The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1921-09-29
Hilda Becomes
Engaged
By WILLIAM FALL.

business. aud many girl would con
slider herself lucky t. receive the at.
tentions he has shown you.
Mother his attentions are more
Than distastcful "a me. cannot bear
to even have him speak 20 me.
There are q good many reasons
why you should encourage him" de-
clapd Hlda Masons s,epmother.
The glrl Put on her wraps aud left
her humble home for her daily work.
The worldly advice ~ her stcrmcth.
81 had made little imprcssicN upon
illlda. James Armitage was Iructi-
,ally her employer lie was IN full
charge Of the sir factory 81 Meserve
a co. one 81 several operated ty that
wealthy firm.
Armtage Lad come to "a" plant
about "a year previous. From the trst
HlIda had felt repeiled by him.
Armituge tad seemed 10 take a
fancy To- illlda, ~ the thoughtless Mrs.
Mason put IL In her shallow way
when on two occasions recently be
had asked permission To- take Hilda To
places 90 entertainment. she had hot
enjoyed hls company. and was clad to
rot home again.
Hllda evaded Armltage. and twice
when be called managed 20 et cut
81 the way Hence her stcTmoihers
advice.
A new interest came into the lie
~ a TO- AL
through the sample department accom-
pHrs.d by hright-'aced athletic young
nan. IN, latter seemed Interested ~
everything he saw Something about
The neat graceful ililda held his
glance. She noticed II and flushed
tu; hls look Wa - pleasant she could
hot feel oreude'
lie j. Mr. E-...I Macy" com
rauion todd Hiida lie has come well
recommended 70 Mr. Armitage and l.
going a. he a Kind - ovcrseer'
Arm,tage was absent for several
days INSPECTING another MILL 10 was
happy week Tor Ili.dn. The new en-
plcyee passed through her department
frequently. Fr,sl tie first he had
pleasant word for her. Then he began
20 question her about her work and IT,
details. one evening he was strolllng
past her home when be- met her. There
wus hand concert going On In The
public square. IN" young man asked
for her company there. Both enjoyed
the concert.
ii A.. 49,. tftrg. . ,.,.,, f.s
ture when she got home. Spelling her
chances. "out II respect for Mr.. Arm
liage" were some az the pointed
phrases she used
A few evenings later young Macy
called az the Mason home. But for the
glum looks Of Mr. Mason. Il was q
second happy cccasiou for Hilda.
Armitage. returned. came into the
room where she snt ~ work next
morning. lie was pale and stern look
lfg. lie forced a smile as II asking n
welcome. LAB -ss-
II heard ~ your having quite so
cial time during my absence lnsinu-
nied the manager. "lillda.' and he
came step nearer and his eyes had
an eager. sinister glow. "the time has
come when circumstances force ne To
reveal my feelings toward you. !
have spoken 10 your mother; ! wish
you 20 become my wife"
ooh. Mr.. Armliage ." breathed Eilhn
TREMENDOUSLY. you must not-that j.,
I cannot--Cannot marry you"
Because. suppose" sneered tie
nsnager with dark scowl, you have
taken Up with this new cmpl"ye"
Macyi
II was coarsely said. Words and
manner were offensive. Hllda bride!
Mr. Macy il gentleman and
dear friend Of mine" she said
siauuchly. as though defending bin
from aspersion.
He shall not remain here long 70
cross my path" cried ArmItage saw
agely Armitage sprang towards Hilda
aud threw an arm around her.
You shall become my wife" he
cried. Il am not used 10 being crossed
in my plans" In excess ~ emotion
the manager attempted 10 Kiss Hllda.
with scream she heat his face with
both her hands
THAT will do" spoke o calm, hut
nAsteTful voice, and Armitage was
hurled 20 the other end II the room.
"You" painted the manager recog'
MIXING young Macy. his eyes blazing
with fury. "You are discharged from
my employ. out "a here az once, or ]
viii have you thrown out
Your employf' replied young
Macy NV man. | advise you 20 get
90 the office and be ready Tor an &C.
counting. which will be demanded Of
you by my father the owner 81 this
business. have telegraphsd him, and
be viii be here tomorrow. A d.
charged grl employee gave ~ hint
OF your double dealings Ia dividing
sales profits with our clients. came
here under an assumed name to get
the details My correct name i Vie
tor Meserye.'
ArmltaEe skunk from the room
With n slight twinkle IN his eye, young
Messrye turned 10 the astonished
Hllda.
,sMtss Mason-uIlda " lie snId tstudu.