The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-07-20
A Stenoerapher's
Romance
BY JANE PHELPS
BLACK DAYS.


Nellie grew pale and pinched look
ing. but she never wavered in her be-
lief that soon she would find an office
position. In one office she might have
been taken on had they not given her
a sheet of paper and told her to type
from dictation. When she turned in
the sheet, well typed, but horribly mis-
spelled, she was summarily told she'd
better go to school and learn to spell.
With so many needing help 1 sure
viii fit in somewheres," she kept tell
ing herself.
Her money melted altho she denied
herself sufficient food, and often felt
faint and dizzy. She had to have
earfare, and Mrs. Dooley had to have
her rent But she could not pay an
other Week-she had but 81 left in her
purse. 1t was four days before her
week was up. If she didn't find a
place in that time. why-she shud-
dered little, but set her lips tightly
together. She would not go back to
Hudson Corners. even if she had had
money to get there, but she would find
work.
But when Friday came and she had
no success, then the half day in which
offices were open on Saturday, she
threw herself on the bed in a very
agony of despair.
I'm good, and I need work. Please
God, let me find something to do" she
prayed, but without hope. Sc often in
the last weeks she had said the same
prayer.
She would find Cora Baker!
Saturday afternoon Nellie spent in
brushing and sponging the blue
tailored suit that, old in the first
place, was beginning to look shiny and
worn, and in washing and pressing her
one set of collar and cuffs, and black
ening her shoes that were beginning to
look so shabby from much tramping.
She would tell Cora just how hard
she had tried. Perhaps she would
know of some place they needed
girl who would work for small pay
until she learned to SPELL. t,s
Fortunately she found Cora at home
in the boarding house where she lived.
1t was a grade better house than Mrs
Dooley's, a bit better furnished, in a
better locality. It was filled mostly,
Cora told Nellie, with working girls
like herself, many office girls, the rest
clerks and models.
"oh, how nice!" Nellie said, You
can talk your work over together.
There isn't anyone at Mrs Dooleys !
could talk to even if got a job. which
guess I won't"
Cora urged her confidence. then
tried to encourage her as best she
could, yet fearful Nellie's limited edu--
cation would prev ent her securing an
office position-and SO she told her
frankly.
You see you can't spell correctly,
Nellie, which is as important as typ
ing quickly. Speed doesn't count If
the work isn't well done"
I'm so discouraged, Cora! didn't
have no right to come to you with my
troubles. I wasn't coming till 1 came
in my own auto with two men on the
box, but I thought I wouldn't wait till
then-you'd be too old to know me"
she tried to smile.
Now take your hat off and stay to
lunch with me. Perhaps I can think
of something while cook it.
do you cook in your room. too?"
''Sh-@not SO loud. Yes. most of US
girls have to. I earn good wages but
1 send mother part, and it costs a lot
to keep looking neat and tidy. One
has to in an office
'eUm-let me help" Nellie rose to
cross the room, when suddenly every
thing went black, and she fell forward
on the floor.
Quickly Cora lifted her on the bed.
and sprinkled her face with water
from the pitcher. 1t was a simple
faint, and Nellie soon opened her eyes
and smiled wan1y up at Cora.
Don't be frightened. I'll be all
right as soon as I-get that lunch,
she whispered.
You mean you are-hungrye You
tainted because of that? Oh, you
poor brave little thing! Here" she
held a glass of milk to Nellie's lips,
something hot
MY stomach's having a. surprise
party" Nellie said as she fell back on
the couch after finishing the milk.
Cora had forbidden her to stir until
lunch was ready
(Tomorrow-The promise of brighter
days.)