Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1921-07-13
A STENOGRAPHER
BY ELEANOR F. DAY.


matter"
The hand Of the unperturbed stenog-
rapher moved swiftly across the page.
She was by no means surprised AT the
words Of her employer-she was only
too used 10 his harsh ways and meth
Ods. She was startled. however, a few
minutes later 10 note a softer express
sion on the old mans face than she
had ever seen before. He began 10
speak, and soon she realized he was
telling her a story-the story of an
ungrateful nephew. whom he had
looked upon as a son. lie had intended
him 80 enter his firm and finally 10
inherit his fortune. In preparation for
the bright future before the lad. he
was sent 10 college.
"But what did that young scamp
do" he fairly shouted NJ the girl, but
run or with the deans stenographer.
A boy with his prospects TO marry a
mere stenographer-crlmin -
Miss Faron moved uneasily in her
seat. ~Mere stenographer." indeed. IL
occurred 20 her that In her employers
mind she was summed up In just those
two words. She had often built castles
81 her own. In which she pictured her
SELF loving and being loved by hand
some and exceedingly wealthy young
man. But now
The old man went right on without
noticing. or az least without pretending
20 notice. her discontinue.
THAT was - years ago. cut him
or without a cent and today received
a letter-the first In all that time
asking me 20 finance his son In some
fool business project. Like as not, the
hoy is just Ike his father and most
probably win run or with a ribbon
clerk OK some blonde stenographer."
And with a snort. the Irate old man
strobe out 81 the Office. leaving be-
hind him resentful little lady.
Life indeed was becoming unbear-
able under hir1. ".Iere stenographer,"
and with q toss OF her head she turned
once more TO her machine. and soon
the rhythmic Observation-Disclosures" OF
the typewriter was the only sound TO
be heard.
An hour later the quiet Of the Office
was broken by a young man who
stepped In and inquired for MIR. Jack
son. please;'
lie was Informed In n soft voice that
the manager would be back at II 40.
The clock hands reached IL 40 and
passed it-but no Mr.. Jackson. How
ever. the visitor was by no means
bored. He informed Miss Faroff that
he was the son az her employers
nephew. and was seeking a business
loan from him. This brought on more
conversation. and his listener was so
very attentive that Mr.. Jackson, Jr.,
did not even notice the flight Of time.
lie WAS quite surprised when she rose
20 90 10 lunch. and asked II he might
accompany her. Anne agreed and the
two went on
At . o'clock the stenOgrapher was
once more seated az her desk. think
ing things over she admitted 10 her
self she had never spent a happier
hour. or ever conversed with a more
delightful young man. He had left
her with n promise TO return the fol-
lowing Jay. And so he did, but strange
"a say. just after the manager had
left. or course. he stayed a while 10
chat with Anne, and promised 10 come
the next day. This went on for
week. Each day he arrived just AFTER
Mr.. Iackson's departure.
Finally he told Anne he had re
ceived assistance from another source
and that he was calling 20 see her and
for no other reason. Following this
explanation he asked permission 10
take her 10 the theater that evening.
and received n.
The next morning Anne was startled
- hear her employer ask: who was
the fine young man ! saw with you
last nighty" and then In a sadder tone
~ once had n nephew who looked
ike that. on. how / worked and
planned for him! But now"
The voice tralled or into silence. a
silence which Anne broke by remark
ing nervously:
eyes. he Is fnei Would you Ike me
% hiring him 20 see your"
The much battered old man readily
gave his consent. so that very after
noon Anne escorted a tall. strappins
Young fellow into the Office. She led
him straight 20 the manager and said
sweetly:
sAfr. Jackson. meet Mr.. Jackson.
For a moment there was silence, IN
which the two men scrutinized each
other. The young Jackson felt his
hand shaken IN n mighty grip. and
heard n choking voice suffering In
an attempt 20 speak.
There followed n long explanation
~ the fniusfices done years ago 10 the