The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-08-16
A Stenographer's
Romance
BY JANE PHELPS
NELLIE IN HER NEW POSITION.
Chanfer 81

NELLIE IN HER NEW POSITION.
Chapter 81.
Monday morning Nellie was up
early, making herself nice enough for
her new Job, so she told the girls.
Yet she insisted upon getting break
fast as usual, and in clearing away.
IF it turns out to be hard JOB,
and I get good pay, well take turns,
each take a week at it, she answered
their objections And if 1 am too
tired, or they pay me SO much don't
know what to do with it, I'll hire a
girl when it comes my week"
That's a good idea, Nellie-not
your hiring a girl-but for each of us
to take our turn doing the house
work." Cora said. "I wonder none of
us thought of it before
You and were too comfortable
letting Nellie do it," Gladys declared.
why work when we didn't have top
Before Nellie came into their lives
both Gladys and Cora had been far too
serious for their ages, took themselves
too seriously. The gay little Nellie,
who always had a joke and a smile. no
matter how dark things looked, had
been good for both of them. They
realized this and often said they owed
her far more than she did them.
You look very nice this morning,
Nellie" Cora said as the three girls
started out together. They could do
this now as they left the subway at
the same station, were expected at
their respective offices at about the
Same time.
I'll have to do. I've got on all
own" Nellie said patting her white
cuff. Her gloves and shoes were
mended, but the one was clean, the
other polished until.the patch scarcely
showed.
IF you suit them you'll soon, be
able to buy yourself all you need"
Gladys consoled. She had seen the rue.
full glance Nellie cast at her feet.
You girls will have to spend your
Saturday afternoons shopping with me
when get enough ahead to buy any
thingI"
Wen be only too glad to! You
aren't the only one who loves pretty
things" Gladys replied.
wish me luck, girls Nellie said
when she left them. My knees are
knocking together already. And I've
got queer, little tingly' things playing
tag up and down my spine She
looked flushed, excited.
Don't let them see you are nervous
Cora advised. Walk slowly, you've
plenty of time, and quiet yourself be-
fore you get there" 1k
''Tll came up to the scratch all right
when the time comes! always used
20 get this way when was sneaking
away from Miss Carter, but once 1
got where 1 was going, l never
thought of being afraid-of her or
anybody"
1t was a very composed Nellie who
answered the few questions put her
by the old gentleman into whose lpri-
vate office she was taken.
You look very young, but I have
every faith in Miss Mcbride, in her
judgment, and she says your reference
was all that could be desired" He
had hidden her to be seated. had
smiled kindly as he talked. Yet was
very businesslike.
II shall do my very best" Nellie
answered, land I can't help being
young"
A quick smile lit his eyes. as he
''No-and thank God for your
youth, your health" Then: Please
get ready to take dictation. This is
a very busy place. We haven't much
time to get acquainted, save thru our
He kept Nellie busy until lunch
time. AS dismissed her he said:
Because you are so young I am
going to give you a bit of advice. Eat
a good, warm luncheon. No one can
work properly if not properly fed. Cut
out the fancy things, especially in hot
weather, but eat plenty of plain food"
Yes, sir. That's what Cora tells
me. We all eat hot lunches, and then
have a cold dinner
who is Cora?' Smilingly the man
arose.
1.-The girl I live with. She's older
than am, and so good
II see you did not need my advice,
but remember it just the same. You
have an hour"
Nellie felt as If she were walking
on air. He had not praised her work;
but he had found no fault. And she
thought she noticed a pleased look on
his face when she laid her pile of
neatly written letters on his desk.
She was to meet Cora at luncheon.
They would often be able to see each
other at the noon hour. She almost
ran to the little restaurant, so anxious
was she to tell of her new place-her
employer.
CTomorrow-Nellie is enthusiastic