The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1921-11-11
Hilda Becomes
Engaged
By WILLIAM FALL.

| tChtlolS uC has SlOWu yOu.
Mother, his attentions are more
than distasteful to me. / cannot bear
to even have him speak to me-"
"There are a 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 stepmoth-
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
4 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Hilda had felt repealed by him.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 a
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 s~tepmother's
advice.
A new interest came into the life
Of Hilda n day. Armitage passed
through the sample department accom-
panied by a bright-faced athletic young
man. The latter seemed interested in
everything he saw. Something about
the neat, graceful Hilda held his
glance. She noticed 1t and flushed,
but his look was so pleasant she could
not feel offended.
HE is a Mr.. Harold Macy" a COM
paniOn told Hilda. II has come we'll
recommended to Mr.. Armitage, and is
going to be a kind of O%verSeer."
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
10 question her about her work and its
details. One evening he vas strOlling
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 vas pale and stern look
ing. He forced a smile as If asking a
welcome.
81 heard of your having quite a So
cia time during my absence" insinu-
ated the manager. "Hilda," and he
came a step nearer, and his eyes had
an eager, sinister glow, "the time has
come when circumstances force me to
reveal my feelings toward you. l
have spoken to your mother; I wish
you to become my wife,"
"Oh, Mr.. Armitage! !" breathed Hilda
TREMENDOUSLY. "You must nOt-that is,
l cannOt-cannOt marry you"
Because, 1 suppose" sneered tile
manager with a dark scowl, you have
taken up with this new employee,
Macy?'
1t was coarsely said. Words and
n were offensive. Hilda bridled.
"Mr. Macy is a gentleman and
a dear friend Of mine," she said
staunchly, as though defending him
from dispersion.
"He shall not remain here long to
cross my path! !" cried Armitage saw
agely. Armitage sprang towards Hilda
and threw an arm around her.
"You shall become my wife," he
cried. Il an 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 d." spoke a calm, but
masterful voice, and Armitage was
hurled to the other end Of the room.
"You" painted the manager, recog-
nizing young Macy, his Eyes blazing
with fury. you are discharged from
my employ. Out of here al once, or l
will have you thrown out"
"Your EMPLOY" replied young
Macy. "My man, 1 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. I have t~elegraphed him, and
he will be here tomorrow. A dis
charged girl employee gave us a hint
of your double dealings in dividing
sales profits with our clients. came
here under an assumed nam 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, l must hope that you will allow
me one favor"
"What-what is itT" faltered Hilda,
red as a rose.
ITO ask your parents if we may be-
come engaged WAS the earnest reply.