The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-14

"Oh-er-that's different said the su- perntendent in an odd, uncomfortable tone, with the hint of buster still in it. Win fancied she heard him add: What salary. Tn any case the girl mentioned the sum of eight dollars, and at the same tune scrlo- bled something on printed paper form pushed over the counter.
 "Bet that ain't your line, kido" there came murmur round the corner of VelVet bok on Wins hat. So faint was the mur- m,,r that she might almost have dreamed it: but, if uttered, 1t must have dropped from heaven or the lion tanners lips. ,,,,
 Win was burning with curiosity. what two or three talismanic words could the red haired girl have Whispered so quietly, so secretiyely, to fix in second the superin- tendent's decision?
 Before Win realized what was happening she stood before the big, lighted window, longing though not daring to rest her trembling elbows on the counter.
 What references?" the superintendent incurred, with the mechanical intonation of one who has put, the same queStloh lhou- sands of times. .,,
 "I-haven't any," stammered Win. I'm lately over from Eng1and--.-
 "You don't have to mention that broke in the superintendent. "! know London Have you worked in any of the big depart. ment stores there-Harrods or Selfridge,s?"
 "No, none. I was a model for Nandlne~ I'm quick at doing figures
 "We're not wanting models at present. But if you've had any experience as sales, s,, lady-you look all right~-well see here, I'll try and give you a chance. It's up to you to make good though. What money do you want? Write it down"
 He indicated one of those forms which Win had seen. She hesitated, then felt that the blue eyes were watching her keenly. Hesitation was not the way to succeed m this home of hustle. She remembered that the red-headed girl had said something about eight dollars. "Pu say seven," Win told herself, and wrote accordingly on the paper.
 :'We can't pay seven dollars per week to a girl without experience" pronounced the superintendent promptly. If you want to take six, I'll give you test of character
 "Ill take sIx," Win said.
 Still the superintendent was observing her as if to see whether sine was warranted sound and kind. 'Im going to pu: you into a bargain square," said he thoughtfully. DO you know what that means?"
 q can guess" said she, .,,
 cone of our two-hour bargain sales will tell better than anything else whether you Vc got stuff in you," he went on. "See here, what about your dress? Are you wearing black under that jacket?"
 "No," she answered quickly. q thought it would be better to buy something here when knew just what was wanted can find dress which will fit, 1 know. l al ways can, and can be in 1t fifteen minutes from now" .
 "Well," the superintendent said with half grudging approval that lit faint twinkle in his eyes, "you're no slow coach for an Englishwoman. You may do We sell 10 per cent off to our employees. Heres the key to your locker. Here's your check book. When you've got your dress, ask for the school room. Take fifteen minutes les son on the blackboard for making out your checks, and the rests up to you.
 Looking almost preternaturaily intelligent and pleased with life, Win accepted the key and check book, and learned with shock that, as one of Peters hands, she was No. 2884.
 The sardine's ears must have been sharp for although the lion tanner was between her and Win (like thick chunk of ham in a thin sandwich she had heard something of the conversation at the superlntendent's window.
 "Try the basement bargain counters for your dress; you'll get it cheaper" she flung after the tall effect in a shrill whisper as the newly engaged hand flashed by.
 There wasn't a second, or even half second to lose, yet Win slackened her pace to say Thank you. l hope we shall meet again"
 In less than five minutes Winifred had secured a costume with the right measure ments, and for the portions of which it con- sisted had paid exactly one weeks salary. With the unwrapped parcel rolled under one