The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-03-26
TODAY'S SHORT STORY
The Lesson

defiantly through the aisles between the machines to the managers room. He turned from his desk as she en- tered He was a middle-aged man with a solid -jawed, yet kindly face. II am not going to reprimand you, Rose" he said. Your own conscience will do that" He held slip of paper toward her. Take this to the cashier and get your time." Rose crushed the paper in her hand. She had just sense enough not to fling it down, however, and to leave the office without a word. Ten minutes later she was on her way home. Home was a room up two | flights of stairs in the old Wesley house, which had formerly been a ho- tel and was now a shelter for work ing women. She entered this room and flung the door shut behind her. The rooms greeting for her was the same that it always was-care- lessness and disorder. The remains of her breakfast filtered small table, her bed was unmade, her clothing strewn about, the curtains awry. She tore off her furs, coat and hat, drop ping them upon the floor, and sat down heavily.
 All sorts of thoughts came to her. She was out of work and she did not know where to look for more. A girl who had been discharged by her em- ployer for impertinence and poor work could not hope to be quickly wanted elsewhere. She had no friends to turn to. Worst of all, she owed for her room, for food at the corner grocery, besides installments on one of two articles of clothing. Between her and certain embarrassment, if not want, was the three days pay which the cashier had given her.
 Suddenly she crumpled up into a despairing heap and began to weep. burning, copious tears, such as she had never shed before in her life. She wept until there crept over her the queer consciousness that she was no longer alone in the room. Lifting her head slowly, she saw that Jenny Forbes had entered and was standing just within the door, her hand on the knob.
 Rose stared at her visitor through her tears. Jenny looked as fresh, so dainty, so ladylike-yes, that was the expression, ladylike. Her dark coat and hat and low-heeled shoes were very simple, but becoming. and somehow, graceful. And Jenny, though pale, had a look of quiet reserve force in her appearance.
 Don't cry anymore, Rose" she said. i've come to talk to you"
 II don't want you to talk to me-" Rose answered, mare sullen than an gry now.
 "I'm sorry for what happened" |" l An av11 tAE be righted."
 "Righted! Howl" Rose blazed out 'They wouldn't take me back if I'd go. And I'd starve before I'd go.'
 That's foolish talk" Jenny came and, kneeling down, laid her hands on Roses knees. Listen to me, Rose I, too, was called to the office this morning"
 Hal" Rose started to laugh. Then it came to her that Jenny didn't de serve what she herself got. No, in deed. she didn't.
 Il hadn't any idea what they want ed of me- Jenny went on. VI was perfectly amazed when they told me It seems that Miss Archer isn't in very good health. They wouldn't lei her go, and so they gave her an as siStant-"
 "You?"
 "Yes, was thankful enough foI the machine work was getting pretty hard for me-"
 You're lucky" said Rose bitterly and yet somehow she knew that Jenny was not lucky.
 i've worked there five years" Jen. ny replied.
 'I guess you got what was coming