The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-08-14
A Stenographer's
Romance
BY JANE PHELPS
MISS MCBRIDE PLACES NELLIE.
Chapter rs

Chapter 25
Altho 1t was Saturday Nellie in
sisted upon going to see Miss Mcbride
about a position.
Il don't want to lose any time, if I
did hold up that old crook for my
who wanted her to rest until Monday
This was your first position ?" Miss
Mcbride asked. already most kindly
disposed toward Nellie because of
what Gladys Doran had told her-the
more SO after seeing the girl in person.
Yes, my first office position" Nellie
answered. a roguish twinkle in her
eyes.
What did you do before that?"
''Slung hash for Miss Carter at Hud-
son Corners, and learned to typewrite
between times"
We'll, don't think Miss Carter's
reference would help YOU" Miss Nc
Bride replied with a laugh. But this
reference is very atisfactory-very.'
Nellie wondered what she would say
II she knew she had written it herself.
then compelled Mr.. Robinson to sign
it. She was tempted to tell her. just to
see how it would look, but restrained
herself.
It's true, every word of it," she said
to herself as Miss Mcbride bent over
her books Il didn't say a word that
wasn't true. The old skinflint didn't
pay me erough-not for what I could
do. And 1 did everything he gave me
all right
Miss Mcbride interrupted her mus
ings:
IT have a position for a girl Won
der If you could fill it? 1 have sup
piled this firm for years. They are
very particular. The place isn't par
ticularly easy but they are very kind,
very fair. But it isn't just an ordinary
Sfannerr-a nhaT thew Mt Pjrl must
really serve as more of a secretary to
the elder Mr.. Fallon. and must. have
initiative as we'll as knowing the regu-
lar routine-being able to do that
we'll"
I'm not looking for an easy job"
Nellie thought of her work at Mr.. Rob
inson's. These easy jobs don't pay.
They think if they let you go early and
come late you should work for less.
when the extra time ain't-isn't much
good to you
yes, 1 know!" The agent knit her
brows. Fallon & Son were one of her
best customers. They kept several
girls busy, were most particular, and
she had a great pride in serving them
This pretty young thing looking so
wistfully at her was not at all the type
she had in her mind for the place; but
no one had as yet applied that she
though would do at all, and Nellie's
reference was certainly all one could
ask for. Then Gladys Doran had told
her she was quick and clever. TN
let you try" she finally said, ''unless
when they see you, they think you are
too young
''Oh, I'll try so hard!'' Nellie ex-
claimed.
They pay well" Miss Mcbride
will give you to start, but if you fill
the place it will mean SIS or $50, with
a chance for more"
Nellie gasped! AS much as Cora
was getting. oh, how she would work.
You must dress neatly, but in that
office the girls do not wear peek-a-
boo waists, nor bright colors. What
you have on is very suita ble-a dark
dress with dainty collars and, cuffs,
shoes cared for, a generally neat APP
pearance. Don't look so conscious. /
always advise my girls about their
dress You may not realize it, but it
often helps girl to get on. Take two
girls in an office who are equally
smart and who do their work we'll.
have noticed it is the more quietly
dressed. the dainty girl, who is pre-
ferred.'
That's just the way Cora talks"
Miss Cora is a very unusual girl,
has splendid principles. You are very
fortunate to be with her and Gladys.
How does Cora like her position %
Very much. She was saying only
the other night how grateful she was
to you"
well. so you want to try this place
I told you Off"
Indeed, I do!'
Take this card to them at 9 o'clock
Monday morning. Their address is on
the other side. If you cannot do their
work, or you find it too hard, come
back. I'll find something for you"
Thank you, but 1 shan't come
backi" Nellie said with decision. She
didn't hear Miss Mcbride say as she
hurried out:
81 don't believe she will. But
she's too pretty, altogether too pretty
She'll be safe there-but-" Miss Nc
Bride bent over her desk frowning.
Too well she knew the pitfalls in New
York ready to swallow young and
pretty girls like Nellie Riley.
(Tomorrow-Nellie reports her sue
ceSs.)
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