ployee passed through her department
frequently. From the first he had a
pleasant word for her. Then he began
to question her about her work and it's
details One evening he was strOEing
past her home when he met her. There
was a band concert going on in the
public square. The young man asked
for her company there. Both enjoyed
the concert.
Mrs. Mason gave Hilda a great lee
ture when she got home. "Spoiling her
chances tout of respect for Mr.. Arm
itage," were some of the pointed
phrases she used.
A few evenings later young Macy
called at the Mason home. But for the
glum looks of Mrs. Mason, it was a
second happy occasion for Hilda.
| Armitage returned, came into the
| room where she sat at work next
morning. He was pale and stern look
ing. He forced a smile as il asking
welcome.
II heard of your having quite so
cial time during my absence" insinu-
! ated the manager. "Hilda," and he
4 came a step nearer, and his eyes had
an eager, sinister glow, "the time has
I come when circumstances force me to
1 reveal my feelings toward you. /
have spoken to your mother; wish.
you to become my wife,"
"Oh, Mr. Armitagel" breathed Hilda
TREMENDOUSLY. "You must not-that Is,
cannot-cannot marry you"
sseeaRse, Hppose," sneered the
nanaeae viii \ dark scewl, "you have
nkea y Fssa this Bsw employees,
A9syt'
4 1t was coarsely said Words and
manner were offensive. Hilda bridled.
''Mr. Macy is gentleman and
dear friend of mine,' she said
staunchly, as though defending him
from aspersion.
ssHe shall not remain here long to
cross my path u cried Armitage saw
agely. Armitage sprang towards Hilda
and threw an arm around her.
"You shall become my wife," he
cried. st am not used to being crossed
In my plans" In excess Of emotion
the manager attempted to kiss Hilda.
With a scream she beat his face with
both her hands.
"That will do" spoke a calm, but
masterful voice, and Armitage was
hurled to the other end Of the room.
Your painted the manager, recog-
nizing young Macy, his eyes blazing
with fury. "You are discharged from
my employ Out of here at once, or l
will have you thrown out"
''Your employ?" replied young
Macy my man, I advise you to get
to the Office and be ready for an ac-
counting, which will be demanded of
you by my father. the owner of this
business. have telegraphed him, and
he will be here tomorrow. A dis
charged girl employee gave us hint
of your double dealings In dividing
sales profits with our clients. came
here under an assumed name TO get
the details. My correct name is Vic
tor Meserve."
Armitage skunk from the room
With a slight twinkle In his eye, young
Meserve turned to the astOnished
Hilda.
Miss Mason-Hilda," he said, "judg
ing from what you just told that man,
you intend to remain a spinster. Still,
recalling your kind words about my
SELF. must hope that you will allow
| me one favor
| rrbo4 &c, fo1+oro1 Hid,