The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1923-01-03
"Take a Letter,
Please"
ry n. RAY BAKER


'inasmuch as the death of your EN-
fIn3c Mr.. Walnsmith, must auto
n'iicaily deprive you Of your posi-
t!oli as his private secretary, l an
wondering whether you would consider
II similar engagement with me? | am
sure there would be no difficulty about
the terms; and In case you feel favor
ally inclined you might call at my
home. 1873 Springside, on Monday eve
Ming Very truly yours.
"ERNEST HUNTER"
Elizabeth read the message for the
sc, onh time, and then looked about
her neat Office In the Wainsmith home
and sighed. 1t panied her to leave
this place, where she had seen pleas
AMI service for two years, but leave 1t
she must, inasmuch as her employer
had passed on.
Good old Mr.. WainsmithI How
kindly he had treated her, how consld-
crate he had been, how tolerant OF
her faults And what relief II had
been to serve some one who did not
try making love to her! Three times
before accepting the position with Mr..
Walnsmith she had been obliged to
resign because of the Objectionable at
tentions paid by her employers. In
deed, she had begun, to wish she was
less attractive, for 1t was proving
handicap to her business career. Bat
Mr.. Wansmlth had proved to be the
soul OF propriety, and If he exhibited
any affection 1t was paternal.
When this letter came she had been
Looking forward with dread to n reped-
tion of the dlstasteful ordeals with
sentimental business men. The eplstle
afforded considerable relief, for 1t wars
unlikely that Ernest Hunter, the cele-
hrnted writer, would stoop to such
practices. She decided TO accept the
offer provided terms were satisfac-
tory, and there seemed little reason for
doubt on that score.
This was Saturday, and on Monday
evening she presented herself at 1873
Springside. to be admitted by moth
erly-loolSing woman.
81 am Mrs Clayton. Mr.. Hunters
said the latter, "and l
presume you are Miss Lockwood. I'm
fortunately, Mr.. Hunter has been
called away Unexpectedly. but he gave
me full authority to engage you, pro-
vlded you wish the position. The
duties will consist of receiving and an
swer'II mail and of manuscript re-
vision, In which you Will have the as
sistance Of stenographer. An APP |
pllcant for the stenographic position
Is coming tomorrow evening, but the
matter of rejecting or employing this |
applicant will be left entirely in your
hands,"
The remuneration proposed by Mrs !
Clayton was beyond anything Eliza
leth had dared hope, and she accept
ID the offer without further discus
zion.
"You will make your home here"
,ald the housekeeper. "Y0ur room
ms been prepared In anticipation of
favorable decision on your part.
IRE there any questions you would {.
ike to ask?"
"Only one" Elizabeth replied, land
hat Is: How did Mr.. Hunter hear Of
ne, and why did he offer me the posi-
ion?
The housekeeper smiled in her moth
rly way.
'"He was well acquainted with Mr..
They chhtted frequently
/ TIE club, and your employer was
ontnrsIly singing your praises. Mr..
Irnter's secretary left about the time
II. Wainsmith died. so naturally you
anne to his mind"
Elizabeth lay In bed for some time
hat night specializing in regard to her
ew work. 1t would be so different
rom attending to stoch matters. TO
.hich she had been accustomed in Mr..
service. However. she
Ell she would like her new duties.
he wondered what Mr.. Hunter would
,ok like. for she could not recall ever
peing a picture of him. although she
ad read one Of his books II he was
friend of her deceased employer
robably he would be an old man. and
he h0ped he would be as genial as
.r. Wninsinth and that If he was
Il would be in q fatherly
ny.
She spent the next day tidying UP
he workroom. for Mr.. Hunter had
nt yet returned and there was moth
~ for her to do. In the evening the
pplicant for the stenographlc posi-
ON appeared. and proved to be a
oung man of about her own aga
FRY blond young man with nice Elue
yes and well dressed
Elizabeth had hoped to hire a girl :
enngiapher. but this applicant was
, pleasing in appearance that she de-
died. to give him trial.
Take letter. please" she said,
nd she directed briefly. He was
nick and accurate. so he was given
le position
The next day a letter came from
Ir. Hunter. announcing his inability
return home for several days but
explicit instruction In re-
ard to certain manuscript. Elizabeth
nd his assistant set to work and ac-
emphasized great deal before night
~ The program laid out was ex-
.nsiye Involving at least weeks