The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1922-12-30
inkwell had been freshly cleaned and

refilled.
What dictation Joan took that dav
was very slowly given by Kenneth. Jr..
so her skill as a stenographer was not
put to the test. That evening, when
Kenneth, ST., dropped into his sons
office before going home for the day.
Joan had question for him.
IF you don't mind, l am going IN
get hold Of the man who cleans here
I'd like to be here In the morning to
see that he cleans under the desks.
The dust is thick in one Of the book.
cases. and, by the way, some OF your
law books need reminding. May send
them to the bindery"
Mr.. Kenneth, ST., gave his consent
without paying any apparent heed to
what Joan said.
The next day a sudden turn of busi-
ness kept both Mr.. Kenneths in the
Office until long past luncheon time.
Then there was hurried dispatch OF
an office boy to the nearest cafe for
sandwiches. "Pd like some tea" said
Kenneth, ST.. pettishly, "only it's al
ways cold by the time 1t gets here"
Joan heard and presently another
office boy was dispatched to the near
est drug store and provision store. BY
the time the sandwiches and pie had
come In from the cafe. Joan had a
newly purchased tea-kettIe humming
over an alcohol fame. She had Dor
rowed cups and saucers and spoons
from two Of the girls who sometimes
ate in, and she was ready to pass a
cup Of steaming tea to each of her
employers
"Well, I'm blessed" said Kenneth,
ST., and Joan beat a hasty retreat to
her private office.
That afternoon between rush Of bust.
ness father and son had q brief con-
ference regarding Joan. The next morn
Ing the younger Kenneth said he had
something to say to Joan.
you know my father has original
IDEAS" he began. II dare say It's his
original ideas that have made this the
largest brokerage house in town. He's
a great judge Of character. He's been
sizing you up, and he's been sizing up
the situation here in the office. He's
come to the conclusion that, though
you doubtless are fine stenographer
your real talent is Of a-what you
might call domestic nature. His the
DRY Of success in business Is to set
every one to work at the thing he or
she Is best suited to. He has come
to the conclusion that what this office
needs most is housewife-a sort Of
expert along that line, If you under
stand. The place has never been
properly cleaned. You'd have charge
Of that, with bunch Of cleaners to do
as you told them to. Then father has
been thinking Of starting recreation
room and lunchroom for our workers.
Busy days we always have to send out
for meals, and that Is never satisfac-
tory. The reason l am talking to you
about this Is because such a position
would be worth nearly twice as much
as the one you now hold Good secre-
taries are not difficult to find. Father
seems to think that he'd never be able
to find any one so we'll suited as you
for this new position he has in mind"
Joan listened with color rising. She
sighed and looked down when he fin
ished. II suppose" she said. Il ought
not to object. In fact, such Job
really appeals to me. I've often won
dered why every big business didn't
have some one like that to look after
things. But-but-you see, I've al
ways been called Domestic Joan'!
That's why I went to work. 20 could
prove to my sisters that I was fitted
for something else"
Kenneth Jones, Jr., suddenly felt
his level Medicines vanishing. All
he knew was that he saw before him
the girl who. for the last few days,
had been exerting an unbelievable
fascination over him. And now she
seemed to be distressed. Kenneth
stepped toward her; before he knew 1t
he had laid two hands on her two
shoulders.
Then the father entered the room
and the routine of the day began.
Kenneth Jr. proceeded with his talk
that evening as he went home with
Joan. And that evening when his
father asked him for the result Of the
interview he said. "I'm sorry to have
butted- In, dad. but asked Joan to
marry me and she accepted"
The elder Kenneth responded by
slapping the son violently on the back
"Bully for you," he said.