Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1926-11-06
ionrs willingly.

the younger sister stole upstairs.
prey to perplexity and foreboding.
what she had seen was beyond all
| belief. 1t was such an inexplicable
| thing that she did not even dare 10
share the secret with Billy. far less
| to mention the discovery to Con.
stance. But It kept Alice awake for
at least an hour after she went to
bed. y
Billy did not become aware of any
| unusual development until the day
| Ioiiowing. 1t was the middle OF the
forenoon when he b1undered into the
| horary. intending to make q final
pea Tor gasoline money. Constance
was sitting at the desk, and the eff.
cheney man was pacing the door.
| talking.
Billy halted and opened his mouth
involuntcr:ly.
And make n note OF this" TT
Hedge was saying. ITO notify tha
servants that hereafter all orders
for supplies. in excess of one doIior
must be certified at the office before
being delivered to tradesmen.''
Constance nodded as she put It
ANYTHING can do for youe"
asked Hedge. as he observed Billy.
"I-hum."
"I didn't understand. Repeat.
please"
Billy couGhed and stared at his
sister. who glanced up. evidently an.
noyed at the Interruption.
"Wha--what are you doing, Con.
nie7" he biurted.
Working" she answered shortly.
what are you doing?"
The question was disconcertinp
ana Billy tnstinctively quailed under
"Working7" he repeated DULY.
"W-o-r.ki-ng," spelled Constance
colby. What was the last, Mr..
Hedsc2"
She smiled up at the efficiency man
and poised a ready pencil.
Just moment, Miss Brooke" he
answered. Then, turning to Billy:
Your sister has taken up her secre.
tarial work in most admirable,
spirit. May I ask when you will as.
sumo your clerkship?"
The question was brutal. not ne.
cause 1t involved work. but for the
reason that it suggested comparison.
a secretary may be very important
person. Presidents Of the United
states have secretaries, who ara
commonly more important than
cabinet officers. II they were not,
they would be abolished. A clerk
may also be important, but the title
lacks something. There is nothing
robust or dignif.ed about It. "Secre.
tary Jones" Is a parsonage, even il
he In as colorless and insipid as
warm water. "Clerk Smith" is no.
body, even II he is large, beefy, and
oelifgerent, with On intellect of suit.
able proportions.
Silly Brooke WINGED at the clerk.
ship. oeat he did not address himself
to the efficiency man.
You mean to tell mo. Connie, that
you are worldngf'
Certainly" ,..-..:.
"You've-quit7-. sftS
mo: begun" !s,se;f,
"But--S;onnier' =
Billy found no consolation in the
eyes OF his sister. They were cold
and steady. It was obvious that she
was annoyed at the interruption.
we are still on orders for sup,
there something moro under that
head?"
Billy faced about and hurried from
the room. Ho paused In the hall and
drew deep breath. The Brooke
family was disEracedi .
II cdd not add to the peace OF
bhly's mind to discover what he
suspected that. by working, Con.
stance had regained her daily allow.
snoe. His own was suspended, pend.
Ing that time when he should decide
- assume his clerical duties. Thus .
the two Brooke sisters were again In d;
funds. even though OF limited sise, i
'Sh'is their brother remained penni.,
lese. !
Billy and Alice heeitated to speak
what ives In the mind Of each, but
oas day the facility maintained vail
Ct reservs broke down. and thay an.
burdened theis thoughts In O fas eos.i I
Les OF the gymnasium.
S.aaAsaA NJ
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